The Cochrane Foundation is looking for community support to grow its endowment fund by $500,000 to $2.5 million in an effort to give more back to the community.
“If the fund was bigger, we generate more income and we could help more in need,” said Tim Harvie, foundation board director.
The foundation received a record 28 applications requesting close to $300,000.
“It is great there is so much interest,” Harvie said.
This year, $51,803 was distributed among 12 groups, to assist with things like helping Cochrane & Area Victim Services purchase office equipment; the Cochrane & Area Humane Society buy audio visual equipment for the new education and rehabilitation centre; the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation acquire a new wildlife camera and scales; and helping inaugural recipients Helping Families Handle Cancer support families with children diagnosed with cancer.
In addition to the community grants, three medical students also shared the Dr. George McQuitty Memorial scholarship.
“Thank you so much for this award – it is a constant reminder that there is a whole community to give back to my education and future,” said veterinary student Camille Adams, previous recipient of the award who asked a friend to read a letter at the ceremony in her absence.
Currently governed by 10 volunteer board members, the foundation has given nearly $800,000 back to more than 90 area non-profits.
Started by three visionaries in 1993, Neil Harvie, Ray Zell and Bob Aylesworth wanted a means of supporting important community ideas related to arts, culture, environment, youth, education, health and more. The last founding member, Ray Zell, died earlier this year in January.
“We miss him and remember his wonderful sense of humour, his gentleness and his generosity towards the community. Even though Neil, Ray and Bob are no longer with us, their legacy lives on through the Cochrane Foundation,” the committee stated in a press release.
To help the Cochrane Foundation or for more information, go to cochranefoundation.ca.
