A collaboration between the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation, the federal government, and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast has made possible grants to four local projects from the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th.
Foundation executive director Wendy Francis says, “We are very fortunate to combine our funds with this initiative to award larger grants for these valuable projects. We chose projects with significant volunteer commitment and strong community partnerships. We are pleased that the Foundation can make a substantial contribution to build on these efforts.”
The Rotary Foundation of Sechelt, in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Trails Society, will use its $13,000 grant to build a 3.5 km trail around Wormy Lake. Users will easily be able to access the trail from West Sechelt. Without steep elevations, it will be suitable for all levels of hiking, biking, and riding. The trail will offer interpretation about a unique West Coast bog environment and forest regrowth following the 2015 Old Sechelt Mine fire.
Children and volunteers will learn and grow together through the Davis Bay Elementary School Growing Green Project, which is receiving $13,000 for the installation of a 3,000 square foot donated greenhouse. It will include raised beds, benches, and worktables to enable innovative lessons in sustainability, food security, healthy living and nutrition, and the biological sciences.
The Sunshine Coast Pavilion is a project of the Gibsons Public Art Gallery, which will use its $2,500 grant to celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s place in Canadian culture. The Gallery will mount an exhibition reminiscent of the cultural pavilions of Expo ’86, with displays from community groups and local businesses.
This summer, a cross-Canada canoe journey celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday will launch its first leg from Egmont on June 14. The Gibsons Paddle Club received a $1,500 grant for the Sunshine Coast Canoe Journey’s welcoming ceremonies in Egmont, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, and Gibsons. The Journey will celebrate three heritages – First Nations, French, and English – united in paddling our oceans and rivers.
– Submitted
