Representatives of seven local non-profits recently received grant cheques from the Creston-Kootenay Foundation.
In reviewing the need for improvements to the Canyon Park, society president Deb Nelius expressed thanks for the support to put toward the new commercial kitchen and covered pavilion, which recently served the July 1 pancake breakfast for the 77th year.
Bill Pfeifer announced that the Creston Valley Rotary Club had responded to a need for bathrooms and a covered event pavilion near the splash playground at Centennial Park. With donations from the Creston Rotary Club and the CKF, the facility was ready for the town’s July 1 events.
Chuck Truscott and George Kuetbach represented the 130 members of the Creston Valley Seniors Association, who have a very active schedule at their hall across from Gleaners, so much so that they have worn out their chairs and the grant will enable the purchase of new ones.
Eric Kutzner, volunteer manager of Spectrum Farms on Erickson Road, across from Centennial Park, hopes the grant they received will complete the canning section of their food processing department. The farm grows market garden products and employs nine persons with disabilities, who run a farm market on Wednesdays through the summer.
Tammy Bradford, enthusiastic manager of the Creston Museum, explained the creative new agri-tours being offered, starting July 6. Groups will experience arts, culture, heritage and food culture on a trip by bus throughout the valley, sponsored by the CKF grant.
Simon Lazarchuk, new president of the Riondel Campground Society, thanked the foundation for support of the new events tent at the campground, to host bingo, dances and other activities for the whole family.
Wildsight educator Melissa Flint is planning field trips to the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for Grades 4-7 from four local schools. The program is called “Classrooms Without Doors” and will give kids exposure to nature, thanks to the foundation grant.
In addition to these grants, the CKF is able to purchase hospital equipment through the Sommerfeld Memorial Fund, and offer optometric services to low-income persons. The Monty Anderson Scholarship fund offers scholarships for music students, and the Salviulo Fund offers scholarships to prospective fire fighters who attend the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook. Administering scholarship funds is just one of many services offered by the CKF.
To learn more about the Creston-Kootenay Foundation, visit www.ckfoundation.com.
—CRESTON-KOOTENAY FOUNDATION