Longtime Sunshine Coast resident Jean Clarke's donation to the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation (SCCF) is the seed for the first family-directed endowment of the foundation.
The Jean and Arthur Clarke Endowment Fund will have as its mandate to direct resources to causes Jean and her late husband would support. High on that list is anything to do with children. Jean has long shared her musical talents with young and old. She regularly attends the Gibsons Parent-Tot Drop-in program. Arthur liked games of any kind. He believed sports, with their clear rules that all are expected to follow, not only taught ethical behaviour but also fostered life-long friendships. He endorsed sports for everyone, regardless of their level of ability.
"I always seem to have more fun with money by giving it away than by spending it on myself," Jean said. "Arthur and I had a wonderful retirement up here for 23 years, and for about three decades before that we enjoyed coming up whenever we could. This community has given an awful lot to us."
Clarke adds that since her husband's passing the tot drop-in has been one of the highlights of her days.
An advisory board has been set up to select and approve projects the Fund will support. Well known local rugby coach, John Rainer will chair the board.
"John Rainer is just so terrific. I've known him since he was a kid and he reminds me so much of Arthur, the way he's always organizing a sports team or tournaments. And he's so generous with his time, making sure that the kids up here have something to play. It's just what Arthur always did," Jean enthuses.
The public is invited to a reception for Jean. Don Basham, chair of SCCF as well as MLA Nicholas Simons and other dignitaries will officially announce the creation of the Fund. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Georgia Mirage Clubhouse, 555 Eaglecrest Dr., Gibsons. The organizers ask that folks planning to attend RSVP to www.jeanandart.com or call 1-604-723-8856 to ensure sufficient refreshments for everyone.
Basham is grateful to the Clarke family for establishing the Fund. "We commend the Clarke family and value its friendship in creating our first family endowment. We hope other families will do the same so that the quality of life for Sunshine Coast residents might be enhanced," he said.
