Eleven people have been appointed to the board of the new Port Coquitlam Community Foundation, an organization that will manage and distribute funds for initiatives and programs that benefit the city.
Port Coquitlam's financial plan, which was approved Monday night, includes $35,000 in matching grant funding for start-up assistance for the new group.
Coun. Michael Wright, the person who spearheaded the project, said the foundation will give the community an opportunity to donate money for local initiatives.
"Money donated to the foundation will be tax deductible," he said. "People who don't want to pay more taxes or donate to the city will feel better about donating to a foundation, where their funds are used for projects that enhance the community."
The new board was selected Monday night and is expected to hold its first meeting on June 13 to elect positions and establish plans for the launch of the foundation and future fundraising efforts.
The inaugural board includes Dave Allen, Ron Csermak, Janine Davies, John Diack, Clayton Derochie, Johanne Dumas, Roger Fast, Guy Lapierre, Margaret Owns, Tom Ramsay and Ingmar Wilkens. Wright is the 12th director and will serve as a city liaison.
The foundation allows individuals and businesses to support their community through endowment funds that will fulfill a range of needs, from sports and fitness to arts and culture.
Donors will also be able to direct their funds to individual community organizations through the foundation.
