A Maple Ridge charity has donated more than $20,000 back to the community.
The Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears, after a series of successful events and initiatives, made the donations to various community agencies over the past month.
Donations were made to: the Intergenerational Garden; Maple Ridge Senior Secondary, (MRSS), choir; the Rent Bank; Connex Meal Programs; Christmas Haven; Family Education and Support Center; Eric Langton Fine Arts programs; the Maple Ridge Climate Hub; uPlan; Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living; and others.
“It is extremely exciting to be able to help support so many agencies doing amazing work in Maple Ridge,” said Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears president Kim Dumore.
“Kiwanis’s mandate is to support the community and children, and we are extremely proud of the work that we do in our community,” she said.
Some donations included: $3,000 towards a new piano to the music department at MRSS, $2,500 to Christmas Haven, $2,600 to the SD42 Alternative Education nourishment programs, $600 to the Family Education and Support Centre, and $3,000 to the Intergenerational Garden.
Money was raised through a variety of events, including the club’s Annual Plant Sale, Food Truck events such as MRSS Show and Shine, Pride in the Park, Overdose Awareness Day, Truth and Reconciliation Day, Breakfast with Santa, and gaming funds.
“We are immensely thankful for the continuous support we receive from our community. It’s their generosity that allows us to give back and make a positive impact,” said Dumore, adding they are always looking for opportunities to bring their food trailer to more community events – claiming to make the best hot dog in town.
The Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears continues to be a driving force for positive change in Maple Ridge, said Dumore, embodying the spirit of community service and commitment to making a difference in the lives of its residents.
Anyone who would like to collaborate with the club and have their food trailer at an event are asked to email: kiwanisofgoldenears@gmail.com.
For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears and their community initiatives go to kiwanisgoldenears.ca.