Community Futures Sunshine Coast, in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, has created an endowment to honour long-time community and business leader Barrie Wilbee.
Funds accrued within the endowment will be awarded annually to Sunshine Coast residents who require funding to further their education and knowledge in community economic development, entrepreneurship and business skills.
The Barrie Wilbee Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs was seeded through a contribution from Community Futures Sunshine Coast, and matched by the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation. The endowment is set up to receive additional donations.
Wilbee has been with Community Futures Sunshine Coast as a volunteer since the organization started here in 1987 and served as board chair for four years. He is currently co-chair of the Investments and Loans Committee. He has been on the board of the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation since 2008, and is a strong believer in the benefits of organizations building sustainable long-term funding through the foundation model. Over the past 35 years, Wilbee has also held volunteer leadership roles with the Sunshine Coast Economic Development Commission, Sunshine Coast Employment Development Society, and the Area A Advisory Planning Committee. Barrie and his wife Beverly are long-time residents of Pender Harbour.
“Barrie is a tireless advocate for economic development, and generously shares his time, expertise and wisdom with individuals and organizations committed to ensuring a healthy and sustainable Sunshine Coast, said Janice Iverson, executive director of Community Futures Sunshine Coast. “He is a master collaborator and community connector. We are proud to partner with Barrie and his family in identifying and selecting bursary recipients through this endowment for many years to come.”
“With its close proximity to the Lower Mainland, the Coast is an attractive location for entrepreneurs including artisans, social enterprise and small business,” Shelley McDade, chair of the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, said. “Over the years, Barrie’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for this demographic has contributed to the economic health of our community. The Barrie Wilbee Bursary for Sunshine Coast Entrepreneurs endowment is important because it provides a way for anyone in the community to support the success of local entrepreneurs here on the Sunshine Coast.”
