Media Release - West Vancouver Community Centres Society Secures $110,000 Grant
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011 –The West Vancouver Community Centres Society (WVCCS) is the successful recipient of a $110,000 grant which will improve the daily lives of West Vancouver children. The grant is awarded by the United Way's 'Schools out Program'.
The funds, to be received over a three year period, will focus on after school programs for children aged six to eight from Chartwell and Hollyburn Elementary Schools. The students will visit the West Vancouver Community Centre on a weekly basis to participate in activities which encourage the physical, social and emotional health of young people, as well as facilitate their personal growth and development.
"It is very gratifying for our Society to see how our beautiful new Community Centre will directly contribute to the development of children," says Barbara Brink, Society Chair. "This is also another example of how having a Society in a position of leadership adds value given municipal governments would not be eligible for such funding."
Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, says: "West Vancouver's Community Centre Board, our schools and our staff are pulling together to care for our children and have earned this outstanding support from the United Way."
West Vancouver Community Centres Society
In March 2007, the District of West Vancouver Council directed the establishment of a Community Centre Governance Working Group to create a community governance model for the new Community Centre, and to ensure that the principles of community leadership, empowerment and ownership were incorporated into community services. Today, this governance model provides joint oversight to the West Vancouver Community Centre and Aquatic Centre, with a combined operating budget of $6.6 million. The non-profit society is comprised of 17 residents and provides leadership and direction to the operations of the facility. The Society Board is led by Chair Barbara Brink.
For more information on the WVCCS please visit their website at wvcommunitycentressociety.ca.
About the United Way’s School Out Grant
The United Way of the Lower Mainland has been investing in programs that address children’s social-emotional development, school experiences, connectedness and relationship development, physical health and well being. Research has shown these programs are beneficial to children, families and communities. These grants have helped provide many children with enriching experiences. The grant was open to all BC registered non- profit organizations with a Board of Directors who provide out-of school programming and services in Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, Richmond, the Tri-Cities and the North Shore.
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
Media Contact:
Sue Ketler
Executive Director
West Vancouver Community Centres Society
Phone - 604-925-7126
Cellular - 604-908-8509
Fax - 604-921-3405