Meet the many people who are giving back and giving power to others in our local communities, through setting up a donation, grant or bursary opportunity, by volunteering, or by receiving funding to carry out unique and inspiring community projects, programs, and events. Browse our story catalogue below!
All Stories
From African refugee camp to Canadian university: a bursary recipient’s incredible journey
Yar Ayuen Mach’s life journey is a remarkable testament to the power of dreams, and the persistence and dedication to…
Student achieves success on and off the pitch
Photo Credit: Jessica Ford Photography/Bishop’s Athletics Kyra Souch is many things: a proud member of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band…
Graham Lyle: From Observer to Leader
“When I first joined the board, I would be the quietest one at the meetings,” reflects Graham Lyle, past board…
Bursaries make music lessons accessible to all
The cost of music lessons can be out of reach for many in our community. That’s where PAMDA’s bursary program…
First Official Similkameen 5K Fun Run/Walk
On April 21, 2024, approximately 100 participants joined us for the 5 km loop…
2023 bursaries help students realize their dreams
Every year, it becomes more difficult for students and their families to afford the ever-rising cost of a post-secondary education….
Soupateria keeps people fed in challenging times
The Penticton Soupateria Society has been providing meals to individuals in need since 1985. For the past 20 years, those…
SOWINS helps women explore a bright future
The South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS) has occupied an important place in our community’s social fabric since 1981….
Paving a Path for the Future: John Pankiw’s Legacy
John Pankiw is well known in our community as the founder of Cantex Group of Companies. Many also know that…
News
Paving a Path for the Future: John Pankiw’s Legacy
John Pankiw is well known in our community as the founder of Cantex Group of Companies. Many also know that…
The Penny Lane legacy
As we reach the ten-year mark since the closure of Summerland’s beloved Penny Lane stores in 2013, we also celebrate…
Local food banks benefit from Fest of Ale’s support
For many in our communities, the need for assistance from food banks becomes particularly great during the holidays. This year,…
Fund pays tribute to three brothers’ courage
Belyea Brothers Fund The Belyea Brothers Fund was established to honour the courage and sacrifices of the three young Belyea…
Remembering a community builder
When I met up with John and Bob Armstrong to discuss the passing of their father, Charles Armstrong, they were…
Bursary established to honour former Keremeos editor
New fund will help graduates at Similkameen Elementary Secondary School pursue their dreams. Read the full story in the Similkameen…
Community Funds
Helping Kaleden stay “a special place forever”
When Tom and Sue Kelly used to drive home from Penticton at the end of a work day, turning into…
Princeton and area fire departments win big at community event
The Princeton, Erris, Eastgate, Hayes Creek and Tulameen fire departments have been exhausted by two intense back-to-back wildfire seasons, left…
Community Programs
AUD Project helps Princeton woman find success
A series of stories related to the Community Foundation’s AUD project are being published in the Similkameen Spotlight. Read the…
Indiginews features Table Talks Initiative
Indiginews reporter, Aaron Hemens, writes about the upcoming Table Talks initiative, created in partnership with IndigenEYEZ and the Community Foundation…
Bridging reconciliation gaps through conversation
Table Talks, a new pilot program in the South Okanagan will bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members together in a…
Summerland supports family displaced by war
Thanks to dedicated support from the Summerland Refugee Sponsorship Group and a generous donation from the 100 Women Who Care…
The power of youth to build community
“Our youth are facing unbelievable challenges,” say Kim Conroy, manager of Foundry Penticton, a youth centre which opened its doors…
New treatment transforms lives
NP Patrice Gordon helps patients overcome alcohol addiction by prescribing a simple prescription medication that takes away cravings and withdrawal…
Personal Funds
Paving a Path for the Future: John Pankiw’s Legacy
John Pankiw is well known in our community as the founder of Cantex Group of Companies. Many also know that…
The Penny Lane legacy
As we reach the ten-year mark since the closure of Summerland’s beloved Penny Lane stores in 2013, we also celebrate…
Local food banks benefit from Fest of Ale’s support
For many in our communities, the need for assistance from food banks becomes particularly great during the holidays. This year,…
Fund pays tribute to three brothers’ courage
