2019 Annual

CONNECTING your giving WITH ISLAND NEEDS Report

Highlights n The Foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2019; almost $3.5 million has been granted to local charities since 1984. n Over $298,000 in grants were given to Salt Spring Island Conservancy a wide range of local charities, including over $42,000 for youth recreation projects thanks Salt Spring Island Foundation to a bequest from Joan Nicholson. Marks 35 Years of Giving n Donations and bequests totalled $613,736. We all know that great trees grow from tiny The Foundation has benefitted from excep- n TheNeighbourhood seeds, which makes the tree logo of the Salt tional leadership over its 35 years. Between Small Grants program Spring Island Foundation particularly appro- 1991 and 2006, under the chairmanship of funded 10 projects that priate. In 1984, John C. Lees planted a $10,000 Bob Rush (see page 11), the community helped to bring people seed that by 2019 had grown to an $8 million endowment fund swelled from $29,000 to together and build endowment fund solely for the benefit of Salt $2 million. The Foundation continued to community belonging. Spring Island charities. flourish after Carol Biely succeeded Bob Rush n Our firstOn the Table Lees’ bequest was the first donation to the as Foundation chair. Carol served from 2006 celebrations gathered fund. He died on March 1, 1984, just five days to 2015 and built the organization to become islanders to dine before the Salt Spring Island Foundation was an important player in community philan- together and discuss registered as a Public Foundation with thropy. Since then, Kees Ruurs led the topics of shared interest Revenue Canada in Ottawa. Alan Pierce, organization through a time of growth and and concern. Colin Mouat and Richard Toynbee were the change, succeeded by Brian Lawson in 2019. first three trustees. CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

SSI Foundation, PO Box 244, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2V9 ssifoundation.ca TEL: 250 537 8305 (far left) Board Chair Brian Lawson and director Gordon Chutter at an On the Table event (left) Foundation directors, volunteers and staff meet with Farmland Trust directors at The Root

(far left) Foundation director Karla Copeland-Rice and Board Chair Brian Lawson (left) Foundation directors Kevin Vine and Eric van Soeren

Building a Strong and Healthy Community

The spirit of philanthropy is deeply rooted on Salt Spring. It inspires us to support all those The Board of Directors in need and to build a strong and healthy community. Philanthropy is the sharing and giv- Brian Lawson Board Chair ing of any of the three Ws: wealth (giving money), work (volunteering to help) and wisdom (giving others the advantage of some knowledge). That spirit inspired the creation, growth Kees Ruurs Vice Chair and success of the Foundation, which has been built by the selfless generosity of islanders Eric van Soeren Treasurer and Chair, Finance like Bob and Jinny Rush and Eileen Stubbe, profiled in this annual report. and Audit Committee Since 1984, the Foundation has granted almost $3.5 million to 85 island charities for Kate Merry some 550 community projects. Truly, the Foundation has touched the lives of almost Secretary and Chair, everyone on this island. Donor Relations Committee Over the past 35 years, the Foundation’s permanent endowment fund has seen contin- Gordon Chutter uous growth through prudent investment. It was established to benefit everyone on the Chair, Grants Advisory Committee island, now and into the future. As our community changes, new challenges and needs Karla Copeland-Rice will undoubtedly arise, making the fund more relevant than ever. Chair, Investment Committee The success of your community Foundation comes from the support of our island Kim Hanson community—the many donors and supporters, Board and committee members, Foundation of Youth Liaison volunteers and staff who have contributed their time and financial support. Thanks also Ellie Langford Parks to the many island charitable organizations and their volunteers, without whom the Chair, Vital Connections community projects supported by the Foundation could not have taken place. Committee Finally, a special word of thanks to the past Chair of the Foundation, Kees Ruurs, who Lesley Reynolds Chair, Communications Committee stepped down from that position in 2019. Our community can be proud of all that the Foundation has accomplished over the past Kevin Vine Chair, Governance Committee 35 years and will continue to do into the future. We are your community foundation.

