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$104,000 in Smart and Caring Grants go to 17 organizations

Abbotsford Community Foundation helps programs that support kids and families at risk
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The 2019 recipients of the Abbotsford Community Foundation’s Smart and Caring Community Grants were announced at a special event on May 30 at The Reach Gallery Museum. (Submitted photo)

The Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) has announced the recipients of almost $104,000 in funding from its 2019 Smart and Caring Community Grants.

The grants were awarded to 17 local charities at a special 40th anniversary event on May 30 at The Reach Gallery Museum.

Each charity provided a summary on how these grants will increase care and support across a broad spectrum of organizations supporting children and families at risk in our community.

“ACF is honoured to support our community. Without this funding many of these crucial programs would have to be cut or cancelled,” said Lorna Hart, ACF board chair.

Hart recognized and thanked Vivian Trethewey and her late husband Alan, who were the founding donors to the ACF 40 years ago.

RELATED: 2018 Smart and Caring Grant recipients

RELATED: 2017 Smart and Caring Grant recipients

Vivian continues to contribute to the ongoing impact of the ACF.

The ACF community grants committee is composed of local individuals with a passion for serving the community.

Chair of the committee, Andrea Senft, is the manager of community development with the Abbotsford School District.

ACF executive director Wendy Neufeld said that many organizations presented worthy applications for the grants.

“Abbotsford has a population in need of additional supports and care. This does not go unnoticed,” she said.

Neufeld said that the Smart and Caring Community Fund has provided almost $500,000 in grants since 2014.

The annual Smart and Caring Golf Classic held each year on the third Thursday of September at Ledgeview Golf Course raises funds that are permanently added to the capital of this ACF community fund.

The 2019 event will be on Sept. 19 and is almost sold out.

Visit abbotsfordcf.org or call 604-850-3755 for more information.

Recipients of this year’s grants are:

• Abbotsford Arts Council – Jam-in-Jubilee

• Abbotsford Community Services – Starfish Backpack Program (food bank)

• Abbotsford Hospice – child and youth bereavement support

• Abbotsford Youth Commission – Healthy Mind/Healthy Body

• Bakerview Music Academy – free music lessons for kids

• Big Brothers Big Sisters – mentoring for Mental Health

• Cyrus Centre – Supported Enhanced Life Skills Program

• Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association – Young at Arts

• Heritage Abbotsford Society – Aboriginal Arts and Culture Day

• INASMUCH Community Society – refugee claimant community support

• KidSport Abbotsford – amateur sports registration fees

• L.I.F.E. Recovery Association –family suite transformation

• Literacy Matters Abbotsford – fostering Literacy

• West Abbotsford Community School – SCAMPER literacy program

• University of the Fraser Valley – Science Rocks summer camp

Housing grants

• Positive Living Abbotsford

• Ravens Moon Resource Society