The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan and Benjamin Moore will provide $4,000 in cash grants and $1,250 in donated Benjamin Moore paint for two local community groups to complete important restoration and renovation projects.
Community foundation executive director Aaron McRann said the program provides charities with the materials and expertise they need to refurbish buildings of historical interest or social importance to their community.
“The restoration program is a great way to make a positive difference in our community, by sharing something that we are passionate about — our expertise and our products -— with people who are equally committed to the community and its heritage and vitality,” said Tom Lawrence, owner of True Colour Paint & Window Coverings, Penticton’s Benjamin Moore retailer.
The Okanagan School of the Arts received a grant and donated paint to aid in the restoration of the Shatford Centre.
“We were very pleased to hear that we were successful in our grant application with Benjamin Moore. This is perfect timing for the Shatford Centre to have exterior painting done on the 90-year-old white lintels and wood trim of this historic brick building,” said Jane Shaak, executive director of the Shatford Centre.
Ken Sewell, owner of Summerland Tim-BR Mart, Summerland’s Benjamin Moore retailer, sees it as a great opportunity to support local charity.
“We’re happy to partner with Benjamin Moore on something as important as this,” said Sewell.
The Summerland Asset Development Initiative received a grant and donated paint to help with the repainting of the outside of Summerland’s only youth club.
“SADI is extremely excited about using the Benjamin Moore grant to give our youth club a new look so we can continue to be a source of pride in the community,” said Michelle Stefan, program manager at the Summerland Asset Development Initiative.
This year, the Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program, through Community Foundations of Canada, is extending grants to 21 community groups in 14 communities across Canada.
The application process for the 2012 Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program will begin in October 2011. Information regarding the communities that will be targeted next year and details of the application process will be posted in the fall on the CFC website: www.cfc-fcc.ca/programs/.
The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan has served the region for 19 years, working with donors to create legacies in the form of permanent endowment funds. Grants are distributed from income earned, preserving the capital to ensure a perpetual stream of funds.
