Valley First boosts local charities

The First West Foundation, though its Valley First Community Endowment, has granted $108,260 this year — a total of 13 grants — to deserving charities across the Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson valleys.

Funds will directly support programs or initiatives that contribute to building resilient and resourceful communities.

“The non-profit organizations we’ll support this year all have incredible vision, and are applying innovative programs to build-up the capabilities of individuals, which has a huge and lasting impact on our communities,” says Susan Byrom, executive director of the First West Foundation, which administers the endowment.

The Penticton-based Child and Youth Development Centre from the Okanagan-Similkameen Neurological Society (OSNS) is dedicated to promoting the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of children and youth in the South Okanagan and Similkameen regions. They will be receiving nearly $6,000 from the Valley First Community Endowment.

“Valley First has sponsored a teaching kitchen in our building, and thanks to this grant we will have programs and equipment that teach children healthy relationships with food at a young age,” says Manisha Willms, Executive Director of OSNS. “We believe in early learning and this funding allows us to start the process of life-long healthy eating for kids.”

The 13 organizations and initiatives supported by the Valley First Community Endowment this year include:

• Board of Education of School District 53 – Cawston Primary (Okanagan-Similkameen) $2,500

• Boys & Girls Club of Kamloops —$5,625

• KCR – Community Resources Society $10,000

• Kindale Developmental Association (Armstrong, Vernon) $10,000

• Mental Illness Family Support Centre Society (Vernon) $7,500

• Okanagan-Similkameen Neurological Society (Penticton) $5,825

• Penticton & District Community Resources Society $14,500

• Princeton Family Services Society $5,000

• Project Literacy Kelowna Society $9,525

• South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation (Penticton) $20,000

• Vernon Women's Transition House Society $1,275

• Whitevalley Community Resource Centre (Lumby) $5,610

• YMCA of Okanagan (Kelowna) $10,900

Photo contributed Children learn the importance of good nutrition at the Child and Youth Development Centre. Image Submitted by the OSNS Child & Youth Development Centre.