Brian Lawson Chair Salt Spring Island Foundation

2 Salt Spring Island Foundation 2019 Annual Report Here are some of the ways

G your community foundation N I has helped Salt Spring V I G Island charities over 35Y E A R S of the past 35 years:

Arts and Culture Since 1998, the Foundation has supported ArtSpring and community groups that use its theatre and gallery space, as well as the Salt Spring Arts Council and smaller arts organizations.

Heritage The Foundation recognizes the importance of Salt Spring Island’s history with grants to modernize our archives, preserve our community halls and recognize our cultural heritage.

Community Infrastructure Foundation grants have benefitted community assets that many islanders use daily, from the Salt Spring Island Public Library to the Rainbow Road Pool and the pathways that keep us safe.

Health and Wellness The Foundation has long supported programs that seek to ensure community health and wellness through grants to Salt Spring Island Community Services, IWAV and many other charities. (clockwise from top left) Salt Spring Island From the skate park to the soccer field and Community Services; Recreation Salt Spring Island Public beyond, Foundation grants have funded recreation facilities and Library; School District programs for islanders of all ages. #64, GISS; Salt Spring Island Community Services; PARC, Rainbow Foundation grants have been instrumental Agriculture Road Pool; Salt Spring in establishing local community gardens and in supporting food Island Conservancy security initiatives, such as Farmland Trust’s The Root.

Environment Preserving our natural environment is an ongoing focus of the Foundation through grants to the Salt Spring Island Conservancy and other charities for land acquisition, education and research.

Education Foundation grants support school programs and activities that enrich the lives of island children in many areas, including music, drama, athletics, technology and school gardens.

ssifoundation.ca 3 …CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The Foundation values the trust earned over 35 years through transpar- ency, fairness and accountability, and it remains the basis of our relationships with everyone in our community. Because the Foundation has contributed to almost all of the island’s important projects and charities, nearly everyone living on the island has bene– fitted from a Foundation grant in some way. It has helped to build and shape our island community for the good of all. (L-R) Operations Director Shannon Cowan; Bookkeeper Cynthia Marshall; Administrative Assistant Rebecca Martin

The Foundation Welcomes Our New Staff The Foundation is pleased to introduce the three staff members who joined (L-R) Dawn Beattie, director Kate Merry, us in 2019: Operations Director Shannon Cowan, Administrative Assistant Judy Norget Rebecca Martin and Bookkeeper Cynthia Marshall. Shannon is dedicated to environmental sustainability and equitability on a community scale. In addition to bringing her organizational and While grant-making remains at the leadership skills to the Foundation, Shannon currently coordinates the Salt core of the organization’s work, the Spring Island Watershed Protection Alliance and has offered volunteer ser- Foundation’s role has evolved over the vice to School Parent Committees, the Salt Spring Island Doula Collective, past 35 years. It now takes a more active the Climate Action Plan and community education, such as childbirth, part in assessing community priorities, permaculture and botanical therapy. She loves spending time with her such as the 2017 VitalSigns® report, husband and daughter, nurturing sustainability and spiritual health, and engages in grassroots granting to going for adventures in nature, food gardening, making music and hosting promote community belonging with the community learning events. Neighbourhood Small Grants program. Rebecca has worked with several non-profits, both as staff and as a The Salt Spring Island Foundation is volunteer, and has seen first-hand the impact these organizations have in the result of countless acts of generosity, the community. Working with the Foundation is an exciting new challenge, large and small. Its success is due to and she is delighted to be part of this important work. Outside of the office, many loyal donors, as well as to Board she enjoys exploring the beaches and forests of the island with her two and committee volunteers and staff; young children, trying new recipes and reading a good novel whenever she close to 150 people have volunteered gets the chance. in some capacity. The Foundation now Cynthia is originally from Mexico, where she began her career as a operates out of a downtown Ganges finance and administration assistant manager and auditor. She has been office with 3 part-time staff members, a Salt Spring Island resident since 2005, working for School District #64 10 Board members and about 40 other since 2007 and for the Gulf Islands Families Together Society. Working for volunteers. the Foundation has been incredibly motivating for Cynthia, allowing her to The Foundation’s mission is to further expand her accounting skills and experience. She enjoys spending inspire philanthropy in support of local time with her three children and travelling to learn new languages. charities for the enduring benefit of our Her daughters are already fluent in Spanish and French, as well as English. community. There is no doubt it will The Foundation is grateful to Kisae Petersen and Taryn Hancock, our continue to inspire and serve the people former Operations Director and Administrative Assistant, for their energy, of Salt Spring Island over the next 35 dedication and hard work on behalf of the organization. We wish them years—and long after. both all the best in their new careers.

