The Community Foundation of Swan Valley (CFSV) held their sixth annual Spring Granting Night on Wednesday (April 30) at the Swan Valley Historical Museum, presenting several grants to various community organizations around the Swan Valley.
“We’re here not only to celebrate some amazing projects happening across the Swan Valley, but also recognizing the 20th anniversary of the CFSV,” said CFSV President Patti Henkelman, in her opening remarks.
“Over the past 20 years, including the grants presented tonight, the Foundation will have granted more than $1.5 million back into our community, supporting youth, education, recreation, culture and so much more. The Foundation has grown to reach $4.4 million in actual donations as of April 30 this year. Now we are working towards our next big milestone of $5 million with our Drive for Five campaign.
“The Drive for Five isn’t just about hitting a financial target,” Henkelman continued. “It’s about building long-term sustainability. It’s about ensuring that our communities will continue to thrive over generations to come.”
The evening kicked off with some musical entertainment from the talented Terri Boyd and Harper Dahl, singing and playing music for a few numbers, before the CFSV handed out 17 grants to community organizations.
• Benito Splash Park Committee – $50,000 in two parts for the Benito Splash Park build
• Benito and Area Drop-in Centre – $2,400 for building exterior renovation and repair
• Durban Commuity Cemetery – $5,000 for a cemetery information centre
• Swan Valley Snowmobile Association – $8,000 for Phase 3 of a shop heating system
• Swan River and District Community Resource Council – $4,000 for a commercial dishwasher in Heritage Manor
• Steeprock Bay Bible Camp – $1,250 for archery program equipment upgrade
• Swan River Nursery School Inc. – $5,000 for bathroom renovations
• Tread the Thunder Bike Club – $2,000 for a trail groomer
• Minitonas and Bowsman COPP – $2,000 for COPP operating equipment purchase
• Minitonas and District Arena – $3,500 for a water fountain and bottle filling station
• Wellman Lake United Church Camp – $8,000 for Phase 2 of a water system upgrade
• Swan Valley Girls Softball Association – $2,000 for jerseys purchase
• SVRSS – $3,000 for first aid equipment purchase
• Minitonas School – $4,300 for basketball equipment upgrades
• Minitonas School PAC – $3,500 for school outdoor space
• Swan River Trap Club – $4,500 for a storage building
• Bowsman Community Skating Arena – $4,500 for an overhead door replacement
Three grants were also given out by the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program, which is headed up by SVRSS teacher Carol Larson.
• Steeprock Bay Bible Camp – $500 for archery program equipment upgrade
• Tread the Thunder Bike Club – $1,000 for trail groomer
• Swan Valley Girls Softball Association – $1,000 for jerseys purchase
The students of the YIP program also fundraised $1,000 to be invested with the CFSV.
“From our founders 20 years ago, to the volunteers and donors who support us today, this foundation is a reflection of the Swan Valley’s strength and spirit,” Henkelman concluded.