What a successful and fun evening we all enjoyed tonight.  The second meeting of the 100 Men Who Care organization was held at Harbour House Hotel.  Within less than hour over $10,500 was raised for the winning charity.  The winner chosen by the membership at the March 4 meeting was the Fulford Hall Community Association.  Prior to the voting and cheque presentation, members had an opportunity to network.  This was an evening of giving, both to ourselves and to our vibrant Island community.

For 36 years the Salt Spring Island Foundation has been supporting the charities that make our island a caring community. Thanks to many generous donors, over 550 grants have been awarded to over 85 local charitable organizations, totalling over $3.3 million. Foundation grants have supported many areas of need and many types of projects and programs, from capital improvements to services and events that engage and assist community members. Other grants have funded projects that aim to strengthen the organizations themselves and help them to better fulfill their mission. This year the Foundation will be putting even more emphasis on strengthening our charities, committing $25,000 to projects that aim to build the capacity of qualified local non-profits. Of that amount, $15,000 will be awarded during the spring grants cycle. Examples of capacity-building activities could include strategic planning, technology upgrades, operational improvements, board development, improvin…

Part of being alive is the desire to help others through action. While there are many ways to accomplish this philanthropy, one common way is to give generously of our wealth and abundance. Who hasn’t donated to their favourite charity or not for profit organization? Doing so benefits both our neighbour and ourselves. However, most of us wonder at the difference our individual donation is really making. What if there was a way to multiply our giving tenfold without having to bake anything, join a committee, or attend endless meetings. Well, there is a simple way to multiply our giving, making a huge difference for our Island not for profit organizations. Perhaps you have already heard of the 100 Women Who Care group started here on Salt Spring last fall. This group of dedicated women have single-handedly raised in one year over $49,000 for three Island not for profits. It is my belief that Island men can make a similar difference, providing much need assistance to under-fund…

The waters around our island are experiencing another push for industrialization. Freighters started anchoring at our island. Similar to a factory or refinery they are bringing industrial pollution - chronic engine and generator noise, lights, air and water pollution. More anchorages are expected and will affect more beaches and neighbourhoods. There is no protection in place for the shores and waters around Salt Spring Island. We need the completion of some framework like a National Marine Conservation Area, which has been in planning for years and years without results. Freighters are now regularly anchoring at two sites right at Ganges Harbour, Chocolate Beach, Price Beach, Beddis Beach, and the north end of Ruckle Park. These are not peacefully resting ships. They are a type of industrial expansion more like floating factories or refineries. Engines or massive generators are roaring 24/7. Noise, bright lights, and other pollution are worse than feared. More anchora…