Sun readers create one of Canada’s great charities

Christmas is the season for giving, but the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund reaches out all year to disadvantaged and disabled children and youth in the community.

The money the fund gives to non-profit agencies provides a multitude of services, giving hundreds of children in British Columbia opportunities they would not otherwise have had.

Since it began in 1981, the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund has helped more than 750 non-profit registered B. C. charities. In the past year alone, it has funded more than 40 charities, including many Vancouver organizations.

“It’s that time of the year when we can count, once again, on the unparalleled generosity of our readers, who for more than two decades have made The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund one of the most successful charities in Canada,” said Shelley Fralic, Sun columnist and chair of the fund.

The financial needs of those helped by the Children’s Fund is as diverse as the city itself. It has helped hire child care counsellors to check on youths who are home alone after school, sent children to a variety of specialized summer camps and helped pay for various physical therapy programs.

“There is an increase, as far as the need goes, in children’s

organizations serving highrisk children and children with disabilities and they are facing funding crunches,” said Mark Gifford, program director at the Vancouver Foundation.

The Vancouver Foundation formed a partnership with The Vancouver Sun two years a go to help administer the grants. The Vancouver Foundation advisory committee is made up of members with knowledge of children’s physical, mental and emotional health.

The newly formed partnership is working well, said Faye Wightman, president and CEO of the Vancouver Foundation.

“It is a great example of two organizing groups working together and not duplicating work,” said Wightman. “It is an excellent partnership to put The Sun funds with ours.”

Over the years, the Children’s Fund has built a trust fund that gathers interest that can be drawn upon to finance grants.

The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund makes sure that the money goes to a face, not a name.

The Pacific Newspaper Group absorbs all of the administrative costs, ensuring that every dollar donated by Sun readers serves those who need it most: the children.

Grant applicants must file reports detailing how the grant money was spent.

Ove r t h e m o n t h o f December, The Sun will be featuring articles highlighting many of the lives that have been touched by reader donations.

“ With the continuing support of readers, our fund is able to improve and enrich the lives of thousands of disabled and disenfranchised children all over British Columbia, all year round,” said Fralic. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

Donations may be made with the attached coupon, or by calling 604- 605- 2426. Donations can also sent to The Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, c/ o The Vancouver Sun, 200 Granville St., Suite 1, Vancouver, B. C. V6C 3N3.