Comox Valley Community Foundation Celebrates National Philanthropy Day

$255,725 distributed to 18 local charitable organizations

National Philanthropy Day is a celebration of philanthropy – giving, volunteering and charitable engagement – that highlights the accomplishments, large and small, that philanthropy makes to our community and our world. It is a day to celebrate not only our achievements, but also the promise of a better tomorrow.

“On this special day, the Comox Valley Community Foundation would like to express its appreciation both to our donors for their long-term vision and support of this community, and to all those who work within the not for profit and charitable sectors for their service to our community,” said Matt Beckett, President of the Comox Valley Community Foundation.

To mark Philanthropy Day, CVCF will be distributing the income, totaling $255,725, from its Agency and Designated endowed funds to 18 organizations who will use the funds to address priorities, fund programming and support post-secondary students.

As an example, through the foresight of Miss Catherine Mary (Mamie) Aitken, who entrusted CVCF with the proceeds of her estate, creating the Catherine Mary Aitken & Elizabeth Cherry Aitken Fund, North Island College students will be the beneficiaries of over $47,000 in scholarships and bursaries in the coming year.

The Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, Comox Valley Hospice Society and CVCF will receive similar amounts from the Aitken Fund, allowing each organization to carry out its work to address health and community needs.

The Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Association established its Agency Fund in 1999, setting dollars aside to sustain its operations in the future. As a result, each year the Association receives the income earned on its Fund and is able to use those funds at its discretion for current initiatives.