February 16, 2012 - Abbotsford Community Foundation unveils online Student Awards Directory
May 12, 2010 - Most Fraser Valley Residents Oppose Metro Vancouver’s Waste Incinerator Plan
May 11, 2010 - Making Abbotsford a Better Place...For Kids to Get a Kick Out of Soccer
May 3, 2010 - Bev Brown elected President of the Abbotsford Community Foundation
Abbotsford Community Foundation
unveils online Student Awards Directory
(Abbotsford – Feb. 16, 2012) – The Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) has produced an online Student Awards Directory for 2012, listing scholarships, bursaries and other awards available to graduating Grade 12 students in SD34 and M.E.I. and it can be found at www.abbotsfordcf.org/StudentAwards.html
“Thanks to the generosity of many community groups, companies and individuals, this year we have over 265 awards totalling over $215,000 available to help students planning to continue on with post-secondary studies after they graduate,” said Susan McAlevy, executive director of ACF.
This year the Foundation has organized its directory into four categories so students can more easily identify awards they are eligible to apply for, as well as complete an online application form. “Many of our awards have very specific criteria but others are more general so it’s worthwhile for students to review all the award descriptions.” The deadline for students to submit their award application package to their student counsellor is Friday, March 2, 2012.
“We invite our donors to participate, in an advisory capacity, in selecting their award recipients, McAlevy explained. “Each year we hold a Donor Advisory Evening where donors review applications and choose candidates. ACF’s Student Awards Selection Committee then reviews the recommendations and selects the remaining award recipients.” Approximately 50 per cent of donors take part in this process and the remaining request that the Committee select their award recipients. The Selection Committee is made up of school counsellors from all the participating high schools.
Student awards are funded from the income from endowments and from annual donations. This year there are several new student awards including: Abbotsford Police Scholarship and Abbotsford Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Scholarship, both part of the Abbotsford Police City Basketball Tournament awards; the Cheryl McCormack Memorial Award; the Kody Ramsey “Inspirational” Award; and the Rodell Scholarship/Bursary. All the awards are presented at each participating high school’s graduation ceremony.
The following schools are part of ACF’s Student Awards Program: Abbotsford Collegiate, Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts (ASIA), Abbotsford Traditional Secondary, Bakerview Centre for Learning, Mennonite Educational Institute Secondary (MEI), Rick Hansen Secondary, Robert Bateman Secondary, W. J. Mouat Secondary and Yale Secondary.
For more information on how you can establish a student award, contact Susan McAlevy at 604-850-3755 or smcalevy@abbotsfordcf.org.
May 30, 2011
Abbotsford Community Foundation “True Sport” Program
funds a variety of summer activities for youth and seniors
The Abbotsford Community Foundation was one of four community foundations across Canada chosen this year by the True Sport Foundation as a pilot project, to see if granting at the local level can lead to more sustainable activities where sport can contribute to strengthening communities. The other communities included Winnipeg, Kitchener-Waterloo and Burlington.
A special grants committee comprised of community volunteers and board members, met earlier this month to review applications submitted by a number of local organizations and the committee distributed approximately $20,000 last week to fund six projects that will take place in Abbotsford this summer. Applicants were required to provide “matching” funds that could include “gifts in kind” and volunteer time. In total, over $43,000 in “matching” funds will be contributed to these projects.
“The matching requirement was an important element in the process as was the criteria that the projects include working with other partners because they ensure that there is something left once the events or programs have been completed. Whether it’s new skills learned by the volunteers, new relationships between service providers or new equipment, all of these things are something of value that will contribute to future programs and events. That’s what the True Sport Foundation was hoping for – a way for relatively small amounts of money to leverage more lasting outcomes,” said Susan McAlevy, Executive Director, Abbotsford Community Foundation.
“Our goal is to explore how sport can be used to strengthen local communities,” said Christina Parsons, Project Manager, True Sport Foundation. “It’s intended as a short-term spark. I found the energy and community collaboration in Abbotsford truly inspiring.”
PROJECTS FUNDED:
Heat in the Street
Abbotsford Firefighters, Police and Ambulance personnel are working together to stage three impromptu “block parties” in local neighborhoods this summer that will include street hockey, an obstacle course for the younger children, emergency vehicles open for residents to explore, home safety tips, and cold treats.
“We envision a street party feeling, with neighbors getting to know each other while we act as the catalysts. We want our community to learn that firefighters, cops and paramedics are an integral part of their city. We not only live here, but work and play as well,” said Martin Sunderland, Fire Rescue Service.
Geocaching 101 for Youth
The Abbotsford Youth Commission is introducing the sport of Geocaching to the youth of Abbotsford by holding an eight week program this summer. Geocachers use GPS units to find treasure stashes all over the world and there are thousands of stashes located in Abbotsford. Led by two youth leaders hired for the program, youth will participate in eight different treasure hunts learning everything from teamwork to navigational skills.
