Lakeland Fire Assistance Fund

It has been three weeks since a devastating explosion tore through the sawmill at the Lakeland Mills site in Prince George. Donations continue at a steady pace and we are now seeing some of the money raised through fundraisers emerging as donations. The Lakeland Fire Assistance Fund is held with the Prince George Community Foundation.

The fund currently sits at just over $155,000

There have been a variety of fundraisers set up through the community and many retailers and businesses have also pledged a portion of their sales, or a match on employee contributions. This week, donations were received from a variety of caring individuals along with:

• The Foothills PAC raised funds through a fun night at the school.
• Kelly Road Senior Secondary brought in proceeds from a Pancake Breakfast held at the school.
• International Quest Engineering matched employee donations
• Prince George Minor Lacrosse

Other fundraisers that we are aware of include:

• The wristbands have arrived!!! 10,000 Wrist Bands with "We remember Lakeland Mills" that will sell for $2 each with proceeds going to the fund. Locations for the sale of these are:
• Tabor Pharmacy
• Ruckus Bike Shop
• Tabor Pizza
• JJ Springer
• Kathy's Quilt Shop
• Auto Magic

. . . and many others.

• Save On Foods has a coordinated effort from their 4 locations in Prince George to sponsor a Round Up money drive from now through to May 19th.
• J.J. Springer has promoted to their customers the ability to turn in their points for cash that will go towards the fund. Homesteader Meats has donation envelopes and a drop off location for donations.
• Westwood Sports Pub is hosting a fundraiser, Silent Auction and Raffle for a 4-wheeler with a percentage of proceeds going to then fund on May 17th, 2012. Gamescape in the back of the Hart Mall has a Gaming Tournament on May 18th where proceeds from the event will go to the Fund.
• Blackburn Community Hall is organizing a Benefit for the Fund being held June 9th.
• Original Joes is coordinating a donation as part of their proceeds from their grand opening for the Fund.

The list goes on and on . . .

This is great news and we are thankful for the support and response. This shows the caring community that we live in. The Prince George Community Foundation was designated as a central agency to accept donations on behalf of the Lakeland Mill's Employees and their families.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so through our website at www.pgcf.ca by clicking the red "Donate Now" button and designating it to go to the Lakeland Fire Assistance Fund or by cheque made payable to The Prince George Community Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1204 Station A, Prince George, BC V2L 4V3 or by calling (250) 562-7772. We can also take a transfer of securities. If there is any doubt, please call.

**All donations will be issued an official income tax receipt. **

Smart and Caring Community Endowment Fund

The PGCF invites you to participate in our Smart and Caring Community Endowment Fund.  The Governor General, His Excellency David Johnson as the patron for the Community Foundations of Canada endorses the work we do in our communities to make them stronger.   To that end, his vision of a Smart and Caring Nation is that by 2017 - the 150th Birthday of Canada, that all communities will be serviced by a Community Foundation.  The Prince George Community Foundation has developed a Smart and Caring Community Endowment Fund that will allow donors who want to make a difference in the communities we live in to donate to this fund.  This can be done through direct donations, leaving a legacy, a contribution in memory of a member of our community, or just about anything else that would be a contribution to our community.   Proceeds earned from the capital balance will go towards continuing to make Prince George a Smart and Caring community.  This truly is the opportunity to give the Gift That Keeps on Giving.  Please join others in our community in contributing to this fund. For more information contact Judy at 250-562-7772 or by email pgfoundation@telus.net or click the "donate now" button above.

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Prince George Citizen of the Year 2011 - Darrell Hubbell

"This award is not just for me, I accept it on behalf of all those who contribute their time, effort and money to make this a great place to live. There are many people in this room who are worthy of being nominated," Hubbell said. "I'd like to touch on what motivates me in my contributions to the community . . there is no 'them,' only us. You help people because we are all just people."

Hubbell's resume of volunteerism in Prince George includes serving on the board of The Two Rivers Gallery, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Downtown Rotary Club and Town Centre Business Association. As a local business owner, Hubbell has donated gift certificates and custom-made jewelry to support fundraising for causes including: The Prince George Public Library, Baldy Hughes Addiction Treatment Centre and Therapeutic Community, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, Rotary International, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Ducks Unlimited, United Way, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, B.C. Cancer Foundation, RCMP Victim Services, Hixon Community Association, Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce, Prince George Chamber of Commerce and the Prince George Community Foundation. Hubbell thanked his wife, parents, siblings and friends for the support they have given him over the years.

"The family really is the springboard we all work from, so thank you to my family for being here," Hubbell said. "These are the people who let me be me."

Hubbell is no stranger to the Prince George Citizen of the Year Awards - he has worked on the volunteer team which hosts the annual galas for nine years. "This is something I will cherish for the rest of my life," Hubbell said. The Prince George Chamber of Commerce recognized Hubbell as their Corporate Citizen of the Year in 2004, 2005 and 2009. In 2010 he was awarded a Community Leader Award by local MLAs Shirley Bond and Pat Bell, and was given a certificate of recognition by Rotary District 5040's district governor. The other nominees for Citizen of the Year were Lorne Calder, Ken Pendergast, Matthew Church and Marvene Layte. Click here for more information on the other nominees.

Article courtesy of the Prince George Citizen