CRESTON – KOOTENAY FOUNDATION: A BRIEF HISTORY

The history of the Creston – Kootenay Foundation reflects the community needs of the time and the will of local people to provide a better quality of life for themselves and their neighbours through community effort and local control.

The first hospitals and senior care facilities were provided by local volunteers and local organizations. (Creston at one time provided financial support to its hospital through the Creston Valley Hospital Improvement District.) The organization name represented the service provided. The history of the Creston – Kootenay Foundation marks subtle name changes that reflected the growing responsibility, opportunity, and geographic span of service delivery in the region.

Provincial funding brought to the local community a “partner” in funding not-for-profit facilities. Initially there were no “surplus” funds. However, over time, unused funds were placed in reserve. Reserve funds, often donated funds, were increasingly used for annual operations. To ensure these funds would be available to meet future development, the money needed to be placed at arm’s length from the provincial funding source. The first local community service foundation was established in 1994, the Creston Seniors Foundation Society, serving seniors.

By 1998 the Society was funding seniors in institutions, in the community, and some of the non-senior population as well. To reflect a broader mandate, the membership at the 1999 AGM passed a resolution to change the name to the Creston Valley Community Health Foundation. In 2001 the Province took administrative control for local health care, and services were being limited. Transferring administrative control to the Province also transferred the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) charitable status number and the ability to issue income tax receipts.

By 2002 the Society was receiving no donations, its membership was shrinking, its goals confused. The membership requested a review of the following options: 1) to remain as a stand-alone local health foundation; 2) to amalgamate with a regional health foundation; 3) to become a community foundation affiliated with Community Foundations of Canada (CFC). At the 2003 AGM the membership directed that the Society become a community foundation.

A new constitution, by-laws, and policies were written. These were significant amendments to the Foundation’s original purpose and had to be accepted by the BC Registrar of Companies under the Society Act. This was accomplished in August 2004 under a new name, Creston – Kootenay Foundation. Registration with CCRA as a registered charitable organization became effective January 1, 2005. Changed responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges continue to be met locally.

The Foundation now follows the Regional District of Central Kootenay electoral boundaries of the Town of Creston, Areas B, C, and Wynndel – East Shore Kootenay Lake (Yahk through to Riondel). Our interests are in Healthy Living, Culture & the Arts, Social Welfare (poverty, delinquency), Youth and Aged, Education, Environment, and Heritage.

The Creston – Kootenay Foundation accepts in-perpetuity donations (funds available forever) of money, stocks, bonds, real estate (land, houses), and art. Income tax receipts are issued for the current value of donated items. Income generated by the investment of these assets is given back to our communities through a grant application process.

Larry Brierley, Chair
December 2007