Community Giving Awards

Every year, we reach out to members of the Union of BC Municipalities for their nominations of the most deserving non-profit organizations in their local communities. Each winner receives a Community Giving Award of $15,000 to support their good work.

Consideration is given to projects that promote safety, education, the environment, Indigenous initiatives and other important community projects. Since 2017, 17 grassroots organizations have received the award.

Learn more about this year’s worthy recipients

This year, FortisBC recognized the Elk River Alliance, The Bridge Youth & Family Services and Friends in Need Food Bank as non-profits enriching their communities and awarded them each $15,000 to continue their good work.

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Elk Valley Cottonwood Project

The Elk River Alliance’s Elk Valley Cottonwood Project is a multi-phase ecosystem restoration program focused on restoring ecosystems in the Elk Valley. The goal of the project is to improve the value of the terrestrial and aquatic habitats, connect floodplain cottonwood ecosystems and mitigate floods in the area. Funding from the Community Giving Awards will be used towards the second phase of the project, which will concentrate on the restoration of three conservation properties.
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Etcetera Youth Program

The Bridge Youth & Family ServicesEtcetera Youth Program facilitates a safe space where youth ages 11-18 who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ can meet peers in a safe environment. Etcetera brings youth together in a supportive environment where they can explore identity, create friendships and find resources for mental and physical health. Funding from the Community Giving Awards will be used towards the various services that the program provides. Etcetera also supports networking for parents and caregivers, provides youth leadership training and hosts or participates in special events.

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Friends in Need Food Bank

The Friends In Need Food Bank delivers in-school meals on a weekly basis to 19 schools in the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows school district, making sure no child starts their day on an empty stomach. Funding from the Community Giving Awards will be used toward the school meal and snack program, which provides students with sit-down breakfast, lunch and snacks. As of November 2021, more than 3,000 students benefit from the program on a weekly basis. The impacts of breakfast programs are not only huge for children, but also generate positive changes in school communities.

Learn more about the organizations