Charity Network

C H A R I T Y

N ORT H

SH OR E

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

A28 - North Shore News - Wednesday, November 24, 2010

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

C H A R I T Y

A

t this time of year as we prepare to celebrate the joy and comfort of our family and friends, it’s a fitting time to consider those right here in our own community- who may not have the support that many of us often take for granted.

While good causes are everywhere, there are some excellent organizations based right here on the North Shore doing great work.

We recently ran a section on The North Shore’s Business Network, and it was met with such a positive response that it seemed a natural choice to present another of the North Shore’s “Networks” to you – and as luck would have it – we were in the process of re-designing our Charitable Giving section. This “Network” is particularly close to my heart as I have had the privilege of working with most if not all of the organisations and individuals that are presented in these pages.

Most of us will acknowledge that giving is a personal choice; what we hope to do in the following pages is to introduce you to the causes; their priorities and some of their successes – I can share from first hand experience that each provides very dedicated and much needed resources and support. My hope is that this will help you and your family select a cause that resonates with you and encourage you to offer your assistance, participation and- if you are able – a donation.

Capilano University Capilano University Foundation LYNNMOUR, NORTH VANCOUVER.

Whether you give your time and energy or a few dollars, even the smallest contribution makes a difference and I am always amazed that any act of giving is usually described by the donor as a gift that they themselves received, this is especially true of those that donate their time. Please take a moment to have a look and see if the work of one of these North Shore organizations aligns with your own values, concerns and efforts, and if so – then seek them out and say hello, they are all really great people.

Get connected to one of the North Shore’s great Networks and together we can help keep the North Shore the greatest place in the world to live.

PS: don’t forget to connect with us on our Facebook page!

Director, Sales and Marketing

Capilano University Foundation ........................................ 28 Coho Society.................................................................... 29 Family Services North Shore............................................. 29

Why choose Capilano University?

Our signal truths are these: 1. Learning at Cap U: The Personal and the Purposeful.

We are committed to mentoring our students.

You can help For over four decades, the Capilano University Foundation, in partnership with the community, has awarded meaningful financial support to students. Your contribution to either existing awards or bursaries, or to the establishment of new ones, is highly valued and gratefully honoured.

Gordon & Marion Smith Foundation ................................. 30 Harvest Project ................................................................. 30 Lions Gate Hospital Foundation........................................ 31 North Shore Community Foundation ................................ 31 North Shore Community Resources ................................. 32 North Shore Crisis Services Society ................................. 32 North Shore Neighbourhood House ................................. 33 North Shore Rescue ......................................................... 33 West Van Firefighters Charitable Society........................... 34 West Van Memorial Library & Foundation ......................... 34

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

talk to us telephone 604 990 7937

2. Teaching at Cap U: Passionate Commitment.

We are enterprising faculty members who think like intellectuals and teach like coaches.

3. The Cap U Curriculum: One and Only Offerings, Real World Relevance.

We take theory and put it to work.

4. What Cap U Values: Excellence is for Everyone.

We believe knowledge is to be shared.

Just a few of the possibilities to explore at Capilano University: General Arts and Science: providing a framework for a journey of discovery and critical thinking.

Specialized Programs: providing unique and practical areas of study ranging from the ground-breaking Bachelor Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis to our new Paralegal Degree.

e-mail us

Preparatory Studies: providing growth opportunities for everyone from the under grad to the adult learner.

email fdn@capilanou.ca

Community Engagement: providing community support models through active participation in our own backyard to delivering sustainable community-based tourism training in Vietnam.

discover us internet www.capilanou.ca address 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver, BC

Upcoming Event Explore Capilano • General Information Night Monday, December 13, 2010 - 7:15 p.m.

North Vancouver campus - Library building, rm. 322 It’s an ideal way to get an in-depth look at Capilano University and learn more about, programs & courses, student life, campus atmosphere, financial aid, admission requirements and the application process.

For complete details about our diverse and unique areas of study, or for specific courses, we invite you to have a look at our current online calendar at www.capilanou.ca/calendar

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - North Shore News - A29

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

Carrie Hunter, Tom Boppart and Heather Dunsford

Coho Society PARK ROYAL TOWERS, WEST VANCOUVER

C H A R I T Y

Family Services North Shore 101-255 WEST 1ST STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER.

