A $50,000 gift to Sunshine Coast Community Foundation has established a permanent Endowment for Vulnerable Communities on the Sunshine Coast. Robert and Ellen Smith recently sold their home in Halfmoon Bay and felt fortunate to have made a profit on the sale. After having read the Foundation’s Vital Focus on Vulnerability, the Smiths were inspired to create a fund that will have lasting benefits for their community.
“We knew we wanted to give something back,” Ellen explained. “We were really struck by the need for services for seniors, those experiencing violence, the homeless, the mentally ill, and other vulnerable populations. We wanted to make an investment to help support projects where the need is greatest.”
The Foundation will invest the Smiths’ donation and grant the annual earnings to Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, to support its programs that serve people with mental health issues and other vulnerabilities.
“To have consistent donations from this endowment will allow Community Services to address the needs of our community’s most vulnerable in a way that other funding sources may not allow,” said executive director Catherine Leach. “This funding will also permit our organization to plan for programs and projects that can have the largest impact on our community. It’s inspiring to see people on the Coast support our community in such an impactful way.”
Foundation chair Vicki Dobbyn said the Community Foundation is very grateful for the Smiths’ generosity and foresight. “They are setting a great example for others who are downsizing and may be able to create a lasting legacy that will help those less fortunate than they are, for years to come.”
Ellen Smith said the couple feels honoured to be able to share their good fortune with those who struggle with life challenges.
“We encourage others who may be in a similar situation to consider adding to this new endowment fund,” she added.
Sunshine Coast Community Services has operated since 1974. It supports over 5,000 community members through 35 programs in four main areas: Child Development and Youth Services; Community Action and Engagement; Child and Family Counselling; and Together Against Violence. Visit www.sccss.ca or call them at 604-885-5881 to learn how to access their services or get involved.
Sunshine Coast Community Foundation was established in 2003 to create a pool of invested capital that generates funding for community grants. The Foundation has granted more than $800,000 to charities that are solving challenges in the community. Donors may contribute to the Endowment for Vulnerable Communities or one of more than 50 other endowments, or start a new fund. The Foundation gratefully receives gifts of cash, securities, insurance policies, real estate, or bequests. Donations to the Foundation are eligible for a tax receipt for the full amount.
For more information, call executive director Wendy Francis at 604-741-7360 or visit www.sccfoundation.com
– Submitted by Wendy Francis
