The Canoe Valley Community Association has received almost $60,000 from Columbia Basin Trust’s new Social Grants Program for Kinnickinnickers Family Centre.
The Family Centre, which is a partnership between the Canoe Valley Community Association, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and Success by 6, had previously secured enough funding to run the centre for about 9-10 months. This grant will allow them to run their entire pilot program for two years.
“This centre provides a fun, free and safe location for parents and children to play, learn and share,” said Charlotte Abernathy, President, Canoe Valley Community Association. “The clothing exchange fills an essential need, and offering families a great opportunity to recycle. Book and toy exchanges are favourites with the kids. Family programs, events and workshops, both general interest and Aboriginal, will be offered by the community association, the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, Child Care Resource and Referral and local volunteers.”
The Social Grants Program is a three-year pilot with an annual granting budget of $1 million. The Canoe Valley Community Association is one of sixteen projects that received a total of $500,000.
“These projects tackle diverse social issues and will affect people of many ages across the region,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “They will complement and strengthen the social supports already in place within our communities.”
Granting decisions are made by the Social Grants Program Selection Committee, a volunteer group of Basin residents that includes individuals who have experience and expertise in the social sector and individuals who have broader community development experience.
By: Korie Marshall
