It is with great pride that I assume the role of the President of the Campbell River Community Foundation. Our Foundation was started in 1997 with $9000 and we now have over $500,000 in our Endowment Funds. These funds are invested with the Vancouver Foundations and the interest earned provides us with the money to give out grants to non-profit organizations.

2007 marked our 10th year as a Foundation and the 6th year we have given grants in the community, supporting a broad cross section of projects within our area. Our grants are made possible through the companies and individuals who see the Foundation as a way to give back in perpetuity to the community that has given them so much. We are creating a "savings account" for Campbell River.

In May 2006 the CRCF Annual Golf Tournament first took flight. This tournament takes a great deal of organizing by many individuals. I would like to thank all those who were involved for all of the time and effort. And to the companies and community who made the tournament an unprecedented success, by donating and coming out to play golf - my hat is off to you.

Our 3rd 2008 golf date is May 23rd at Storrie Creek. If you wish to create a permanent legacy in the community, the Foundation can accommodate you with a wide range of options. Three examples:

• Establish a Named Fund (Family or Corporate Fund) with a minimum donations of $5000
• Establish a Interest Fund, focusing or area of your personal interests, such as senior, youth, environment, culture, etc. The Foundation ensures that your requests are fulfilled.
• Establish a Designated Fund that specify a charity you would like to support.

The Foundation has many other options to please any donor and tax receipts are provided. Whichever you choose, your donation is forever. The larger the endowment, the more interest we can earn, which translates into more dollars given back to the community.

The Foundation provides the means for keeping charitable donations within the community. "We do not compete with other charitable organizations....we support them".

I look forward to my term as President and encourage everyone to get involved and help Campbell River become a stronger, more caring community through your permanent gift to the Campbell River Community Foundation.

Lynn Bendickson