Funds are available to help Virden area celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. However, Teresa Makarchuk, for the Virden Community Foundation, reports the Foundation has not, as of yet had any response to this offer.
She says, “People would have to think about it and take some time to put together their proposal.”
Makarchuk serves as part-time staff for Virden Area Foundation. This foundation, like every community foundation, has been created by and for the people of Virden to help individuals and groups make an ongoing difference in the community.
If an existing community organization, or a group of people who can pull together with an activity, be it drama, art mural, music or any fun activity geared to observe this milestone in Canada’s history, they should contact VAF.
An informational advertisement ran in the Feb. 3 issue of the Empire-Advance.
“I did try to emphasize, to go on the website. All the questions are answered there,” she says.
The project application would be reviewed by a committee and would have to qualify. Part of the requirements is that the group covers half the cost of the project. However, that can mean ‘in kind’ participation and can include sponsorships from businesses or individuals.
“It’s only fair to ask a group to have some buy-in. We need to know it’s a viable project.”
The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th is seeded by Government of Canada and is matched and delivered locally by Canada’s 191 community foundations.
Registered charities operating within Virden and surrounding area are eligible to apply through the Virden Area Foundation to Community Fund for Canada’s 150th.
Makarchuk is waiting for applications. “I’d like to see what ideas people have, they could be so varied - ideas I couldn’t begin to have.”
There’s money available for Virden; however, she says, “Money that is not disbursed for suitable Canada 150 projects would be available for grants for another time; or the matching money from CFC may go to another community.”
Information can be found at www.communityfoundations.ca/cfc150/
