Lumby is in the Kineshanko blood so it was natural that the family would rally behind the community.
Members of the family gathered Wednesday to present $10,000 to the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre’s Legacy Fund.
“I strongly believe in the need for social services,” said Joanne Kineshanko, owner of Kineshanko Logging and a former mayor who raised her four children in Lumby.
Most of her 10 grandchildren also live there.
The $10,000 was the initial payment on what Kineshanko expects will be a minimum $25,000 donation over five years.
The donation is in memory of Kineshanko’s husband Terry, who died in 2006.
The Legacy Fund campaign’s goal is to raise $800,000 over five years.
“We wouldn’t have these services in Lumby and Cherryville without the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre. People would have to go into Vernon,” said Kineshanko, a campaign co-chairperson.
“I urge every individual, family and business to support the campaign at what ever level they can. Working together, the campaign can succeed.”
Gay Jewitt, WCRC executive director, welcomes the participation of the Kineshanko family.
“Joanne’s business, political and community development background, along with her genuine compassion and caring for families and the community, has made her an excellent Whitevalley supporter,” said Jewitt.
“The contribution to the campaign speaks to the family’s commitment to the community.”
WCRC services include counselling for adults and families, addictions counselling, after-school activities, Kid’s Zone in Cherryville, summer day camps, toddler programs, cooking classes for those on a budget, seniors drop-in, health information for seniors, Good Food Box and Internet access.
It was decided to create an endowment fund to support operations because government grants are uncertain and the centre almost closed a few years ago.
For more information on the campaign or to donate, call 250-547-8866 or go to www.whitevalley.ca.
