Local non-profits receive $50,000 donation

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Seven charities in Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Prespatou have received $50,000 in donations for their various programs, including a palliative care pilot, a Dungeons and Dragons game night and art therapy. 

The donations were made under the Fort St. John Co op’s Community Support Fund (CSF) initiative, according to a February 11th press release.

“We believe in the power of community,” said Brad Lussier, general manager of the Fort St. John Co-op.

The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves. 

“We believe that a thriving community is the heart of a successful business, and for the past 80 years, we’ve been proud to support local non-profit organizations, projects and initiatives that help strengthen and grow our communities,” said Lussier.

The donations went to the following organizations:

• Fort Nelson Hospice Society
• Fort St. John Public Library
• Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society
• North East Immigrant Services Society
• North Peace Seniors Housing Society (NPSHS)
• Prespatou Independent Housing Society
• RL Angus Elementary School Parent Advisory Council

The Fort St. John Public Library received $1,500 to support its Dungeons and Dragons bi-weekly program.

“Dungeon masters come in on the first and third Wednesday of every month, it’s for all ages, no registration required,” says Matthew Rankin, director of services at Fort St. John Public Library.

The funds will go towards buying food, books and other supplies for the program. 

“We provide snacks and food just for the time they’re here and it’s been running for almost two years now,” said Rankin.

Estefania Albornoz, manager of fundraising and community engagement of the Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society, expressed her gratitude for the $5,000 received for its Sky’s Place program and art therapy groups.

Sky’s Place is the society’s second-stage housing program helping women who are escaping violence. 

“We have 12 houses which these women live in there with their kids, and specifically with this donation, will support art therapy groups, which is an important part for the healing process,” said Albornoz.

Kristina Rhodenizer, hospice coordinator with the Fort Nelson Hospice Society expressed her gratitude to the Fort St. John Co-op for its $2,500 donation, which will go towards its pilot project to help patients that can’t afford palliative care supply.

“We’re really excited about this donation,” says Rhodenizer.

More information about the CSF and other donation programs can be found here.