| Community Futures
Southwest
Communities Benefit from CF Works Projects
Each summer for the past few years staff and
Board members of Southwest Community Futures have traveled to
communities in the region to assist with a community project.
Not only do they arrive with a $2,000 cheque in hand, but they
also pitch in to help out with the project.
"The program is called 'Community Futures
Works', and it's a unique opportunity for communities to access
funding to assist with a beautification or other designated project,"
says John Parker, the General Manager for Southwest CF.
Bad weather dogged the 2006 projects. At Consul,
painting and upgrading playground equipment had to be postponed
three times because of rain. "We even did the cheque presentation
in the rain under the shelter of a church roof," recalls
Consul Mayor Linda Brown. "Still, we were quite thrilled
to get the work done. The playground gets used a lot."
Rain also delayed work painting and installing
siding at the Lancer Community Hall, disrupting the scheduled
work time that CF staffers had set aside. Five volunteers did
the painting, and a contractor sided one wall.
"Everything is volunteer," notes
Bertha Hopfauf, the Treasurer for the hall. "We can hardly
afford the materials. It was a real help."
The weather was more cooperative at Val Marie,
where volunteers and staff installed "Welcome" banners
along the main street, at the village office and the arena. "It
brightens up the place and enhances the appeal of the village,"
says Robert Ducan, a former Mayor and owner/operator of the local
Convent Inn bed and breakfast.
What's in store for 2007?
There's no shortage of communities and projects queued up. (Asked
if there were other projects needing attention in Lancer, Hopfauf
replied, "Oh, gosh yes!" However, the CF is likely to
choose other communities that have been waiting for approval.
Projects are chosen using nine criteria, such as community benefit,
long-term economic impact, community and volunteer involvement,
previous contributions by the CF, and affordability.)
"These projects are an excellent way to
promote community spirit and cooperation for economic development,"
says Parker. "We're eager to get out into the communities,
and this year I'm praying for better weather!"
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