Our Focus

Our work in the community

Our Focus

Our work in the community

To make people aware of current and potential threats to local waterways and fisheries, and to convince them to become actively involved in bringing about reasoned solutions for the benefit of present and future generations through our yearround campaigns.

Not too many people get excited about the appearance of kelp on our shoreline – but the Coho Society is thrilled to see its reappearance on the sea wall in West Vancouver!

Construction killed aquatic life and plants on the shoreline, but with Coho’s help, restoration is underway and kelp was the first evidence of a turn-around together with the return of smelt eggs which are an important part of the food chain for salmon on upwards to orcas and eagles. Coho funds many projects which contribute to sustainability - fish tanks in classrooms for salmonid education for youth; field trips for experiential environmental studies; research water temperatures in our streams and effects on salmon; AdoptA-Fish where children adopt salmon fry for release into streams. Expansion - Coho is launching an environmental student film festival and a conference on oceans, rivers and streams in the spring of 2011.

Family Services of the North Shore is a not –for-profit, accredited, community-based agency that offers education, support and counselling services to the North Shore. We are also the lead agency for the province for the prevention of eating disorders. We offer a broad range of social services to children, youth, adults, couples, and families from a diverse array of cultural and economic backgrounds.

Family Services of the North Shore has been caring for the North Shore community for over 60 years. We are a caring, progressive agency that annually serves over 6,000 individuals and families. Our proactive presence connects the community through a variety of programs that create an environment for all families and individuals to thrive.

Upcoming events Environmental Student Film Festival and Conference on Oceans, Rivers and Streams • Spring 2011.

Watch our newsletter for updates.

Our People Now in its 32nd year, the Coho Society has one employee and approximately 150 volunteers who work with our dedicated Board of Directors to get the job done.

Adopt-A-Fish • April 2011 Canada Day Salmon Barbecue, Waterfront Park, Lonsdale Quay • July 1, 2011.

Coho Festival at Ambleside Beach – family entertainment, salmon barbecue, Coho Run, Coho Walk and Sustainability Zone exhibits • September 11, 2011.

BBQ, Heritage Days, Edgemont Village • Sept. 18, 2011.

How you can get involved

contact us telephone 604 926 6956 email info@cohosociety.com internet www.cohosociety.com

• Become a member of the Society – email info@cohosociety.com and we’ll send you a membership form.

• Become a volunteer at our events.

• Become a patron or sponsor of our big Coho Festival at Ambleside Beach. Become a sponsor or benefactor of our film festival and/or conference.

Contact our administrator Carrie Hunter at 604-926-6956 for further information.

The Coho Society has contributed more than a half million dollars toward projects which further public awareness, provide education for our children and make positive changes in our environment which will encourage the return of salmon to our rivers and streams.

Our People Family Services of the North Shore has close to 60 employees and contractors and over 300 volunteers who annually give 14,000 hours of service to the agency.

Facts For more than 25 years, Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau has been a symbol of our community’s commitment to helping lowincome North Shore families and individuals celebrate and enjoy the holidays with hampers filled with food, certificates, gifts and toys.

In 2009, the Christmas Bureau distributed 725 hampers to 1,886 North Shore residents and 727 children received toys and gifts.

contact us telephone 604 988 5281 email family@familyservices.bc.ca internet www.familyservices.bc.ca

Upcoming events December 5, 2010 • 25th Anniversary Winter Family Ball.

For more information email events@familyservices.bc.ca December 11, 2010 • 1st Annual Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau Toy Drive.

For more information call 604-984-9627.

A recent story A young boy recently told us that his parents don’t have enough money for Christmas presents this year because his father had an accident and can’t work. His mom works very hard and does her best but there is just enough money for rent and food with not much left over. He told us his little brother loves trucks and cars and still believes there is a Santa.

The young boy’s request was for some toys for his brother to unwrap but his biggest wish is “to have a happy Christmas with my family”. The Christmas Bureau will ensure that this family has a happy Christmas, that there is enough food and that the children receive toys.