4 Salt Spring Island Foundation 2019 Annual Report 2019 Grant Recipients

The Foundation granted over $298,000 to island charities across all its granting initiatives in 2019. Foundation grants are made possible by the generosity of people who make countless donations and bequests, volunteer their time and share their wisdom. Salt Spring Island Historical Society

BC Parks/Friends of Ruckle Fulford Harbour Childcare I-SEA (Institute for Park Heritage Society (TreeFrog Daycare) Sustainability Education To create and install six new interpretive For a raised garden bed that will support and Action) Youth signs and an informative booklet for Ruckle the instruction of many important early For a local version of a Canada-wide Photo Chris Marshall Photo Provincial Park to increase the appreciation learning concepts while children experi- initiative, My Clothes My World—Fashion of Ruckle Heritage Farm, the oldest ence gardening and growing food. Takes Action, consisting of six sessions operating family farm in BC and a living Graffiti Theatre Company examining the environmental impact of link to Salt Spring Island history. clothing. • For a secure and permanent storage BC SPCA, Salt Spring Island container for the theatre company’s Island Pathways For the Snip for Dogs program, to provide technical equipment, props and For the Trees for Pathways and Schools spaying and neutering for dogs owned by costumes. 2020 project, which will result in the plant- low-income households and individuals • Toward a feasibility study for a multi-use ing of 40 trees on the Kanaka Pathways and without housing. performing arts education and recre- Salt Spring Elementary School grounds. Big Brothers Big Sisters ation centre. This grant is supported by the Jacqueline Booth Memorial Fund. To provide supplies for 15 students for one Greenwoods year for the In-School Mentoring program. Eldercare Society IWAV This grant is supported by funds from the Toward an IT infrastructure upgrade For new computers in order to securely and Unger Family Fund for Children and their project to enhance the use of electronic effectively carry out programs that are vital Mothers and Senior Women in Need. information for resident care planning to our community. Capital Regional District and record-keeping, communication with Salt Spring Arts Council • Salt Spring Island Electoral Area families, and core business systems, such In support of six free summer music Emergency Program: For an on-island, as shared calendars and HR scheduling. performances in Centennial Park, pairing a two-day Justice Institute of BC-certified The upgrade will also enable accreditation touring BC act with a local opener. Suitable course, on the subject of Emergency and telehealth capability. for all ages, the concerts took place after the Operations Centre (EOC) Essentials, for Gulf Islands Seniors Tuesday market. 24 first responders. Residence Association Salt Spring Centre School • PARC: For a Community Event For updated computers and a new phone Toward an outdoor classroom in a wooded Coordinator for the Earth Day event, two system for Meadowbrook to increase the area at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga. The film evenings and the Lantern Festival. organization’s capacity and communica- structure will hold two classes and will be tions efficiency. used daily throughout the school year. In the summer it will provide a covered area for the Centre’s programming.

ssifoundation.ca 5 Salt Spring Farmers’ Salt Spring Forum Salt Spring Island Heritage Foundation For sound equipment and set-up for the Farmland Trust For building supplies for an extension to Youth Speaker Series. Toward the furnishing of a residential unit an existing shed that protects antique farm Salt Spring Island at The Root, the food storage, processing equipment. and education centre on Beddis Road. This Community Services Salt Spring Film Festival apartment will be offered at an affordable For an internet upgrade to support current rate and will ensure that the property is not Society and emerging program requirements, vacant after office hours. For speakers, sound boards and cables to remediate the present weak site upgrade the Film Festival sound system. connectivity and provide the capacity to improve security systems.

