The Prince George Community Foundation is hoping to raise $1.5 million this year to mark the foundation’s 25th anniversary. It received a solid start to that goal with a $150,000 donation from Rio Tinto.
“Our contribution to the Prince George Community Foundation is an important investment in the long-term social benefit for the community and regions in which Rio Tinto operates, supporting the health and wellness of our people is a key factor for us,” said Affonso Bizon, general manager Rio Tinto BC Works. “Not only have community organizations large and small benefited from the Prince George Foundation grant program but community foundations such as Kitimat, Terrace, Burns Lake and Vanderhoof can reach out to the Prince George Foundation for guidance, support and regional partnerships that benefit us all. Rio Tinto is proud to be part of the Prince George Community Foundation’s 25th Anniversary and wants to congratulate the Foundation on the incredible support they offer to registered charities that make a difference in our communities.”
Since 1995, the foundation has provided over $3.3 million in grants back to local and regional organizations. Founded on a simple idea, the Foundation is a gift that keeps on giving. The 25th Anniversary campaign is designed with the same premise as when the organization was founded: with the ambition to create a powerful legacy for the long-term vitality of the community.
The money raised will provide both a $1.25 million endowment campaign along with a $250,000 flow-through campaign. These funds will contribute to the overall impact of the Foundation and the work that we do to support all types of charities in our community but also provide some immediate support for not only Prince George but northern B.C.
Over the past 25 years, the foundation has given back to the community by supporting numerous charities and feels there is much work to be done as Prince George adjusts to changing demographics and the lasting impacts of COVID-19.
“We still need to support families, seniors, youth, and children,” said Alain LeFebvre, President of the Prince George Community Foundation Board of Directors. “We still have work to do to support areas of health, sports & recreations, arts & culture, social services, education and the environment.”
“This campaign will have a significant impact on the community, both in the short and long-term. The Foundation looks forward to providing even more support to local charities over the next 25 years,” said Mindy Stroet, PGCF Director of Development.
Those interested in donating to the 25th Anniversary campaign can donate to the fund of their choice, including contributions to a family fund, funds benefitting a specific local charity, or to one of the Foundation’s seven general funds: (Area of Greatest Need, Arts & Culture, Social Services, Environment, Health, Education, Sports & Recreation).