The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention has always been centre stage for FortisBC’s annual community giving program. And every year our community relations team has the difficult job of reading through dozens of worthy nominations to name three recipients who would each receive $15,000 for an important cause.

“Partners and Communities is one of our sustainability pillars,” explained Judit Horvath, community and Indigenous relations manager with FortisBC. “Investing in the towns and cities we work in helps improve the long-term health and vitality of these communities.”

Since 2015, we’ve been inviting government officials from across British Columbia to nominate a non-profit project or organization deserving of a community giving contribution. The awards available through the community giving program can go a long way in advancing local causes or projects.

“That’s why we ask for nominations,” noted Horvath. “This is an opportunity for our local government officials to tell us what’s important to them and their communities. We get to hear real stories directly from the communities we serve and then strive to have a lasting, positive impact in return.”

Congratulations to the following three winners.  We’re thrilled that we can support you in your important work.

West Creston Fire Protection Society

The West Creston Fire Protection Society serves its community of more than 300 homes in many ways, including having their fire hall become a safe haven in the event of a disaster. These funds will go towards building a new Protection and Safety Centre that can house all fire truck and equipment, provide life safety education courses and be fully equipped to support the community during and after a disaster.

Here are James McLeod, president of the West Creston Fire Protection Society, and Adam Casemore, director, Area C, Regional District of Central Kootenay speaking to what this award means to them and the community.

Len Wood Middle School

Len Wood Middle School is a school for grade 6 – 8 students in the community of Armstrong. It focuses on the successes and opportunities for all its 315 students. These funds will go towards a new playground for the school children, as well as children within the communities of Armstrong and Spallumcheen as a whole.

Here are Denise Brown, principal of the school, and Christine Fraser, Mayor of the Township of Spallumcheen, speaking to the benefits of the new playground.

Hulitan Family & Community Services Society

Located on the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, the Hulitan Family & Community Services Society provides services to Indigenous communities throughout the Greater Victoria area, from the Peninsula to Port Renfrew. This year, the Society is celebrating its 10^th anniversary, and the nearly 5,000 Indigenous children, adults and Elders they have served during this time. These funds will go towards a community celebration that the Society will host in honour of this celebration.

Here are Kendra Gage, executive director of Hulitan Family & Community Services Society, and Stew Young, the Mayor of Langford, expressing the importance of this celebration and the work the Society does.

A pillar of sustainability

Congratulations again to the above winners, and we look forward to a continued tradition of giving back to BC communities for a healthy and sustainable future.