Neighbourhood Small Grants The Neighbourhood Small Grants program offers grants of $50 to $500 to support projects that bring people together, share skills and knowledge, build a sense of community belonging and responsibility, and respect and celebrate diversity. In 2019 the Foundation, in partnership with Salt Spring Island Community Services, was pleased to award 10 Neighbourhood Small Grants.

Bard on the Ridge Fort Street Fire Safety Sweat Lodge This Eagle Ridge event brought neighbours Awareness Barbecue Dressmaking Workshop of all ages together to perform an adap- The Fort Street neighbourhood hosted a This two-day sewing workshop led by tation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream barbecue to boost neighbourhood spirit experienced instructors taught participants through a staged reading with music. A and raise the awareness of fire risks. how to make a traditional dress worn in a dessert potluck followed the family event. Glitter Queens Summer sweat lodge ceremony. Workshops Park-Kanaka The Glitter Queens workshops enabled Block Watch Party girls aged 10 to 13 to learn skills, trades Residents of the Park-Kanaka neighbour- and crafts from women in our community, hood held a block party to share food and thus building relationships and sharing information, with a specific focus on ways intergenerational skills. to ensure neighbourhood safety. Gulf Island Lakes Publication This publication is a compilation of five -re Salty Skippers cent reports on freshwater quality data and Bard on the Ridge lake ecology of the Southern Gulf Islands. A book launch at the Salt Spring Island Public Canvasback Neighbours Library celebrated the volume’s completion Barbecue and provided an opportunity to share this In August, Canvasback Place residents information. gathered to meet and socialize and Non-Binary Family Picnic participate in discussions about emergency Held at Drummond Park, this picnic for preparedness. families with gender non-conforming Creative CoSSI children provided a way to connect through This creative skill-share series offered fun and common ground. locals a chance to facilitate a “play-shop” Salty Skippers in their chosen craft and included sessions The Salty Skippers held weekly double- on dance, drought-proof landscapes and dutch skipping sessions for fun and fitness making kombucha. at Salt Spring Elementary School. All community members were invited.

6 Salt Spring Island Foundation 2019 Annual Report Photo Chris Marshall Photo Photo Jen MacLellan Photo

Salt Spring Arts Council Salt Spring Island Historical Society

Salt Spring Island • GISS: For the purchase of a replacement Historical Society rowing scull for the Rowing Club. • To purchase and install a flat-screen • GISS: To purchase additional equipment monitor on the main floor of the library for the Robotics Team to enable to display historical pictures and competition and to provide funds both videos, as well as regular updates about to observe and enter competition. ongoing historical projects, displays and • GISS: For a stipend to a health educator presentations in the community. for Grades 10 and 12 sexual health • For cultural interpretive panels on two education. different sites in Ganges. The panels will • Saltspring lsland Middle School: To deepen the awareness of Indigenous and purchase a lighting board and dimmer Japanese-Canadian history on Salt Spring. for school stage lighting and to install DMX or audio wiring. Salt Spring Island • Saltspring Island Middle School: For the Literacy Society Literacy and Technology Project, which To support early literacy by providing provides tech tools to help students with books to be distributed to children in literacy and learning challenges. various local programs. School District #64, • Saltspring Island Middle School PAC: Fulford Elementary School Salt Spring Island For student Chromebooks with a Public Library long-term view of adopting a healthier To support the Indigenous Mural Project, a use of technology, including minimizing large outdoor map depicting First Nations the off-task use of electronic devices. communities on Salt Spring Island. Young • Salt Spring and Fernwood Elementary artists from local First Nations are Schools: To purchase three risers to participating in the creation of the share between the schools for the music mural on the library building. program. This grant is supported by funds from the Unger Family Fund for Salt Spring Island Search and Children and their Mothers and Senior Rescue Society Women in Need. Toward a custom aluminum cargo box for critical gear to be attached to the society’s Special Olympics BC new Ford 350 truck. For uniforms for the Salt Spring Island Salt Spring Island Water Special Olympics team, including shorts, Preservation Society swimsuits and jackets. To fund equipment and materials for use SWOVA in a volunteer program that collects field To redesign the Peace Kids program, data regarding island freshwater resources. which builds social and emotional learning skills in Southern Gulf Islands School District #64 primary-grade schoolchildren to prevent • Fulford Elementary School: To install a bullying and to support their mental catchment system and solar-powered health and social wellbeing. water pump for rainwater harvesting for Island Pathways a community garden.

