The Burns Lake and District Community Foundation Society is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month.
Founded in 2006, the foundation has distributed a staggering $100,000 to successful organizations throughout the Lakes District.
Among the several recipients of 2015 grants are the Lakes District Arts Council for the 2015 Rock Camp ($3500); the Lakes District Fall Fair Association for youth activities at the 2015 Fall Fair ($4000); the Burns Lake Youth Soccer for facility upgrades ($2000); and Lakes District Secondary School for scholarships ($2000).
The way the foundation works is that it invests people's donations into endowment funds. Only the interest earned from those funds is distributed to the community, so the funds are retained to generate a perpetual income for the foundation.
Bernice Magee, President of the foundation, explained that the amount of interest earned each year depends on interest rates and the number of donations. Last year, the foundation earned $40,000 in interest.
"We are proud of the growth of this community fund, and for the benefit that it brings to all the residents of the Lakes District," said Magee.
The foundation will celebrate its 10 years of contributions by hosting a family event featuring Vancouver-based singer, songwriter and actress Beverley Elliott - best known for playing the role of Granny in the television series 'Once Upon a Time.' Her partner, Chris Nowland, and local performers will also entertain guests.
Magee said the event will be a community information session as well as a fundraiser. She promises an evening of stories, songs, fun and laughter.
The wine and cheese event will be held at the Francois Lake Community Hall and it starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $20 and will be available for purchase at the Lakes District Free Classifieds, Process 4 Circle Arts Gallery and the Lakes Artisan Centre. Since space is limited, community members are encouraged to purchase tickets as early as possible. If still available, tickets will also be available at the door.
What's the best way to donate?
The Burns Lake and District Community Foundation provides the community with the opportunity to make a lasting charitable donation to enhance community organizations, focusing on education, arts, culture and youth.
One of the many ways people can donate is to include the foundation in their will. This provides an opportunity for people who do not have any beneficiaries or heirs, ensuring their money will go back to the community where they lived.
People can also donate by giving a one-time gift cash or pledge an amount over time, or by perpetuating the name of a friend or relative through an in memoriam gift.
All donations to the foundation are charitable gifts for income tax purposes. Donor benefits enable people to maximize their tax, financial and estate planning benefits. It also enables people to direct their contributions to charities they care for deeply, giving them a chance to impact their community in an ongoing basis. A donor may also stipulate a field of interest to support.
"It's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the community you have lived in," said Bernice Magee, President of the foundation.
For more information, visit http://blcommunityfoundation.org/, contact Bernice Magee at 250-692-7081 or the Burns Lake village office at 250-692-7587.