Two Shuswap volunteers were recognized for their community service at the Heart of the Shuswap Mixer in Salmon Arm last week.
The Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) presented its Heart of the Shuswap Volunteer Awards to one youth and one adult during the Sept. 18 gathering.
Melissa Neil received the Heart of the Shuswap Youth Volunteer Award, sponsored by Mawer Investment Management, for her volunteer work at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in the Active Emergency Department and Evening Youth Program.
Ted Danyluk received the Heart of the Shuswap Adult Volunteer Award, sponsored by Bannister GM Salmon Arm, for his work with several North Shuswap organizations, including the Adams River Salmon Society, North Shuswap Lions Club and North Shuswap Disaster Relief Society.
SCF executive director Monica Sigurdson said it was an honour to celebrate volunteerism at the gathering.
“It is such a crucial aspect of well-rounded philanthropy,” she said. “Melissa and Ted’s stories exemplify the positive impact volunteers make in communities across the Shuswap.”
The evening also marked the unveiling of SCF’s first major capital grant. The new grant stream will provide $20,000 to $100,000 in funds for major capital projects.
The first grant was distributed to Shuswap Paws Rescue Society for a new rescue van.
Shuswap Paws Rescue Society Board Director Lindsay Blackstock said that the new cargo van has greatly increased the Society’s ability to respond efficiently and safely to animals in need.
“The van provides a secure, spacious and fully sanitizable space for animal intake, transportation and health checks, helping reduce the spread of infectious disease,” she said. “It also allows us to host mobile adoption events, bringing adoptable animals directly into surrounding communities.”
Blackstock emphasized the additional cargo space, describing it as invaluable.
“It also allows us to transport larger numbers of rescued animals to partner rescues and larger facilities in more populated areas, creating more opportunities for animals to receive the care and placement they need.”
Sigurdson noted there were more reasons to celebrate at Friday’s mixer, as
SCF’s endowment fund surpassed $20,000,000 for the first time.
“The generosity of Shuswap residents and businesses in contributing time and resources to local causes is incredible,” she said. “The income earned from this endowment fund will allow us to continue supporting causes that matter long into the future.”