ssifoundation.ca 7 Foundation of Youth 2019 Grants The Foundation of Youth (FOY) is a volunteer advisory committee composed of GISS students. In 2019, FOY granted over $9,000 to projects that improve the quality of life for youth on Salt Spring.

Gulf Islands Marine Rescue Society To support the purchase of personal flotation devices (PFDs) and materials for their Kids Don’t Float Station at Fernwood Dock.

2019–20 Foundation of Youth members: (back row, from Salt Spring Island Community Services left) Ebony Lingard, Claerwen Sladen-Dew (Co-chair), For the Heart Math Software and Dual Drive Game, which will be used Amelia McCluskey, Calla Adubofour-Poku, Kahlila Ball, in several Salt Spring elementary schools to promote a more inclusive Tyger Stafford (Co-chair), Josephine Gaffney, and viable learning environment for children who struggle with Avalon Bevière; (front row, from left) Ruby Egger-Lipsitt, Osha Foreman-Clarke, India Hayden behavioural issues or mental illness. Salt Spring Island Public Library • To establish a Music in the Library program that offers inclusive, inspiring free music classes and workshops for youth facilitated by both local and off-island musicians. • For a Sixty Years of Reading tile installation to commemorate the 60th anniversary of our public library and offer an opportunity for island youth to collaboratively create an art installation. Twenty-two artists aged 8 to 14 will be mentored in pottery skills by local artist Tracy Harrison, each creating a tile depicting themselves in a place where they enjoy reading. Salt Spring Literacy Society To fund the society’s 1000x5 project by providing resources that allow the Society’s staff and volunteers to collect and gather new or gently used books for preschoolers, then sort, clean and package them for Gulf Islands Marine Rescue Society distribution to agencies such as Family Place, Strong Start-SSE and IWAV. This project is based on substantial research indicating that children who read or hear 1,000 books before they are five years of age are better prepared to enjoy and succeed in learning. School District #64 • For the Saltspring Island Middle School’s tree nursery and garden space project. Each student plants two indigenous tree saplings (totalling 1,000) in the tree nursery and at the end of the school year takes the trees home to be planted. In addition, each class will reach out to 10 schools worldwide, encouraging them to do the same and asking those schools to continue the outreach. • For the Owl Class Indigenous history program at Salt Spring Elementary School. The program is taught by local archaeologist Chris Arnett, who deepens students’ understandings of local Indigenous history through storytelling in different locations around the island. • For the outdoor mud kitchen and windbreak at Salt Spring Elementary School. This outdoor addition will add to the learning and development of young students, as well as benefit the School District #64, Salt Spring Elementary School community, as anyone can use it outside of school hours.

8 Salt Spring Island Foundation 2019 Annual Report

Joan Nicholson Youth Recreation Grants In 2017, the Foundation was honoured to receive a bequest from Joan Nicholson. Joan requested that her generous gift be used to benefit Salt Spring youth recreation programs. In 2019, the Foundation granted over $42,000 to youth recreation, in addition to $132,000 granted in 2018. n Capital Regional District (PARC) Milestone Funds help To purchase two new soccer goals for Portlock Park. The lightweight goals build the Community Endowment have wheels for safe and easy transport. Fund and are suitable for donors who prefer to have the Foundation Fulford Community Hall Association make granting decisions on their Toward replacing outdated and worn gymnastic equipment used by the behalf. Create a Milestone Saltspring Gymnastics Association at Fulford Hall. Every year over 250 Fund with your donation (or

