The Rotary Club of Abbotsford had a full house on Tuesday, as cheques were presented to the 4 community charities being awarded funding to help support local initiatives that will benefit children, youth, and at-risk sectors of our community. Each year the Rotary Club of Abbotsford accepts service project funding nominations/applications from local organizations. ”Determining the recipients, is always a difficult decision as Abbotsford is fortunate to have many worthy not-for-profit groups serving our community. After reviewing the applications and considering our key criteria the following organizations were selected” said Amy Badesha, Chair of Community Service Grants for the club.
B.C. Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation - This organization works with educators to bring local agriculture to B.C. students. The funds that were awarded will be put towards the development of the ‘Spuds in Tubs program.’
Abbotsford Restorative Justice (ARJAA) works with youth in conflict with the law as they are held accountable for how they have harmed victims and the community. The funds being awarded will be used to enhance their Restorative Mentoring Program for at-risk youth by providing opportunities for them to participate in summer day camps with their Mentors to further engage and support the youth throughout the summer months.
L.I.F.E. Recovery- This organization’s name stands for ‘Living in Freedom Everyday’. They support at-risk women and provide residential housing for them. The funds will be put towards purchasing a much needed generator.
JOSHUA House- An organization that supports men with addictions and provides residential housing. The funds awarded will be used towards remodelling a kitchen.
JOSHUA House- An organization that supports men with addictions and provides residential housing. The funds awarded will be used towards remodelling a kitchen.
“This past September, the Rotary Club of Abbotsford’s President’s Night – ‘Viva Las Rotary’ was a huge success and raised the funds that are now supporting these local Rotary service projects here in Abbotsford. We are so grateful to our sponsors, community partners, guests, and Rotarians who supported this event to raise much needed funds for these terrific community service projects and organizations that will go on to make a difference in the lives of many in our community, said Rotary Club of Abbotsford President, Stacey Irwin.”
Left to right: Amy Badesha, Rotary Chair of Community Service Grants; Justin Hohne, Mentoring Program Coordinator and Joanne Field, Executive Director from Abbotsford Restorative Justice; Angie Korkowski, Executive Director and Eric Hoogenraad, Board Chair from Joshua House; Stacey Irwin, Rotary Club of Abbotsford President; Glenda Johnston, BC Agriculture in the Classroom Program Coordinator; Marian Vanderwal, Board Chair and Jeanne Murko-Wust, Executive Director with L.I.F.E Recovery Association