First West Foundation is delighted to announce its Island Savings Community Endowment has awarded $225,000 to 17 charities across the region. One recipient, Victoria-based Human-Nature Counselling Society, has received a three-year commitment totaling $45,000 for its Guam Guam Specums (Strong Flowers) program, promoting positive mental health outcomes among vulnerable Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. 2025 marks a milestone year for the Foundation as it grants a total of $2,278,326, the equivalent of a 12% disbursement rate, through its 18 endowments to charities across British Columbia. Photo credit:  Human-Nature Counselling Society Read about our 2025 grantees: 2025 Grantees - First West Foundation Island Savings a division of First West Credit Union

Exciting news! The First West Foundation, through its Envision Financial Community Endowment, has awarded $517,680 to charities throughout the Fraser Valley, distributing 29 grants through a variety of grant streams. Among the recipients is Rick’s Heart Foundation, which received $20,000 to support the expansion of their Heart for Music Program. The Foundation provides seniors, living in long-term care, with access to vital music therapy and recreational therapy. More than 300 seniors will benefit from enhanced connection, creativity, and well-being, all delivered through music! What’s your favourite music to listen to? 2025 marks a milestone year for the Foundation as it grants a total of $2,278,326, the equivalent of a 12% disbursement rate, through its 18 endowments to charities across British Columbia. Photo credit: Rick's Heart Foundation Read about our 2025 grantees: 2025 Grantees - First West Foundation Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union

Don't miss your chance to experience the Shuswap's most anticipated event of the summer at the Dine and Dance Under the Stars gala on Saturday, August 9th. This sophisticated summer celebration blends philanthropy with exquisite food and dancing, all the while supporting the Sorrento Centre's vital work.  Guests will enjoy culinary offerings meticulously crafted by acclaimed Chef Chris Whittaker of Timber Shuswap. Known for his unwavering commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table practices, Whittaker has created a menu honouring the bounty of the region.  Starter: Heirloom tomato salad, caper and balsamic dressing, Tanto Latte burrata, morel mushroom focaccia.   Main: Colonial Farm chicken, roasted summer squash, pâté en croûte, marsala espuma.   Dessert: Dark chocolate ganache, white chocolate mousse, macerated summer fruits, chocolate crumb.  "The menu for Dine and Dance Under the Stars celebrates fresh, local ingredients, allowing their natural flavours to shine and creating an experience that reflects the Shuswap," said Chef Whittaker.  To complement the exquisite meal, guests will sip on a selection of local wines from Sunnybrae Vineyards and Winery. Expect the dance floor to come alive with the dynamic sounds of The Legendary Lake Monsters, a vibrant 10-piece band ready to play everything from soulful rhythms to energetic salsa and classic swing. This is a not-to-be-missed, dress-to-impress Shuswap summer evening.  Tickets are limited for this exclusive experience and can be purchased by visiting https://sorrentocentre.ca/dine-dance-under-the-stars.   Single Ticket: $150  Table for 6: $900  Table for 8: $1,200  About the Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre:   For over 60 years, the Sorrento Retreat and Conference Centre has served as an inclusive gathering place. Guests of all ages are transformed by their time there, recounting their experiences as nothing short of magical.  Your generous support directly contributes to stewardship of the Sorrento Centre's land, buildings, and ongoing programming.

Calling All Local Businesses – Be Part of Kamloops’ First-Ever Dog-Focused Market! We’re putting together a community raffle basket for the upcoming SRD K9s Summer Dog Lovers Market on August 17, and we’re looking for local businesses who’d like to donate a prize. Whether your business is dog-focused or not, this is a great opportunity to: • Promote your business to a passionate, engaged crowd • Support a local non-profit doing meaningful work • Be part of Kamloops’ first-ever indoor market dedicated to dogs and the people who love them All raffle proceeds support SRD K9s and our ongoing search and recovery efforts across BC. Your donation, big or small, will be recognized and shared on our social media channels. Here’s how your business can get involved: 1. Donate an item to our raffle 2. Sponsor the event and receive recognition on social media and our website Want to join in or learn more? Email us at info@srdk9s.ca or bmigueles@srdk9s.ca — let’s come together to make this event one to remember!!!!

On June 6th, 2025, students, community members, educators, and volunteers gathered at Riverside Park in Vanderhoof to participate in one of the region's most anticipated annual environmental events—the Juvenile Sturgeon Release. Hosted by the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative (NWSRI) and an impressive network of collaborators, this special day is dedicated to releasing juvenile sturgeon into the Nechako River, nurturing the recovery of this incredible species and inspiring future stewards of the land and water. This year's event saw strong winds but an even stronger community spirit. Hundreds of students from School District 91 and local homeschool groups arrived to participate in educational activities, connect with nature, and cheer on the juvenile sturgeon's release. Integris Credit Union was proud to be part of the excitement again this year, volunteering on-site and firing up the #ICUBBQ to serve lunch for all the participants. One of Team Integris's many highlights is getting to name one of the young sturgeon—we proudly named our fish Dobby! It's a simple tradition that adds heart to the science and reminds us of the importance of caring for these endangered species. We were thrilled to see our Integris members step up and show their community spirit. A special thank you goes to Carol Thatcher, a Quesnel-based Integris member who travelled to Vanderhoof with us to volunteer alongside our team. Your dedication is what makes the Integris community so special.  This event wouldn't be possible without the combined efforts of so many. From the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC's hatchery team and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the educators, Elders, and local volunteers who continue to show up year after year, it's a true collaboration. At Integris, we're grateful to support events that make a lasting impact - not just on the environment but on the minds and hearts of everyone who attends. Events like the Juvenile Sturgeon Release bring together science, community, and culture to ensure the future of the Nechako White Sturgeon and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.   To learn more about the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative and how you can get involved, visit:   https://nechakowhitesturgeon.org/research/juvenile-release

At BC interior Community Foundation, we’re committed to supporting local communities and the people who live here. For over 40 years, the BC Interior Community Foundation has been connecting people who care with causes that matter — right here at home. Founded in 1984 by local citizens who believed in the power of giving, the Foundation was built on a simple but powerful idea: create a permanent fund that would grow through wise investing, with the earnings used to support local charities, student awards, and community initiatives — now and for generations to come. We focus on our region and its people, working closely with donors to understand their values and support the needs of the Thompson, Nicola, and South Cariboo communities. Whether you’re giving today or planning for tomorrow, we’ll help you create a lasting legacy through an endowed fund that truly reflects what matters most to you. Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring community — one gift at a time.\n\nWe couldn’t be prouder to work alongside businesses, volunteers, and other community organizations to strengthen local communities.