It’s the culmination of many years of work but now the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative is handing out legacy grants to various community groups from the profits of its logging venture with the Pacheedaht First Nation.
Decisions were made in October as to how this year’s fund of $50,000 would be divvied up, and Tim McGonigle, vice-chair of the Co-op, announced the names of the winners on Nov. 12.
“The Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative, aside from the yearly donations that we do to the Community Services Christmas Hampers, the scholarships we hand out, and other contributions that we do yearly, this year would be the first time we’ve done legacy gifts from among the applications that came forward.
“I’m pleased to announced that we as a board have approved a number of requests totalling $50,000 for this year,” he said, and then read from a list.
“The Honeymoon Bay community association is receiving $2,500 towards their Christmas dinner program. The Cowichan Lake district Skating Club is receiving $3,000 as requested. Cowichan Lake Christian Fellowship, which does a youth group, asked for some funds to help with that program. They are receiving $2,000.
“Cowichan Lake Community Services is receiving a total of $10,000 towards the purchase of a new community bus. As per our policy, they will receive $5,000 now and then the remainder of $10,000 after completion of successful fundraising. We have limited the amount to $5,000 for up-front costs and then ongoing costs will be broached and paid as they come forward. First Lake Cowichan Scouts in the amount of $5,000, out of a total of $7,500. The Royal Canadian Legion (Br. 210) receives $5,000 up front as part of a total of $16,000 towards the purchase of a new heat pump.
“Kaatza Lakeside Players have been given $2,500. Honeymoon Bay Carpet Bowling Association receives a grant in the amount of $2,500; Lake Cowichan School Meals on Wheels — they’ve taken over that program — in the amount of $2,000 and Cowichan Lake Community Garden, $1,500.
“We’re proud to give these organizations some funding for successful programs moving forward. I think it’s just the start of many legacy gifts to come. I encourage those who were not successful this time around to re-apply and look at the policies within the gifting opportunities to make sure their applications follow those guidelines,” McGonigle said.
“It’s a great start for both communities: ourselves and the Pacheedaht First Nation. They also have contributed their portion of the legacy into their community as well.”
lexi.bainas@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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