How you can get involved Family Services of the North Shore operates within a yearly budget of close to $3.5 million. One third of these funds are raised by the community and private donations. Last year, your generosity helped us serve over 6,000 individuals and families. Your generous support and volunteer hours will help us to provide exceptional services ensuring a healthy and safe community for all. With our 6,000 reasons to get involved you can make a difference this Christmas and throughout the year – Sponsor a family, make a donation, or volunteer. Call 604-988-5281 or family@familyservices.bc.ca

A30 - North Shore News - Wednesday, November 24, 2010

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

The Gordon & Marion SmithFOUNDATION Smith Foundation Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists

C H A R I T Y

Gary Ansell

Harvest Project NORTH VANCOUVER

810 WEST 21ST STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER

Our Focus

Our work in the community

Our Focus

Facts

The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation was created to build a permanent endowment fund whose increasing annual revenues support art education in B.C. and ensure the success and ongoing viability of Artists for Kids.

The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation has embarked on a $5-million endowment campaign to raise funds for the following projects: 1) A permanent Art Education Centre including classrooms, studios, and a 4,000-square-foot gallery to house the Gordon Smith Teaching Collection of Canadian Art. 2) Expand the visual art program at the North Vancouver Outdoor School located in Brackendale, B.C. 3) Expand community and school programs both in and beyond the North Shore.

4) Acquire new major works for the Artists for Kids Trust’s Permanent Collection to enrich children’s understanding of fine arts.

“Extending a hand up, not a hand out” Harvest Project helps people who are experiencing challenging life circumstances.

We channel community resources so that clients can overcome their challenges and move towards self-sufficiency.

Last year, Harvest Project provided 3,448 coaching and drop-in sessions, 10,000 food hampers and emergency bags, 10,400 clothing items, and received 13,998 volunteer hours.

On Feb. 1, 2011, we will move into our new, larger, more flexible, and more cost-effective facility.

The new Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art, currently under construction, will be the first major Canadian art venue on the North Shore and its continued success is of cultural importance to the community.

Testimonial Artists for Kids has been receiving significant financial support from the Smith Foundation for the past five years and it’s safe to say this popular and important program on the North Shore could not continue to provide its wealth of artistic nurturing to young artists without the Smith Foundation. On behalf of the 5,000 young artists we work with each year, THANK YOU!!

Our People

Events

The Smith Foundation is comprised of a dynamic board of 11 directors, with added support by Executive Director Bill MacDonald, Communications Director Allison Hepworth and Administrative Volunteer Pat Quan.

Our annual spring luncheon held in June is our largest fundraiser every year with over 150 people in attendance at Capilano Golf and Country Club in West Vancouver, including a live and silent auction. In 2010 we auctioned off a Smart Car wrapped with original Gordon Smith artwork.

We have also hosted “Friendraisers” thanks in large part to our gracious donor patrons who donate their homes for these events, and open houses at our current gallery location in North Vancouver. Please check our website for regular updates on upcoming events including a new speaker series showcasing many of our artist patrons.

contact us telephone 604 903 3796 email info@smithfoundation.ca internet www.smithfoundation.com

How you can get involved The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation is a taxexempt charitable organization and can receive charitable contributions in the form of personal gifts, corporate contributions, and foundation grants.

Donations can be made by mail, phone, email and online.

For more information about these options, please contact us.

Our People Harvest Project is made up of more than 150 volunteers who bring their time, effort and expertise to client care, administration, warehousing and food recovery and distribution. Business leaders, computer experts, cooks, counsellors, truck drivers, retirees and students work together, along with a small staff and our board of directors to serve over 500 clients.

Our work in the community In one of the wealthiest communities in Canada, critical financial and family needs are often hidden and services are scarce for those who find themselves in desperate times.

Clients are often single parents, people who are new to the community or longer-term residents who have come upon hard times. On the North Shore, several thousand people spend more than 50% of their incomes on housing. Many are forced to go without food, medicine, dental care or clothing just to remain in their apartments or homes.

