The Salt Spring Island Foundation is pleased to announce over $148,000 in spring grants for local charities, including $30,000 targeted to youth recreation programs. The Foundation thanks the many generous donors who make these grants possible.

 BC Parks/Friends of Ruckle Park Heritage

To create and install six new interpretive signs for Ruckle Provincial Park to increase the appreciation of Ruckle heritage farm, the oldest operating family farm in BC and a living link to Salt Spring Island history.

Graffiti Theatre Company

• For a secure and permanent storage container for the theatre company’s technical equipment, props and costumes.
• Towards a feasibility study for a multi-use performing arts education and recreation centre.

Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association

For updated computers and a new phone system to increase the organization’s capacity and communications efficiency.

IWAV

For new computers in order to securely and effectively carry out programs that are vital to our community.

Salt Spring Arts Council

In support of six free summer music performances in Centennial Park, pairing a touring BC act with a local opener. Suitable for all ages, the concerts will take place on Tuesday evenings, following the Tuesday market. 

Salt Spring Centre School

Towards an outdoor classroom in a wooded area at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga. The structure will hold two classes and will be used daily throughout the school year. In the summer it will provide a covered area for Yoga Centre programming.

Salt Spring Island Farmland Trust

Towards the furnishing of a residential unit at The Root, the food storage, processing and education centre on Beddis Road. This apartment will be offered at an affordable rate and will ensure that the property is not vacant after office hours.

Salt Spring Island Historical Society

• To purchase and install a flat-screen monitor on the main floor of the library to display historical pictures and videos, as well as regular updates about ongoing historical projects, displays and presentations in the community.
• For cultural interpretive panels on two different sites in Ganges. The panels will deepen commitment and awareness of Indigenous and Japanese-Canadian history on Salt Spring. Consultations will be held with the various First Nations communities that have traditional ties to the island.

Salt Spring Island Literacy

To support early literacy by providing books to be distributed to children in various local programs.

Salt Spring Island Search and Rescue Society

Towards a custom aluminum cargo box to be attached to the society’s new Ford 350 truck. The box has exterior and interior compartments for critical gear and a rear door to access the interior of the main cargo box. 

Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society

To fund equipment and materials for use in a volunteer program that collects field data regarding island freshwater resources. The project raises awareness and improves understanding of freshwater stewardship on Salt Spring Island.

School District #64

• For the purchase of a replacement rowing scull for the GISS Rowing Club, which suffered severe equipment loss during the December 2018 storm.
• For the Literacy and Technology Project at the Middle School, which aims to provide tech tools to help students with literacy and learning challenges.

SWOVA

To redesign the Peace Kids program, which builds social and emotional learning skills in Southern Gulf Islands primary-grade schoolchildren to prevent bullying and support their mental health and social wellbeing with family, friends and in future relationships.

Thanks to a generous bequest from Joan Nicholson, the Foundation has granted over $30,000 to the following youth recreation projects:

KidSport Victoria

To help children and youth on Salt Spring Island whose families do not have the financial means to register their children in organized sports, and to increase outreach on the island to ensure that local families in need know that funds are available to support their children.

Capital Regional District (CRD)

To purchase two new soccer goals for Portlock Park. The lightweight goals have wheels for safe and easy transport.

School District #64

For instruments and music to help reinstate the GISS Concert Band and Jazz Band, which have not existed in the school for over a decade. As the Middle School band program continues to grow, this will provide a valuable opportunity for students to continue developing their musical skills in high school.

Fulford Community Hall

Towards replacing outdated and worn gymnastic equipment used by the Saltspring Gymnastics Association at Fulford Hall. Every year over 250 families benefit from the gymnastics program, which involves children and youth from ages 1 to 18.

Salt Spring Therapeutic Riding Association

To assist in expanding the therapeutic riding program by providing a shelter for additional therapy horses.

Does your Salt Spring charity have a great project that needs funds? The Foundation has helped over 85 charities in the past 35 years, granting $3.3 million to our community. If you’d like to know how we can help you, please go to our website at ssifoundation.ca, or call 250-537-8305.