The Community Foundation of Castlegar – in existence for not quite a year – has guided it's growth along by conducting a recent informational session for Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff, Area I director Andy Davidoff, and Area J director Gordon Zaitsoff to seek their support as the Foundation moves ahead.
“We were looking for letters of support,” said Foundation president Dan Salekin. “We already have a letter from the city, and we are now assured that we will receive similar letters from the two RDCK directors.”
Salekin and vice-president Bob Jackson used the meeting to review the history of the Foundation, its purposes, as set out in its constitution, and its plans for the future.
The Foundation aims to become a Canada Revenue Agency recognized charity, and has begun informing local financial advisers, investment dealers, bankers, and others, about how their clients can provide a legacy for the community through the Foundation.
"The Community Foundation exists to acquire and grow a permanent endowment fund through donations," states a related press release, "and use the income generated to support a variety of social, cultural and recreational services in the City of Castlegar and Electoral Areas I and J.
"The Foundation does not plan to compete with other community groups or with governments in the distribution of funds," the release continued, "but hopes to find ways to work with them."
The Foundation’s vision is “Building a better community now and forever.”
More information about the Community Foundation of Castlegar can be found on its new web site at communityfoundationofcastlegar.org.
"We believe the web site will be an important part of our public communication and education programs," said Dan Salekin.
Castlegar and area is the last West Kootenay community to establish a community foundation, and is able to learn from the experiences of others.