Kelowna Communauté Nouvelles

Alexis Root founded Recovery Kidz Society to support families impacted by substance use disorder, and said a private donor recently reached out hoping to help someone in need. As she usually did, Root went to Shoppers Drug Mart in Pitt Meadows and purchased a $500 gift card that was displayed on the store floor. But when the family went to use it, the gift card “didn’t work,” said Dan, the recipient.

Charitable giving in Canada is on the decline, according to the Fraser Institute’s latest generosity index, which analyzed tax returns to track private donations across the country. The study shows that fewer Canadians are donating, and the value of donations has also fallen.

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing long-term reform alongside First Nations across the country—so child and family services put children, families, and communities at the centre of care. Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, announced that the Government of Canada will be submitting a detailed plan to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program — one that respects regional approaches while operating within a coherent national framework.

Kat Williamson (left) and Cheryl Smith are counsellors for Mountain Muskox, a non-profit that offers free peer-support groups for people who have suffered trauma and loss in the mountains. (Tyler Harper/Nelson Star) Cheryl Smith is her truest self in the mountains.

Today, the Honorable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, announced over $4.5 million in funding for 39 new freshwater projects.

The Knights of Columbus BC State Council wrapped its 64th annual charity appeal this weekend. Held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vancouver, the appeal grossed more than $448,000 that will go to the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program, Special Olympics, hospital foundations, local food banks, and other organizations to help support people in need.