The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) has set a goal of raising $1.5 million in honour of its 25th anniversary.
“The Prince George community foundation was created 25 years ago by a group of community leaders who saw the potential to create a foundation that would provide lasting support for our community forever,” explained Mindy Stroet, PGCF Director of Development, during the campaign announcement today (Feb. 10).
“Through the creation of endowments where the principle donation is invested and the income is granted out annually this is possible.”
The campaign is intended to grow the PGCF’s endowment which will allow it to support even more initiatives in the community.
“Did you know that one in five children in our community live in poverty and more than a third of food bank users are children? Did you know that our aging population is on the rise and experiencing lower levels of activity and mental health which has been exasperated by COVID-19,” asked Stroet.
“These are just a few of the important areas that need our urgent attention and there are many others.”
Since 1995, the PGCF has provided over $3.3 million in grants back to local and regional organizations, based on the simple idea for a gift that keeps on giving.
The 25th anniversary initiative is designed with the same premise as when the organization was founded: the ambition to create a powerful legacy for the long-term vitality of the community.
Rio Tinto, which has been operating in the province for over 60 years at the BC Works location in Kitimat, kicked off the campaign with the lead gift of $150,000.
“Our contribution to the Prince George Community Foundation is an important investment in the long-term social benefit for the community and regions in which Rio Tinto operates, supporting the health and wellness of our people is a key factor for us,” said Affonso Bizon, general manager for Rio Tinto BC Works.
“Not only have community organizations large and small benefited from the Prince George foundation grant program but community foundations such as Kitimat, Terrace, Burns Lake and Vanderhoof can reach out to the Prince George Foundation for guidance, support and regional partnerships that benefit us all.”
The money raised will provide both a $1.25-million endowment campaign along with a $250,000 flow-through campaign.
PGCF says these funds will contribute to the organization's overall impact, the work done to support all types of charities in the community and provide some immediate support for communities in northern B.C.
However, PGCF says there is much work to be done as Prince George adjusts to changing demographics and the lasting impacts of COVID-19.
“We still need to support families, seniors, youth, and children. We still have work to do to support areas of health, sports and recreation, arts and culture, social services, education and the environment,” says Alain LeFebvre, PGCF Board of Directors President.
“A thriving, supportive and supported community is a place that people want to live and when we can contribute to making the community a better place to live, it enhances that community experience for everyone.”
Those interested in helping with the 25th Anniversary campaign can donate to the fund of their choice, including contributions to a family fund, funds benefitting a specific local charity, or to one of the Foundation’s seven general funds:
- Area of greatest need
- Arts and culture
- Social services
- Environment
- Health
- Education
- Sports and recreation
More information on donating can be found at the Prince George Community Foundation website.
