The Maple Ridge Community Foundation will be making an impact on local organizations that have been selected as a recipient of their 2024 autumn granting cycle.
A total of $93,130.80 will be handed out on Thursday, Dec. 12, to community organizations to support 24 different projects.
Money for the groups will come from the MECF General Endowment Fund, the George Mussallem Youth Fund, the Kevin and Debbie Nosworthy Fund, the Cocking Family Fund, Mark Monkman Legacy Fund, and the Cable Family Fund.
Cheques have been handed out throughout the year, explained Amy Pridday with the foundation, but the ceremony is to be able to honour the recipients all together and hear, in person, more about what they are going to be using the money for.
"It's just a nice free event for family and friends, and the workers who may have missed the [cheque] presentation day of," noted Pridday.
Eligible applicants include registered charities and qualified donees under the Income Tax Act. Applicants had to include a CRA Registered Charity Number, comprehensive project specific budget, and current financial statements to demonstrate sound financial management of the organization.
This year the receipients are:
• Athletics For Kids for the Sport4Life Maple Ridge Grant Program, $3,000;
• District 42 Alternate Secondary (Connex) for the continued expansion of the student garden at Connex (APC), and for improving the quality of nutrition for students, $3,000;
• BC Family Care Foundation Society o/a WomanCare for the 2025 Flourish Moms Group, $8,400;
• NatureKids B.C. for building community connections to nearby nature in Maple Ridge, $2,000;
• Cythera Transition House Society for the Sharing Cupboard and New Beginnings Baskets, $5,000;
• Zajac Ranch Society for the Zajac Ranch for Children 2025 Summer Camp, $3,200;
• Ridge Meadows Senior's Society for the Revitalizing Wellness and Footcare Clinic, $3,000;
• Inner Visions Recovery Society of BC for the Hammond House Redevelopment, $3,000;
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services for Cultural Learnings Series: Indigenous Voices, $3,300;
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council for the community stage and piano nights, $2,500;
• The Family Education And Suppport Centre for The Family Navigation Program, $3,000;
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services for community meals, $2,000;
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services for Seniors Activity Program, aka Party Bus, $2,000;
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services for Alisa's Wish Child and Youth Advocacy Centre Parent/Caregiver Support Group, $3,000;
• Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services for Daddy & Me program, $3,000;
• The Family Education and Support Centre for social inclusion for newcomers; $3,000;
• The Family Education and Support Centre for Women's Intervention Support Program, $3,000;
• The Family Education and Support Centre for Circle of Security, $1,372.80;
• Ridge Meadows Speed Skating Association for new club speed skates, $3,000;
• The Family Education and Support Centre for Families Supporting Families, $1,500;
• The Family Education and Support Centre for The Family Leaf Drop In Program, $2,858;
• Friends in Need Food Bank Society for School Meal/Snack Program - Indigenous Education Program SD42, $4,300;
• School District 42 for the elementary school hot lunch program, $7,000;
• and Ridge Meadows Hospital $10,000.
Since 2000, the community foundation has awarded more than one million dollars in grants to a variety of local charities that are dedicated to building a better Maple Ridge.
These grants, made possible through the generosity of community donors, support projects that enhance the quality of life for all citizens