A recent story Mrs. “Jones,” a single parent, lost her job due to the economic downturn. Our client-care volunteers provided help that enabled her to update her resume and find work. After three months she was able to move on from our services.

Events Children’s Christmas Party • Saturday, December 11 Children of HP clients are being invited for breakfast and a visit with Santa.

Food Drive Drop-Off Locations: Save On Foods (Marine Drive and Park & Tilford), Safeway (Lynn Valley and West Vancouver), Extra Foods (Lonsdale and Park Royal).

contact us telephone 604 983 9488 email administration@ harvestproject.org

internet www.harvestproject.org

How you can get involved Christmas Gift of Hope: Donate $20 or more in the name of a friend or loved one. We will send a personalized certificate to them indicating that a donation was made on their behalf.

Matched Giving 24: Your business can donate matching funds when employees contribute to Harvest Project.

Gift of Hope Campaign: Make a one-time gift or a monthly pre-authorized gift of funds.

Christmas Food Drives and Fundraisers: Create your own giving campaign — collect cash and non-perishable food.

Planned & Estate Giving: Your legacy on the North Shore Contact us at (604) 983-9488 ext. 305 or lynnh@ harvestproject.org, for more information on these partnership options.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - North Shore News - A31

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

Lions Gate Hospital Foundation 231 EAST 15TH STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER

C H A R I T Y

North Shore Community Foundation 600 WEST QUEENS ROAD, NORTH VANCOUVER

Our Focus

Summary

Our Focus

Facts

Lions Gate Hospital Foundation (LGHF) raises funds to support the highest quality health care on the North Shore.

Since 2004 the Foundation has invested more than $50 million in facility improvements, new medical equipment at Lions Gate Hospital, and towards building the North Shore’s first freestanding hospice.

To improve the quality of life for residents on the North Shore by funding community programs. We issue grants from the interest generated by the trust funds we administer responsibly. The grants benefit North Shore residents from Deep Cove to Lions Bay, including Bowen Island.

The foundation was created in response to community need. It provides a tax-effective means for people and organizations to preserve capital for the long-term benefit of the community. The foundation has accumulated assets under its management of $1.95 million. To date, the foundation has contributed in excess of $770,000 in support of over 400 community projects and scholarships throughout the North Shore.

Our People

We maintain active contacts with a variety of social service agencies, cultural and educational institutions and other community groups in order to understand emerging needs.

We also develop relationships with donors and potential donors to ensure we meet their intentions effectively.

Our People More than 10,000 individuals support and participate in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission. The LGHF Board is comprised of 19 North Shore residents and community leaders. More than 100 individuals volunteer their time on committees and at events and assisting with special projects in the Foundation office. As well, the Foundation has a dynamic team of seven professional staff.

Future Plans A master plan has been completed for the redevelopment of the Lions Gate Hospital campus. Phase I includes the construction of a new Centre for Mental Health & Addictions (which will also house an expansion of the UBC Medical School). Phase II will see a new in-patient tower.

The Foundation’s efforts are currently focused on raising funds for the new Centre for Mental Health & Addictions.

contact us telephone 604-984-5785 internet www.lghfoundation.com

Our work in the community In addition to the Hospital, LGHF also raises funds for Cedar Garden, Cedarview Lodge, Evergreen House, Kiwanis Care Centre, North Shore Hospice, Margaret Fulton and West Vancouver Adult Day Centres, community and family health programs and mental health and addictions programs.

Testimonial “The LGH diagnostic team is grateful for the support of the Foundation. Through community support, the Foundation has invested more than $12 million towards new diagnostic technology that makes LGH a leader in the diagnostic field.

Most recently they provided $3.5 million in funding for a new angiography suite.”

Dr. Simon Bicknell, Medical Director, Diagnostic Imaging, LGH.

The North Shore Community Foundation is a volunteer organization. The board of directors and a group of dedicated volunteers undertake all activities for the foundation, which keeps our overhead very low.

