The Muriel Griffiths Room was packed on Tuesday night with a crowd that perfectly illustrated the power of community.
Twenty-four recipients, all volunteers from non-profit organizations and societies, gathered for the LeRoi Community Foundation’s 2024 grant ceremony to receive funding for projects and recognize the foundation’s donors.
From inclusive sports and music programs to initiatives that promote family literacy, build playgrounds, create more childcare spaces, preserve local history, and save lives through rescue efforts—the contributions of these dedicated volunteers are endless.
After Jody Pistak, the foundation’s president and chair, introduced the board, Director Heather Brandvold, from the grants committee, awarded over $43,000 in grants.
Each recipient shared how the funds would help support, maintain, and grow their non-profit projects and initiatives.
Simply put, these local volunteers are making a profound impact by fostering inclusive, healthy, happy, and secure neighbourhoods, ultimately making the world a better place.
Recipients:
Blackjack Ski Club
Camp Koolaree
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network
Communities in Faith (United Church)
Family Action Network
Golden Bear Child Care Centre
Greater Trail Hospice Society
Living Lakes Canada
Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society
Pacific Sport
Rossland Historical Museum and Archives
Scouts Canada — Rossland
Generation to Generation Society (Sanctuary)
Skool Aid
South Columbia Search and Rescue
Special Olympics Trail
Friends of St. Michael’s Catholic School
Trail Association for Community Living
Trail FAIR
Trail Historical Society
Greater Trail Skills Centre
Tuesday Morning Quilters
VISAC Gallery
Wildsight
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Prior to Tuesday night’s event, the foundation had already awarded $14,600 in scholarships to graduates of J.L. Crowe Secondary School.
This year’s recipients were: Dawson Griffiths and Scott McLaren, Howie Fishwick Memorial (two scholarships); Morgan Dalton, Howie Fishwick Memorial; Jacob Whitta, James Harlamovs Memorial; Leah McNair, Trail Society for the Performing Arts; Zoe Knight, Dave Butler “Live Life Well!” Memorial Scholarship; and Jersel Labey and Avery Rieberger, Harlamovs Indigenous Scholarship.
“The LeRoi Community Foundation focuses on community impact,” said Debbie Wallace, foundation director. “We are deeply appreciative of our donors, whether their contributions are endowed, monthly, or one-time gifts.”
Over the last 20 years, endowments have significantly grown the foundation’s investments, but the demand for grants has outpaced the available funds. This year, requests from registered charities totalled more than $1,250,000.
Wallace emphasized that anyone wishing to make a lasting difference in their community can donate online at www.leroifoundation.com.
For those interested in establishing a named legacy fund, she encourages them to connect with a foundation director.
Additionally, those interested in joining the board can contact President Jody Pistak.
Founded in September 2005, the LeRoi Community Foundation was established in 2007 to support charitable endeavours in the communities of Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Areas A and B.
Donations to the foundation are held in a permanent fund, with income generated from these investments distributed as grants to Canadian charities that align with the foundation’s goals.
This ensures that donations continue to make an impact for generations to come.
To date, the foundation has distributed nearly $865,000, including $101,000 in scholarships and $764,000 in grants.
