The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies officially launched a new legacy fund to give money to Cranbrook’s public education.
Retired teachers Don and Linda Holt led the way, starting an Opportunity Fund in June of 2018, and gained donations since it opened.
The teaching community has since gotten on board and showed its support with a Legacy Fund.
“It’s a way to honour and recognize the many contributions that teachers make to our community. Not only in our schools but in our community at large as well,” said Lynnette Wray, Executive Director of CFRK. “In just one year, the fund reached the $10,000 threshold to become permanently invested.”
Donations have been made in honour of some teachers, or in-memoriam to others, while other teaches have made direct donations.
Active and retired teachers gathered to celebrate the fund becoming permanently invested. A highlight from the event was a $500 donation from the Mount Baker graduating class of 2018/2019.
“The interest from this fund will provide a grant every year forever. The purpose of this grant is to support student success and wellness in Cranbrook’s public schools,” Wray said.
Wray added that the Cranbrook Retired Teachers Association and the District Teachers Association will work together and decide what the year’s grant will go to.
Anyone wanting to give money to one of the funds that CFKR has, the money given will go back to the community to fund various projects.
“it’s coming up to the holiday season, and a lot of us like to get a special little gift to recognize the teachers who make a difference,” Wray said. “Instead of a gift card, someone can make an in-honour donation to this fund and let their teacher know.”
Donations can be given here.