A recent story Eric and Gwyneth Smith had been loyal donors to the Foundation since 1994 prior to their passing in December 2009. When it came time to make plans for their estate, LGH was a natural choice. Their significant legacy of $2.4 million has truly made a difference. Major equipment purchases throughout the hospital help patients today while an endowment will fund projects well into the future. For more info on legacy giving please contact Joanne McLellan at 604-904-3553 or joanne.mclellan@vch.ca.

Events LGHF manages two signature annual events: the Golf Classic, held in June, and the Wine Gala & Auction in May. Both events are held at Capilano Golf and Country Club. We are always looking for sponsors and volunteers for both of these events!

How you can get involved There are several ways to support LGHF – you can make a donation by mail or online at lghfoundation.com, set up a tribute page on our website, donate a gift of securities, volunteer at an event, hold a third-party fundraising event, or leave a gift in your will.

Our work in the community

Testimonial “Thanks to the significant contribution from the North Shore Community Foundation, the North Shore Middle Childhood Matters program is able to sponsor after-school recreation programs for pre-teens at 10 elementary schools across the North Shore — a big increase from last year!”

Fran Jones, Program Coordinator

Events

contact us telephone 604.998.4460 email info@nscommunityfoundation.com internet www.nscommunityfoundation.com

The North Shore Community Foundation partners with the West Vancouver Community Foundation to organize the North Shore Mayors’ Golf Tournament. This annual fundraiser has raised $350,000 in its three years of operation.

The 2011 MGT will be held on Friday May 27, 2011 at Seymour Golf & Country Club. Please see our website for more details www.mayorsgolf.ca

How you can get involved You may make a gift to the North Shore Community Foundation for a specific existing fund or to establish a new fund for the charitable purposes specified by you.

Gifts of cash, traded securities, real estate and/or personal property, RRSP or RRIF, and wills: these and other types of donations should be discussed with a lawyer, estate planner or other professional advisor. Or you can be a volunteer if you have special skills and time to spare.

A32 - North Shore News - Wednesday, November 24, 2010

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

C H A R I T Y

Alnoor Kara, Nancy Hollstedt, Li Boesen, Barb MacLellan & June Maynard

Laura Reynolds

North Shore Community Resources

North Shore Crisis Services Society

SUITE #201 CAPILANO MALL, NORTH VANCOUVER

119-255 WEST 1ST STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER

Our Focus

Our work in the community

Our Focus

Our work in the community

• Information North Shore, our community’s Information and Referral Program • Volunteer North Shore

Our mission is to promote a secure and abuse-free environment for women and children.

North Shore Crisis Services Society has several services for women and children which include: • The 24-Hour Women’s Support Line 604-987-3374 • SAGE House - an emergency shelter for women • HOPE’s Place - a second stage transition house for longer term accommodation and support • Adolescent & Child Empowerment Program • Outreach and Multicultural Outreach Services • Good Stuff Connection Clothing Program and Thrift Store

Connecting you to community services for nearly 30 years, we’re where the North Shore calls for help.

Our People Run by a volunteer board of directors and 28 staff members, we’re dedicated to helping those who live or work in our North Shore communities.

Li Boesen, Executive Director, and her management team have a total of 95 years of non-profit management experience on the North Shore. A Worklife B.C. Award of Merit made it official: North Shore Community Resources is a great place to work: “As a manager, I believe people come to work as a package, complete with their whole life with them. I always want to be positive and focus on solutions that help make a person’s life better.”

A long term employee sums it up: “I think NSCR projects a client-centered environment while supporting employees in a flexible work environment. It feels like a family to me.”

Testimonial “Access to such a responsive and resourceful service makes our family even more encouraged to settle down in your town.”

contact us telephone 604 985 7138 internet www.nscr.bc.ca

• Child Care Resource and Referral Program • Professional development opportunities and workshops for child care providers and parents • Seniors’ One-Stop Information Program • Caregiver Support Programs • Legal Information and Advocacy Program • Housing Information and Community Housing Action Committee • Early and Middle Childhood Years Planning Tables • WHEELS Early Childhood Community Outreach

Upcoming events • Volunteer for three-hour shifts at our Capilano Mall Charity Gift Wrap Booth, Dec. 10-24. All funds raised support North Shore Programs. Free training and lots of fun. Call 604-982-3317

Facts One half of all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of violence since the age of 16. Assault and abuse of women occurs in all income, educational, religious, ethnic and age groups. Research has shown children from violent homes are at extreme risk to continue the cycle of violence. Since SAGE House opened 31 years ago, 5,692 women and 4,965 children have been sheltered at our transition house.

