The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) has funded several projects in the region to help communities through COVID-19 and prepare for investment.
PGCF has awarded $113,872 to five social-purpose organizations throughout northern B.C. and the Cariboo as part of the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP).
"Their work is creating meaningful jobs, strengthening the charitable and non-profit sector and addressing social challenges ensuring that we can build back better after COVID-19," reads a PGCF release.
"These organizations will be better prepared to receive investment, including through the Government of Canada’s Social Finance Fund."
The PGCF says it received a high volume of applications for, what it calls, a highly competitive program.
The qualifying projects are as follows:
- $22,532 to Dawson Creek Society for Community Living
- Purchase of a commercial shredder and dust collector to promote employment opportunities for those in their community with developmental disabilities
- $37,000 to EcoTrust Canada
- Transforming Fisheries Observers program in Prince Rupert
- $10,000 to Potato House Project
- Diverting food waste from downtown local businesses in Williams Lake
- $15,640 to Valemount Learning Centre
- Purchase a hydroponic growing container to grow vegetables year-round, supply local businesses, create employment and further support their community
- $28,700 to Seed the North, Inc.
- Sequestering carbon and restoring ecosystems to combat climate change in collaboration with Northern communities, creating jobs first in Hazelton
“As Canada enters a period of pandemic recovery, it’s crucial we invest in organizations that are helping us think and do things differently. We don’t want to go back to the status quo. We want to build back better, and create more resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities, where economic opportunities are fair and the benefits of wealth are shared,” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada, a national partner in the Investment Readiness Program.
“Business isn’t just about the bottom line. It can be a source for good and a catalyst for social and environmental change in communities across Canada. We’re thrilled to announce the second round of IRP funding for Northern BC and the Cariboo starting on September 8, 2020. It’s another opportunity for local organizations to play an active role in rebuilding more resilient and inclusive communities," adds Mindy Stroet from the Prince George Community Foundation.
PGCF says the program creates and advances new earned revenue possibilities for charities and non-profits and plays a key role in pandemic recovery while also moving Canada towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