“We will take our participants out into nature, something many of them have not regularly done in the past and introduce them to new areas of their own city that they didn’t know existed,” said Bev Olfert, Executive Director of the Youth Commission.
Yarnbombing
This is an active urban art experience involving youth and seniors. The seniors teach the young people how to knit with the goal of brightening up the city by attaching knitted objects to public sites. This is also an eight week program being offered by the Youth Commission involving volunteers and yarn donated by The Reach Gallery Museum.
Technique Wars
The Raically Free Youth Group is coordinating this international breakdancing competition that will be held in late Auguest at the Ag Rec Centre. Judging will be done by local experts and the music will be provided by local Abbotsford/Mission DJ Con.
“The purpose of this event is to provide youth with a place to express their creative talents in a fun, exciting and safe environment,” said Michael Alderking, coordinator of Technique Wars. “Breakdancing is color blind. Race and ethnic background are generally ignored and people focus on the skills and personality of each individual.”
Summer in the Skatepark
The Youth Commission will be bringing a positive presence to the McMillan Youth Park one afternoon a week all summer by hosting a BBQ with volunteers, fun activities and music. “We want to be a positive presence at the park making relationship with the youth who skate in the park and having fun in the process,” said Bev Olfert, Executive Director of the Youth Commission.
Youthful Lawn Bowling
The Jubilee Lawn Bowling Association will be holding an introductory instructional day for young people followed by a barbeque. They will then get to participate on the senior’s teams for two evening sessions. The Radically Free Youth Society will help invite youth to participate.
May 12, 2010
Most Fraser Valley Residents Oppose Metro Vancouver’s Waste Incinerator Plan
Abbotsford Community Foundation, in service to the wellbeing of Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley, commissioned a Public Opinion Survey from Angus Reid to gather information that would inform the public, business, civil service and politicians on all sides of the waste incinerator issue.
The survey was conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion between May 3rd, 2010 and May 7th, 2010. The survey was conducted online survey among 450 randomly selected adults who are residents of the Fraser Valley Regional District and are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 4.6%, 19 times out of 20.
92% FVRD residents believe that the Fraser Valley’s air quality should be a very important factor in any decision making about industrial activity in Metro Vancouver.
The belief that the air quality in your neighbourhood is “very important” to you is nearly universal (84%) and another 15% think it is “moderately important.” These numbers are extremely high and demonstrate the importance of air quality to people across the region. That “very important” number is even higher among women (88%), those over 55 (92%) and those who suffer from a respiratory illness (86%).
Approximately two thirds (65%) of FVRD residents rate the air quality in the Fraser Valley as very poor (22%) or moderately poor (43%).
Key responses in the survey indicate the respondents are well informed on the incinerator issue and the better educated they are, the more they oppose the plan.
- Awareness of Metro Vancouver’s proposed plan to build incinerators in the Lower Mainland is very high. 81% say they have heard, seen or read about this issue in the past several months. This number is higher with men (88%), than with women (74%), as well as with people who do not suffer from a respiratory illness (86%) and those who have lived in the FVRD for more than 10 years (84%).
- Amongst those who are aware of the proposed plan to build incinerators only 27% support it (6% strongly and 22% moderately), while 59% oppose it (39% strongly and 20% moderately). The remaining 14% are not sure.
Respondents are also well informed on alternative approaches to waste management.
Given the choice between incineration and compost and recycling 100% of our waste FVRD residents were overwhelmingly more likely to choose compost and recycle 100% of our waste (66%), to only 10% choosing incineration and 16% saying some other method.
Respondents were asked about what the expected impacts would be of building incinerators on a series of public policy areas. The impacts were classified into positive (strongly and moderately) and negative (strongly and moderately). Of the eight policy areas tested, in seven of them the proportion of people who chose negative impacts exceeded those who chose positive. Ranked in order from most negative impact are:
- Air quality in your community: 83% negative – and worse amongst those with university degrees (89%), those making over $100,000 (89%) and those suffering from respiratory illnesses (89%).
- Human health: 78% negative– and worse amongst women (81%) those with university degrees (85%), and those who have in the past suffered from respiratory illnesses (81%).
- The environment: 76% negative – and worse amongst those with university degrees (86%), and those who have lived in the valley more than 10 years (79%).
- Livestock: 67% negative.
- Tourism: 65% negative – and worse amongst those with university degrees (73%).
- Agriculture: 63% negative - and worse amongst those who are aware of Metro Vancouver’s proposed plan to build incinerators (67%).
- Electricity prices: 34% negative, with 24% saying they would have a positive impact and 42% saying not sure.
Despite the SUMAS 2 power plant controversy being settled for several years three quarters or respondents (74%) said they followed it “very closely” (31%) or “moderately closely” (42%). They are more likely to be men (83%), people over 55 (83%) and those who have lived in the valley for more than 10 years (84%).