Our People North Shore Crisis Services Society has been serving this community since 1979.

• National Volunteer Week is April 10-16, a time to celebrate our local volunteers. Community Volunteer Spirit Awards — know of someone who makes a difference through volunteering? Nominate them: www.nscr.bc.ca/volunteer/volunteer.html

A recent story When we left the hospital, my husband diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, we were told “see you next year.” Not knowing where to find help on the North Shore, the staff at North Shore Community Resources connected us to their Caregiver Support Program and gave us information about the local Alzheimer’s organization. It was such a relief to have a central place to find relevant services, not only for my husband, but for me as well.

How you can get involved We depend upon your donations, which stay on the North Shore. As a local federally registered charity with the ability to issue tax receipts, more than 90% of your donation goes to direct services in your own community.

Wondering about charitable gift planning? Regardless of your choice of beneficiary organizations, we can help you with a strategy. Contact Li Boesen at 604-982-3305.

contact us telephone 604 987 0366 help line 604 987 3374 email admin@nscss.net internet www.nscss.net

North Shore Crisis Services Society

Testimonial “SAGE House is a warm, welcoming place to stay where you start to feel respected, listened to and supported. It’s a lifesaver for women experiencing abuse, helping them to start to heal and recover from the abuse. I felt safe, welcomed and understood here.” Anon, June 2009

A recent story Ellen came to HOPE’s Place and stayed for 10 months while she got on her feet. She received emotional support from the outreach staff, her teenage son saw the Children Who Witness Abuse Counsellor, and they also got help with legal, physical and mental health issues.

Having received help with housing applications and securing furniture, Ellen is now living in affordable housing on the North Shore, close to the high school where her son is on the honour roll. Determined to make life for her children better than her own, Ellen was able to provide her children with a loving and stable home through the North Shore Crisis Services Society.

How you can get involved Readers can get involved in four ways: • Learn. You can support a friend, a colleague or a family member who is in an unhealthy relationship.

• Volunteer. Over 34 volunteers do everything from grocery shopping to childcare.

• Donate. To our agency directly, or through fundraisers at churches, schools or community groups.

• Leave a Legacy. Consider leaving a bequest in your will to North Shore Crisis Services Society.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - North Shore News - A33

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

North Shore Neighbourhood House

C H A R I T Y

North Shore Rescue 147 EAST 14TH ST, NORTH VANCOUVER

225 EAST 2ND STREET, NORTH VANCOUVER

Our Focus

Our work in the community

Our Focus

Facts

The House is unique on the North Shore - a charitable agency operating for over 70 years building community by supporting residents of all ages, abilities and cultures and by meeting grassroots needs, especially those of our most vulnerable residents. “…the House provides a place of belonging and hope…part of the solution that makes our community whole”

Our programs and services contribute enormously to quality of life, crime prevention, health and wellness and community building — making our neighbourhoods safer, healthier and more welcoming.

We do this by Building Strong Families, helping grandparents, parents, caregivers, youth and kids of all abilities reaching their full potential in a safe, supported environment. Whole Health for All Ages offers a full range of resources including physical and mental wellness, sharing information about nutrition and food security as well as fitness classes, cultural outings and educational workshops.

The team mission is:

NSR performs an average of 90 search & rescue operations annually. The team provides search and rescue services to the RCMP and municipal police services, the Municipal fire services, BC Ambulance Service, other SAR teams in BC and Washington and local and regional governments during civil emergencies.

Facts

What we do in the community

• $50 purchases a bus pass for a teen mom finishing high school.

• 210 Christmas Dinners served to needy families • 248 volunteers logging over 5,000 hours of service • 1,350 cups of hot soup served alongside the Food Bank • 2,000 subsidized lunches served to more than 400 seniors • 1,500 kilograms of locally grown produce distributed to 600 people in need

• $100 provides a day of companionship and activities to 25 isolated seniors.