Belyea Brothers Fund The Belyea Brothers Fund was established to honour the courage and sacrifices of the three young Belyea…
Reviving Ryga’s Legacy in Summerland
What Shakespeare is to Stratford-upon-Avon, George Ryga is to Summerland. Many Summerlanders are familiar with this name, whether it be…
Knights in for the long-haul when it comes to supporting local charity
Over 30 years of running a used newspaper collection program, the local Knights of Pythias raised more than $300,000 to…
Get Involved
Graham Lyle: From Observer to Leader
“When I first joined the board, I would be the quietest one at the meetings,” reflects Graham Lyle, past board…
100 Men needs guys for charity event
The September 100 Men Who Care event will be hosted at the Summerland Heritage Cidery Company. Learn more in this…
Kim Lyster: Changing the conversation
When Kim Lyster was recruited to the Community Foundation board, it was a well-functioning but traditional organization. She saw an…
Marielle Brule: “Let’s start with yes”
Even after more than a decade of serving on the Community Foundation’s board, Marielle Brule would have signed up for…
Giving Events
First chance to give back
100 Men are hosting their first event of 2023, with a focus on mental health awareness. Read more in these…
100 Women award $5,600 to local charities
Penticton’s 100 Women who Care group was back at it again this week, awarding $5,600 in total to deserving local…
Men band together to help
The 100 Men Who Care organization in Penticton is looking for new members who care about their community and want…
100 Women support mental health
At their first in-person event in a long time, 100 Women Who Care South Okanagan supported three Penticton nonprofits on…
Grants
Bursaries make music lessons accessible to all
The cost of music lessons can be out of reach for many in our community. That’s where PAMDA’s bursary program…
Soupateria keeps people fed in challenging times
The Penticton Soupateria Society has been providing meals to individuals in need since 1985. For the past 20 years, those…
SOWINS helps women explore a bright future
The South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS) has occupied an important place in our community’s social fabric since 1981….
Food program helps Similkameen students and their families
It’s not news that the rising cost of food is putting a strain on families across our region. Josée-Anne Rouleau,…
New computers help streamline Society’s admin tasks
Thanks to a 2023 Foundation grant, the Oliver Senior Centre Society has greatly improved its organizational efficiency. The grant was…
Overcoming barriers and improving access
For those in our communities who experience physical, social or economic barriers, accessing life-changing services can be a confusing and…
ALERT volunteers can breathe easier when rescuing animals
When natural or man-made disasters happen, people need to make quick decisions about their personal safety. This could mean their…
Youth now have support dealing with grief and loss
Processing the grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one is difficult for all of us. For a young…
Bursaries
First chance to give back
100 Men are hosting their first event of 2023, with a focus on mental health awareness. Read more in these…
100 Women award $5,600 to local charities
Penticton’s 100 Women who Care group was back at it again this week, awarding $5,600 in total to deserving local…
Men band together to help
The 100 Men Who Care organization in Penticton is looking for new members who care about their community and want…
100 Women support mental health
At their first in-person event in a long time, 100 Women Who Care South Okanagan supported three Penticton nonprofits on…
Impact Investing
First chance to give back
100 Men are hosting their first event of 2023, with a focus on mental health awareness. Read more in these…
100 Women award $5,600 to local charities
Penticton’s 100 Women who Care group was back at it again this week, awarding $5,600 in total to deserving local…
Men band together to help
The 100 Men Who Care organization in Penticton is looking for new members who care about their community and want…
100 Women support mental health
At their first in-person event in a long time, 100 Women Who Care South Okanagan supported three Penticton nonprofits on…
Past Grant Recipients
First chance to give back
100 Men are hosting their first event of 2023, with a focus on mental health awareness. Read more in these…
100 Women award $5,600 to local charities
Penticton’s 100 Women who Care group was back at it again this week, awarding $5,600 in total to deserving local…
Men band together to help
The 100 Men Who Care organization in Penticton is looking for new members who care about their community and want…
100 Women support mental health
At their first in-person event in a long time, 100 Women Who Care South Okanagan supported three Penticton nonprofits on…
