It started almost 20 years ago, with a $50,000 contribution from the 2000 BC Winter Games. Today the Quesnel Community Foundation is working with about $3.1 million, funding scholarships, bursaries and grants that enrich the entire community.
“3 million dollars is pretty significant for a community our size!” says Mary Sjostrom, current president of the Quesnel Community Foundation.
Evidence of the Foundation’s good work are easy to find all around Quesnel and the North Cariboo. Through scholarships, bursaries and grants, the Foundation contributes to community arts, education, environment, recreation and social programs. In 2019 they distributed funds to 12 local community groups, including funds for the Pet Safe Coalition which helps care for animals during wildfires, improved accessibility at the Quesnel Curling Centre, and other projects in Quesnel and the surrounding area. If it benefits the community, the Quesnel Community Foundation is probably involved.
The legacy of the 2000 BC Winter Games started the Quesnel Community Foundation, and nearly 20 years later the Foundation is still going strong.
“As a councillor I negotiated with the local BC Games board to acquire the initial $50,000 contribution to start the foundation, alongside other devoted community members like Councillor Dalton Hooker, who really pushed the idea forward,” Sjostrom says. “We’ve really grown since then, and now I’m in my third year as president of the Foundation!”
Matching donations
In recent years the Quesnel Community Foundation has benefited from an anonymous donor who previously lived in Quesnel and has committed $50,000 of matching funds over the past several years.
“We have to match his family’s donation. For every dollar we raise during the campaign, he will match it, up to $50,000,” Sjostrom says. “We’ve been very successful every year, which is fantastic! 2020 hasn’t been an easy year for everyone, but we’re hoping we’ll be able to hit our target again this year.”
The Foundation’s annual fundraising event is on now, and runs until Dec. 12. Donate now at quesnelfoundation.ca/give to donate via PayPal or learn about other ways to give. The Quesnel Community Foundation gratefully accepts donations in many forms. Mail a donation cheque to P.O. Box 4158 Quesnel, BC, V2J 3J2 or call 250-985-1612 to arrange a cash donation or gifts through estate planning.
The Foundation has just received a generous $10,000 donation, so they’re off to a great start! We look forward to your support to help you reach our goal. Add your contribution before Dec. 12.
For more information on the Foundation visit quesnelfoundation.ca or follow them on Facebook.