• $250 buys a month of food and hot drinks for vulnerable dropin clients.

A recent story

How you can get involved telephone 604 987 8138 email lkonantz@nsnh.bc.ca internet www.nsnh.bc.ca

• Public education • Assist other organizations with similar purposes • Provide assistance to civil authorities during civil emergencies • Provide advice and expertise

Audrey Thompson was a lively lady and liked a social gathering. When she could no longer get out she hosted lunch at her apartment for her friends from the House programs . Late last year we received notice from Audrey’s estate that she left North Shore Neighbourhood House a gift in her will to support seniors programs. With her bequest we created the Audrey Thompson Fund to support seniors programs now and into the future.

contact us

• Establish an organization to search for, rescue and assist persons in distress

Act locally — support people in need right here in your own community by socializing with isolated seniors yearning for companionship and recreation, or sharing food from your edible gardens.

The value of our programs is reliant on the generosity of our neighbours through tax-deductible donations. Your gift can make a meaningful contribution towards a safe, healthy and strong community for everyone, today and for the future.

To make a donation or for more information please call Leslie at 604.987.8138 lkonantz@nsnh.bc.ca.

Charitable number #11906-1323RR001

Our People The team consists of approximately 40 volunteers skilled in search and rescue operations in mountain, canyon and urban settings. Many of our members live on the North Shore and come from all walks of life but they share a love of the outdoors and have the willingness to volunteer hundreds of hours each year to search and rescue.

Events We are involved in a number of local events such as local parades, Remembrance Day activities and various public education events.

contact us telephone 604 983 7441 email nsr@northshorerescue.com internet www.northshorerescue.com

Our work in the community We are here to assist those who are lost, stranded or injured in the backcountry around the North Shore. We also provide assistance in urban searches, assisting police in cases of lost or missing children or elderly walk-aways. We provide basic outdoor safety training to school, community, church, hiking, and outdoors groups.

Not all of our calls involve high drama – but those we rescue are always glad to see us. We are prepared 24/7 to go out and bring them home safely.

A recent story This summer a female hiker was walking along Howe Sound Crest Trail and slipped on snow near the West Lion. She hit her head on the 15 metre slide and drop and suffered facial lacerations. Her companion called 911 and reported the incident to BCAS. The team was activated and three members were dispatched by helicopter to access the location of the subject and decide on means of extraction. A medical member hover-exited and went to assess the subject. He determined that she had no spinal injury so could be easily transported. On steep terrain, the safest method of getting the subject off was to long line her to a flat area where the helicopter could land and she could be transported down to the Capilano Gate Helipad to the waiting ambulance. This was done and the subject and hiking partner were safely taken to Cap Gate.

How you can get involved North Shore Rescue welcomes your financial support.

The team receives funding and administrative support from the North Shore Emergency Management Office but depends heavily on donations from individuals, service clubs and corporations to supplement its training and equipment budgets.

You can get involved through direct donations, estate planning, gifts and in memoriam.

A34 - North Shore News - Wednesday, November 24, 2010

get to know the charitable organizations in our community

West Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society WEST VANCOUVER

C H A R I T Y

West Vancouver Memorial Library and Foundation WEST VANCOUVER

Our Focus

Reality check

Our Focus

Our work in the community

The West Vancouver Fire Fighters Charitable Society was established in 2005, and is registered and incorporated in the province of B.C. As described in our constitution, the purposes of the Society are to operate as a charitable organization and: a) promote education by providing scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance, b) promote the welfare of persons in financial need or distress, c) provide funds for the purchase of medical equipment for persons who are sick.

We witness the devastation of fires and other such emergencies; we see the need to support the families affected, and do so with our charitable society. We have a vibrant senior population in West Vancouver. While many of these seniors are able to enjoy things like the sea walk on a regular basis, we are often called to help those less fortunate.

1950-2010. West Vancouver Memorial Library is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year. We are an open, free and welcoming place that is accessible to all.

