There are several different ways to measure the success of a human community. You can measure its economy, its overall education, its health — even its age. But perhaps the best way to judge it is to determine the strength of its non-profit sector.
That is best exemplified by the way our people come together in the community’s multiplicity of organizations that provide programs focusing on everything from food for the needy to environmental awareness.
That we can find others to work with is admirable and it is paying off for Revelstoke in amazing ways.
In the 15 years it has been in existence, the Revelstoke Community Foundation has proven to be the keystone of the local non-profit scene.
The Revelstoke Community Foundation celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Originally created as a legacy project for the City of Revelstoke’s centennial in 1999, the Foundation’s endowment is drawing closer to the significant milestone of $2 million. This has been made possible by the generosity and trust of individuals, families and local businesses.
The Foundation supports community organizations in many different areas and it is this flexibility that differentiates it from other non-profits and charitable organizations. In the spring of 2014 grants totaling $33,550 were provided to:
- Community Connections Food Bank
- Community Connections family programs
- Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
- Revelstoke Multicultural Society
- Revelstoke Hospice
- Revelstoke Childcare Society
- Revelstoke City Museum
- Revelstoke Railway Museum
- Revelstoke Bear Aware
- Revelstoke Arts Council
- North Columbia Environmental Society
- United Church
- Revelstoke Women’s Shelter Society
- Royal Canadian Legion
- Revelstoke Homecoming 2014
- Revelstoke Theater Company
- City of Revelstoke Youth Action Committee
- Revelstoke & District Humane Society
In addition, the Foundation’s scholarship endowment fund provided $20,375 in scholarships and bursaries to graduating students from Revelstoke Secondary School in 2014.
Now the Foundation is encouraging Revelstokians to demonstrate their support for all of our local non-profits and charities by participating in Giving Tuesday.
Tuesday, December 2, has been designated Giving Tuesday across Canada and the Foundation is asking individuals, businesses and charities to give back and support the causes that they believe.
Join all Canadians to celebrate Giving Tuesday by helping your favorite charity. If you cannot afford to donate financially then perhaps think about volunteering. There are so many programs that desperately need volunteers or your expertise. Your donation will make a huge impact and you will feel wonderful doing it. So think about giving back on Tuesday, December 2.
Our community needs your support.