Media Releases

The Central Okanagan Foundation Strengthens our Community with over $80,000 in Grants

August 04, 2011

The Central Okanagan Foundation Strengthens our Community with over $80,000 in GrantsKelowna, BC: The Central Okanagan Foundation announced today the grant recipients for the 2011 spring granting cycle. Over $80,000 will go 22 organizations to support youth and family, arts and culture, education, health and the environment.One of the grant recipients, Arion Therapeutic Farm provides an opportunity for adults and children with special needs to get to know horses through therapeutic riding. The Central Okanagan Foundation grant will help support ongoing programs at the farm where about 80 participants are expected each week this summer.“The health benefits of being around the animals are immeasurable,” explains Heather Henderson, program director at the farm. “Through the different programs offered, kids gain strength, coordination, mental skills, as well as independence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging.”“We have been actively supporting local charities like Arion Farm since 1977” said Cheryl Miller, Grants Manager for the Central Okanagan Foundation. “We are pleased to continue to make a difference in our community.”

Other grant recipients this spring include:

• BC Life Builders Rehabilitation Society
• BC Teen Challenge
• Central Okanagan Community Gardens
• Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society
• Church Serve Canada
• Community Recreational Initiatives Society
• Creator’s Art Centre Society
• Friends of Parrot Sanctuary Society
• Fresh Outlook Foundation
• Inn from the Cold Kelowna
• John Howard Society of the South OK Kootenay Region of BC
• Kelowna Canada Concerts Society
• Kelowna Gospel Mission
• Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Centre
• Lake Country Open Air Performances
• Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association
• Okanagan Lifetime Networks Association (PLAN)
• Okanagan Mobility Solutions 2006 Society
• Peachland Historical Society Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
• Summer Arts Scene for Youth

The Central Okanagan Foundation is a community foundation based in Kelowna, British Columbia. It is a trusted place where donors go to give and charitable groups go for support in their valuable endeavours.

The purpose of the foundation is to accept and invest charitable donations in endowment fund so that investment income can be distributed as grants to charities across the Central Okanagan. Since only the investment income is spent, the endowment capital is preserved, allowing the Central Okanagan Foundation to support important community organizations year after year.

To make a charitable donation or find out more about the Central Okanagan Foundation, visit www.central okanaganfoundation.org or phone (250) 861-6160.