Our work in the community

Our People

Some of the charities that theWest Vancouver Fire Fighters Charitable Society and our off duty firefighters have supported are: Canadian Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society Canada, Make a Wish Foundation, B.C. Children’s Hospital Miracle Weekend, Gary Hunter Memorial Bursaries, Terry Fox Foundation, Moyne Dr. Fire Victims Relief Fund, Muscular Dystrophy Association Canada, West Vancouver Youth Band, Junior Diabetes Research, Canuck Place, Ronald McDonald House, Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund, Family Services North Shore Christmas Bureau, Lookout Society North Shore Shelter, B.C. Professional Firefighters Burn Fund, North Shore Volunteers for Seniors, Cypress Mountain Ski Patrol.

Our largest fundraising event has been the Pipes by The Sea (now known as Bagpipes By The Beach) at Ambleside Park – watch for it’s return in 2011.

The Library family includes over a hundred volunteers who support our core staff of 25 full-time and approximately 30 part-time employees.

Opportunities for volunteers include serving on the Library Board and the Foundation Board; joining the Friends of the Library, who manage book sales and hospitality; and assisting Library staff with maintaining the collection.

The West Vancouver Memorial Library, 1950 Marine Drive, is open 66 hours a week and our online services at www. westvanlibrary.ca are available 24/7. The library provides a safe, hospitable community place; access to information in print, media and electronic formats; access to existing and emerging technologies; expert research assistance and reader’s advisory; and programs that develop and support key literacy skills and knowledge. On an average weekday, 1,767 people come through our doors, borrowing over 3700 items and asking 392 questions.

Our People We have a total of seven members that sit as our board of directors, all firefighters with West Vancouver Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1525.

These volunteer positions consist of a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and three trustees.

Our mandate is very specific and we do like to keep our allocation of funds within our community if possible; however, we also support charities that benefit a broader community than the North Shore area.

contact us telephone 604-999-9291 email wvffcs@westvancouver.ca internet westvancouverfighters.ca

A recent story Recently, a group of Grade 4-5 students toured the Library.

As part of their unit on community planning, the students looked at various parts of the collection about West Vancouver, including photos, newspapers, clippings files, books and documents. What interested them the most was the book Place Names of West Vancouver: A Gazetteer. The students were eager to know the history behind the name of the streets that they lived on. In the following week, the students were going to “build” a model city together and the teacher said that naming the streets was something they hadn’t originally thought of.

Events Testimonial Josh Haugland was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and his dream was to travel to Disneyworld. The West Vancouver Fire Fighters Charitable Society donated $6,000 to grant Josh’s wish. We presented this to Josh and his family at our No.1 fire station, a day he will never forget. Below is an excerpt from a letter that was written to us after Josh left the station: Josh to his brother, walking through the parking lot: “Alex! This was the best day of our lives! So far.” Part of the power of a wish is learning to hope in the face of so much fear. Through all of his treatment, Josh had something to look forward to and that is part of what brings him and other sick kids like him through it. It’s part of what teaches them that there can be a ‘so far’.

How you can get involved Donations (cheques) can be sent to our mailing address at: West Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society, PO Box 91255, West Vancouver, B.C., V7V 3N9. Donations can also be made directly to the North Shore Credit Union under the account of West Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society.

contact us West Vancouver Memorial Library

telephone 604 925 7400 email info@westvanlibrary.ca. internet www.westvanlibrary.ca West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation

telephone 604 925 7425 email foundation@westvanlibrary.ca internet www.westvanlibrary.ca

Celebrating our 60th Diamond Anniversary. Visit the Library to take in our historical photo exhibit and share your memories by adding to our “story wall.”

For kids: Book Buddies Children are partnered with teen volunteers to practice reading skills during half-hour sessions. To schedule a time, phone the Youth Dept. at 604-925-7408.

Storytimes Stories, songs, action rhymes, and finger plays designed to enhance vocabulary and a love of books. Offered several mornings a week.

How you can get involved The West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation manages donations, bequests and fundraising activities for the Library.

Donations may be made by check, online with a credit card, transfer of marketable securities, or through planned giving.

All contributions enhance the Library’s facility and services.

With your help, we can make your library better for you, for our children, for our future.