Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
On Nov 15, the Fort St. James Community Foundations Society was thrilled to receive funding from Artisan Reforestation Ltd.
President, Peter Horak, presented the cheque in the amount of $12,005.18 to Joyce Helweg and Pat Short, both from the society.
“Peter has always been a champion for our cause,” Helweg said.
Artisan Reforestation is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and for Horak, it’s all about giving back to the community.
“For the last five years, we’ve been holding charity plants where a shift will allow staff and planters and even clients to donate a portion of their earnings to this cause. We encourage everyone to donate no matter how much or little they want,” Horak said.
“Our workers are really inspired by the community of Fort St. James and they consider it to be a home away from home and so many of our planters can attest to that.”
And once donations are received, Horak matches the amount, dollar for dollar.
“Peter always continues to go over and beyond for our cause,” Helweg said. “We are so thankful for his support.”
The Fort St. James Community Foundations Society raises funds that are applied to an endowment fund and then invested. The investment is then returned in grants and distributed to various organizations and businesses depending on need.
According to the foundation, their mission is to provide the community of Fort St. James with a charitable fund that will generate interest which will provide support for the community in perpetuity.
The fund will serve the community by supporting initiatives that will strengthen local economy, society, culture and ecology.
The ultimate goal is to support local families, residents, and organizations as part of a strong and vibrant community that cares for all.
The Foundation is proud to have raised $276,000.00 since it started in 2011 and they hope to reach their goal of $1 million by 2020.
“We’re getting there,” Helweg said. “And we are so thankful for all of the support from the community.”