CVCF Announces New Executive and Board members

Christine Helpard, CVCF’s new President

The Comox Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) is pleased to announce the election of Christine Helpard as CVCF’s new President. Past President Matt Beckett will continue to serve on the CVCF Board through to 2023.

Born and raised in the Comox Valley, Christine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta and a Master of Business Administration degree, with a major in Finance, from the University of Iowa. Christine returned to the Comox Valley with her husband Paul to establish Shoreline Orthodontics and to raise their own family. She is an active community volunteer, serving on many Boards and as a coach with Special Olympics and the Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snowsports.

Also elected to executive positions were Dr. Debbie Wright (Vice President), Summer Matthews (Treasurer) and Rob Wolfe (Secretary).

Two new members were also elected to the Board. Jeff Lucas has lived in the Comox Valley for the past 22 years, working in the hospitality and beverage industry. He is currently in his tenth year as General Manager with Cascadia Liquor. Jeff spent seven years on the Board of the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, including one as President, and is a member of the Comox Valley Rotary Club. He also volunteers as a mentor with North Island College’s Business program and with the local theatre and dance community.

Craig Rennison is a fifth generation Comox Valley resident and second generation CVCF Board member, following the example of his mother Audrey Craig, a CVCF Past President. A Commercial Broker at Waypoint Insurance, Craig is also actively involved with the Rotary Club of Courtenay, having only just concluded his term as President in June 2021.

“I joined CVCF to give back to this community that has been so good to our family. During my time with CVCF, I have gained a new perspective and appreciation for the amazing work that so many not-for-profit organizations do in this community,” said Christine Helpard, CVCF President. “I look forward to working with the Board to discover new ways to better support the community.”