Of those who did follow it – a staggering 94% opposed it (75% strongly and 19% moderately). It was even higher among those who have lived in the valley for more than 10 years (96%).
Respondents see a connection between SUMAS 2 and Metro Vancouver’s plans for waste incineration. With 35% seeing a “strong connection” and 39% seeing a moderate connection. This connection holds across all groups but is higher among those who are aware of Metro Vancouver’s plans (78%) and those who have lived in the valley for more than 10 years (80%).
Respondents were evenly split on how well informed they are about the benefits and risk of waste incineration. 50% say they are very well (8%) or moderately well (42%) informed and the other 50% are not very informed (39%) or not at all informed (10%). Men are more likely to be better informed (58%), as are those over 55 (64%), and those with university degrees (63%).
The Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF), through its management of endowments and granting for the wellbeing of the whole community, empowers people and grows community.
“ As co-sponsor of the Imagine Abbotsford Dialogues, ACF is well informed that Abbotsford and valley residents highly value health and air quality as factors in a desirable future”, observes, Marilyn Hamilton, Past President of Abbotsford Community Foundation. She remarks that, “With the contribution from an anonymous donor, ACF took the lead on sponsoring this research to obtain the views of the residents who will be most affected by the decisions made by our urban neighbours to the west, for generations to come.”
ACF hopes the results of this survey demonstrate the value of informing community stakeholders, being good neighbours and respecting all the factors that contribute to the wellbeing of communities who make decisions that affect the eco-system and air shed shared by all.
May 11, 2010
Making Abbotsford a Better Place...For Kids to Get a Kick Out of Soccer
The Abbotsford Community Foundation is pleased to be able to make a $1000 grant to the “I CAN Play Soccer program, one of the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) sport based programs developed to cater to the unique challenges and strengths that coincide with autism. This program seeks to teach basic soccer skill development to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their siblings. The program also encourages and promotes friendship, sportsmanship and confidence as the participants are given the opportunity to engage in an activity that is often unavailable to them.
Sandy Hill Elementary School has been home to the I CAN Play Soccer program in Abbotsford since October 2009. The Sandy Hill program has 14 participants, with ages ranging from four to ten years old. Eight of these participants have ASD, with the remaining participants being siblings. The program was filled within a month of being opened and continues to have a positive impact for those participating and volunteering.
The coach has observed the participants as they have “increased their confidence and improved their basic soccer skills. We are very thankful to the many volunteers from the Abbotsford program and to the Abbotsford Community Foundation for their support in making a difference for individuals and families dealing with autism” explains Dimitri Aspostolopoulos.
May 3, 2010
Bev Brown elected President of the Abbotsford Community Foundation
The Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) has announced that Envision Financial President Bev Brown has been elected to lead the ACF’s Board of Directors. As President, Brown will provide overall leadership and support to the organization as it works towards creating a more vibrant local community within Abbotsford.
“The Board was impressed with Bev’s exceptional leadership skills and financial services expertise, which will help the ACF build a solid foundation to our aggressive endowment plans,” says Executive Director Deborah Bullock. “The Foundation has served the community for more than 30 years by taking a leadership role to enhance the quality of life in Abbotsford. I have no doubt Bev’s experience and leadership will help us achieve our goal.”
A life-long Abbotsford resident with close ties to the community, Brown most recently served as the President of the Langley School District Foundation, which enables students to access programs not usually funded by the Ministry of Education. She is also a past board member of both the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities and the Ethical Funds Company, Canada’s first and largest family of socially- responsible mutual funds.
“Abbotsford has always been home to me, so it made sense to volunteer my time with an organization I had a deep connection with,” explains Brown. “The Abbotsford Community Foundation has an amazing goal and a very strong vision to support the growth and vibrancy of Abbotsford, which initially attracted me to the opportunity. I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Brown takes over from outgoing President Dr. Marilyn Hamilton, who facilitated a number of strategic initiatives during her nine year tenure on ACF’s Board of Directors. These included re-branding ACF, framing its long-term strategic direction, endorsing ACF’s largest grant to Discovery Trail, hiring a full-time Executive Director and office staff, debuting the “ Neighbourhood Ball”, as well as sponsoring and chairing the Imagine Abbotsford Dialogues.
Established in 1979, the Abbotsford Community Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the people of Abbotsford. Through endowment building, serving donors and grant making, the Foundation provides grants to a wide range of local charitable organizations in an effort to inspire giving, empower people and grow community.
Envision Financial is a division of First West Credit Union, B.C.’s third-largest credit union with 37 branches and 29 insurance offices throughout the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Kitimat and Thompson-Okanagan-Similkameen regions. First West has approximately $5.6 billion in assets under administration, 167,000 member-owners, and more than 1,150 employees. For eight years running, Envision has been named one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada, and is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada.