With an impressive track record spanning two decades, the dedicated committee behind the Boogie the Bridge fundraising event has managed to raise $95,000 for the Boogie the Bridge Cultural Fund, administered by the BC Interior Community Foundation. This exceptional achievement makes a tangible impact as the fund was established to help support, develop and nurture creative growth for Kamloops children and youth by offering grants to help cover the cost of cultural programs, events and workshops.
Boogie the Bridge is an annual running event that takes place in Kamloops. Every year more than 2,000 people of all ages, genders and ethnicities gather at MacArthur Park and make their way across the bridge to Riverside Park.
“Dancing across the bridge, while thinking you’re not exercising”, that’s how Jo Berry, the founder of Boogie the Bridge, explained the meaning behind the name of the event. Back in 1998, Jo Berry, along with Carol Gillis, Nina Reimer, Dawn King and Tracy Smith initiated what was then an all-women’s gathering, drawing 62 enthusiastic participants. Little did they know that their humble beginnings would pave the way for one of Kamloops’ largest and most anticipated events.
Not only does the event help the community with physical health, but it also gives back. In 2022, the Boogie the Bridge Cultural Fund gave out more than $8,000 in grants to young individuals eager to explore music, theatre, dance and arts.
Covid-19 had a huge hit on the event, however, people still participated online. 2022 was an extremely important year for the Boogie team, it was the first year that the event came back to the streets of Kamloops. It exceeded all expectations and 2,256 people ran in McDonald Park on the North Shore.
“It was important to raise the awareness of physical and mental health after the pandemic. We were so happy to see everyone there. The participants were happy to feel and be part of the society again,” said Berry. The founders mentioned that running and physical activity was extremely important during and after coronavirus.
Something that started off as a project for Berry’s social work has grown into one of the biggest fundraising movements in Kamloops. This remarkable initiative has not only assisted numerous children in pursuing their dreams, which were once financially out of reach, but it has also empowered countless individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Today, BC Interior Community Foundation is pleased to announce $411,000 in funding to support nine projects in the Thompson, Nicola and South Cariboo region through the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund. The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time investment of $400 million by the Government of Canada to help Community Service Organizations, charities, non-profits, Indigenous governing bodies located in Canada adapt, modernize and be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility and sustainability of the community services that they provide through the pandemic recovery and beyond.
The following projects are being supported in Kamloops, Chase and Lillooet:
$97,280 was invested to fund the Lillooet Friendship Centre Society to enhance and provide digital solution to enhance communication and provides seamless linkage between their case management programs;
$14,300 was invested to fund Interior Community Services (ICS) to implement bio-metrics technology in all ICS supported homes;
$59,550 was invested to fund Kamloops Symphony Society to establish an integrated fund development plan, policies, and roadmap to implement an endowment campaign and establish an effective donor data management system;
$10,683 was invested to fund Kamloops Brain Injury Association for an upgrade and expansion of their database and fundraising tracking systems;
$100,000 was invested to fund Supporting Team Excellence with Patience (STEPS) to provide CPR training across clinics, capture their COVID-19 learnings and best practices and standardize their processes, policies, and technology;
$39,289 was invested to fund Children’s Circle Daycare Society to modernize their information, communication and accounting systems for future resiliency;
$38,610 was invested to fund the Lillooet Learning Communities Society to establish the Lillooet Community Connect Innovation HUB with a focus on developing policies and procedures.
$39,289 was invested to fund Chase and Area Young Learners Society for digital Infrastructure and equipment for a Family Resource Centre.
“Community service organizations are at the heart of communities like Kamloops, Chase and Lillooet, creating a sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast. The Community Services Recovery Fund will enable organizations that serve our diverse communities to adapt and modernize their programs and services and to invest in the future of their organizations, staff and volunteers. Together, we can rebuild from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a more just and equitable future for those in the Thompson, Nicola and South Cariboo.
– Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
I’m Kathy Humphreys, former executive director of the Kamloops Symphony Society. In 2007, when I was approached about starting an endowment fund with the BC Interior Community Foundation, the prospect seemed far too daunting and the probability of success very slight.
There were some serious concerns. What if we expended valuable resources on an endowment fundraising campaign that did not produce results? What if our donors contributed to the endowment fund and annual donations we really needed to meet our budget commitments fell short? How would we ever raise enough money to provide an annual return that would really make a difference?
The BC Arts Renaissance Fund, an endowment matching program introduced by the BC government, as well as the opportunity to work with two other arts organizations on a joint fundraising campaign, convinced us to give it a try.
Fortunately, the endowment campaign, proceeds from a couple of endowment fundraising events, plus the matching grants, added up quickly. The real turning point came with a completely unexpected and tremendously generous bequest from the estate of the late Richard Dickens. Since then, additional endowed funds such as the Peter Collins Memorial Fund and the Bruce Dunn Legacy Fund, were created to support the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and Music School. The KSS’s annual return of income from endowed investments has reached more than $53,000 per year and continues to grow.
Now I’m a believer in the benefits of endowment funds. So much so that I was an enthusiastic volunteer member of the BCICF Board of Directors for more than fifteen years.
“The annual interest from our Endowment Fund is our third-largest single source of recurring annual income, and plays a crucial part in sustaining our operations, and achieving our mandate. I would highly encourage other charities to set up Agency Funds through the BCICF, securing financial support into the future.”
Daniel Mills, 2019-2023 executive director of the Kamloops Symphony Society, said:
If you are involved with a charitable organization in our region, contact the BCICF to find out how to start investing in the future of your organization.
If you are an individual who would like to contribute to your community’s vitality, now and in the future, contact the BCICF to find out how your legacy gift can make a difference.
Cara Gates, BCICF board member, presenting the annual interest cheque to Daniel Mills, the executive director of Kamloops Symphony, and volunteer Rae Nixon.
Our Spring Granting program has made a significant impact this year, with over $47,000 donated to 17 remarkable charitable organizations. One initiative that has us particularly thrilled is our new Environmental Impact Fund. Established in 2022 by Fearon and Richard Blair at BCICF, this fund aims to prevent further environmental damage, mitigate negative impacts on people and animals, and provide relief and assistance for environmental incidents within our Foundation’s area of service.
We’re proud to announce that the Grasslands Conservation Council, Blackpool Fire + Rescue, and BC Wildlife Federation are among the well-deserving recipients of this year’s grants.
Pictured below is board members Karl Stegemann and Jacquie Brand presenting cheques to the Grasslands Conservation Council.
In addition, we are honoured to have supported other outstanding organizations including the Merritt Dance Society, Four Paws Food Bank Foundation, Kamloops Naturalist Club, Kamloops Brain Injury Association, SWIMS – Society for Wellness, Instruction & Mobility through Swimming, BGC Kamloops (formerly Boys & Girls Club of Kamloops), Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Kamloops-Cariboo Regional Immigrants Society, Kamloops International Buskers Festival Society, Project X Theatre Productions, Kamloops Film Society, BC Old Time Fiddlers Association, Lillooet & District Rescue Society and the Kamloops Players Society.
Together, we’re making a positive impact on our environment, communities, and the lives of people and animals. Thank you to our donors, granting committee and everyone involved for their incredible work and dedication!
Thursday, June 15 | 5-7pm | Kelson Hall, 330 St. Paul Street
We’d like to personally invite you to attend the 2023 BC Interior Community Foundation’s Annual General Meeting. This year’s event promises to be a celebration of our partnerships and the incredible support we have received from our community. You will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, including community leaders, donors, and volunteers, as we celebrate our collective achievements.
During the AGM, we will present the Spring Grant Recipients, highlighting the organizations and projects that received funding to create a positive impact in our community. Their work exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and dedication that makes the BC Interior Community Foundation so unique.
In addition, we will be hosting a silent auction, featuring a diverse range of items generously donated by local businesses and supporters. The proceeds from the auction will go towards our ongoing efforts to support community initiatives. To make the evening more enjoyable, we have arranged a delightful assortment of appetizers and beverages.
We’d be happy if you were to extend this invitation to a friend or colleague who may have a shared interest in our mission and values. This event serves as an excellent opportunity for networking and gaining valuable insights.
For further information, please contact us by email at info@bcicf.ca or phone 250.434.6995.
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