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Supporting local organizations

This is the time of year when we learn which of our local non-profit organizations have been successful in their applications for federal funding through the granting programs of departments like Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Canadian Heritage.

Local organizations support a number of initiatives that have a positive impact on the community whether it’s building accessible playgrounds and wheelchair ramps, providing job training to individuals who need help, or staging community events that celebrate our cultural diversity.

Through the ESDC’s Enabling Accessibility Fund for example, a total of $56,564 in grants is being invested in our community to help local organizations support projects to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities: the City of Kelowna will receive $50,000 for its playground improvement project at Ben Lee Park; the Pathways Abilities Society will receive $3,536 to construct a wheelchair ramp; and the Starbright Children's Development Centre will receive $3,028 to install automatic doors at the Centre’s primary entrances.

Over on St. Paul St., the John Howard Society’s One Cup at a Time cafe has received funding through the federal government’s Opportunities Fund to provide vocational training and skills development to clients who are looking for gainful employment. 

Funding through the department of Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program is supporting Global Citizen Kelowna 2015.  Organized annually by the Intercultural Society of the Central Okanagan under the direction of Executive Director Joyce Brinkerhoff and her team, and with the participation of the many volunteers who make these events happen, the community gets the chance to explore our multicultural roots and traditions through events like Taste of Home, Global Music Fest, and the Artist Eyes on the World photographic, video and art exhibition. 

With events running throughout the next few weeks, I hope everyone will get a chance to attend.  More information is available at globalcitizenkelowna.org

Taxpayer support for organizations like these provides only a fraction of the resources our organizations need to carry out their activities; a great deal of additional fundraising has to be done as well, and often through the efforts of dedicated, caring and compassionate volunteers.

Phyllis MacPherson for example, has dedicated over 30 years of her life to the Lake Country Food Assistance Society, which provides food to those who are in temporary financial difficulty.  The Society is currently trying to raise funds to find a permanent home and recently successfully secured a $100,000 contribution.  It still has another $200,000 or more to go and will need the support of the community to succeed.

The good news is that more local organizations will be receiving federal funding support this year to help them with their important work.

We can also count on the many dedicated citizens who have a passionate commitment to making things better for others and who dedicate themselves year after year to improving the community.  These are the essential ingredients required to build a better community for everyone and Kelowna-Lake Country has them in abundance.

 

The Honourable Ron Cannan is the Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country and welcomes your feedback at [email protected].  Information on local announcements and federal government programs can be found at www.cannan.ca.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

The Honourable Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

On September 13th, 2012 Ron was summoned to be a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and will provide advice to the Government as a member of the Priorities and Planning Sub-Committee on Government Administration.

Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and regional government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa. 

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He is proud of the partnership and cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments which have resulted in significant infrastructure projects including upgrades to Highway 97, expansion of the Kelowna International Airport, a new horticulture strategy for fruit growers, obtaining a full service passport office for Kelowna and addressing critical economic issues such as labour skills shortages.

He works closely with the local Chambers of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, mental health, women’s resources, and support of arts and culture.

On Parliament Hill, Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since 2006 supporting initiatives which will broaden the economic opportunities for local businesses and businesses Canada-wide.

In previous parliamentary sessions Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates, Veteran’s Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development, the Scrutiny of Regulations Committee, and the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a member of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada.  Ron tabled Motion 218(formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine. His motion became Bill C-311, sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which was passed into law on June 28th, 2012.

Prior to entering politics, Ron developed a diverse business background as a small business owner and had several years experience in marketing and sales management working with corporations including Coca-Cola, Costco and Corus Entertainment.
 

Very active in his community, Ron has been a Director for both the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Central Okanagan Hospital Board. Ron also served on the Okanagan University College Access to Training Advisory Board, the Glenmore Elementary School Parents Advisory Council, and the Kelowna Christian School Fund Raising Committee. He was co-founder of the Okanagan Volunteer Festival. Currently Ron is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kelowna and, along with his wife Cindy, was the honorary Chair of the 2012 Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball.

Ron lives a family-oriented and active lifestyle with his wife Cindy. He is the proud father of three daughters and grandfather to three grandsons. His hobbies include music and sports.



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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