families benefit from the gymnastics program, which involves children and Give to Ways accumulated donations) or bequest youth from ages 1 to 18. of $5,000 or more. The fund may be Gulf Islands Early Learning Society in your name or the name of Toward replacing the aging roof of the Salt Spring Early Learning Centre. someone you wish to honour. KidSport Victoria To help children and youth on Salt Spring Island whose families do not n Field of Interest Funds have the financial means to register their children in organized sports and enable donors to specify a particular field of to increase outreach on the interest to which the income of their fund island to local families in will be directed, such as social services, need. children and youth, arts and culture or the Salt Spring environment. A Field of Interest Fund can be Therapeutic Riding established by your donation (or accumulated Association donations) or bequest of $15,000 or more and To assist in expanding the can be in the name of your choice. therapeutic riding program by providing a shelter for n Advised Funds are useful options additional therapy horses. for those who wish to specify a particular Salt Salt Spring Therapeutic Spring charity (or charities) as the recipient(s) School District #64 Riding Association of the annual distributions made possible by For instruments and music to help reinstate the their funds. It’s possible to create an Advised GISS Concert Band and Jazz Band, which have not existed in the school for Fund with your donation (or accumulated over a decade. As the Middle School band program continues to grow, this donations) or bequest of $25,000 or more. As will provide a valuable opportunity for students to continue developing with the fund types above, your Advised Fund their musical skills in high school. can be in the name of your choice.

n Partnership Funds allow donors to work with the Foundation to decide Donor-Advised Funds how best to enrich the quality of life on Salt Almost $29,000 in donor-advised funds were also directed to Spring. Partnership funds may be established the Salt Spring Arts Council, Salt Spring Farmers’ Heritage with your donation (or accumulated dona- Foundation, Salt Spring Island Conservancy, Salt Spring tions) or bequest of $50,000 or more. Donors Island Farmland Trust Society, Salt Spring Island Historical can meet with a Foundation representative Society, Salt Spring Island Water Preservation Society, Salt each year to provide direction about the Spring Seniors Services Society, and School District #64 distributions made possible by their funds. (GISS Rowing Club).

ssifoundation.ca 9 On the Table Generates Community Connections

Salt Spring Island is known for its engaged and outspoken residents, but what do islanders really talk about when they get together over a meal? During two weeks in October 2019, the Salt Spring Island Foundation invited people to host On the Table events in their homes and work- places, focussing on a topic of personal interest. On the Table aimed to bring individuals together over a meal to have a conversation about a topic of shared interest or concern. According to On the Table participants, this community cares about major issues such as affordable housing, food security, climate change, health care, conflict in the community, connecting all generations of islanders, welcoming home First Nations people, and working together to create a sustainable future for our island. Some organizers invited their neighbours over, both old and new, to meet each other and talk about how they could connect more. There were also some events focussed on specific interests, such as “It sparked school gardens and starting a sailing co-op obvious passion or an island herbal collective. in people, While the On the Table program has run including a very in Vancouver for several years, this was the deep desire to first time it was held on Salt Spring. Overall, 135 people participated in the events, and meet each other the response was overwhelmingly positive. and have real Participants commented that the conversa- conversations.” tions gave them hope that “many share my values and dreams” and also “brought new insights and made me feel less alone.” At an open community dinner and discussion hosted by the Foun- dation at Meaden Hall, over 70 attendees were encouraged to sit with people they didn’t know and discuss the future of our island, resulting in a friendly sharing of information and opinions between long-time islanders and newer residents. “I realized there are many people on Salt Spring committed to creating a vibrant community—a healthy, integrated, functional, connected community,” noted one participant. “In all my years of community organizing, I have rarely seen such an overwhelmingly positive response to a community event,” said Darlene Gage, the project coordinator. “There seems to be this magical recipe of gathering people together over good food and inviting them to share their concerns and ideas for our shared home and our future. It sparked obvious passion in people, including a very deep desire to meet each other and have real conversations. I hope people will be inspired by this project to invite some folks over to their homes for a potluck and have a focussed discussion on a topic they care about. It’s different from a social gathering and seems to create a deeper sense of connection for people.” In acknowledging the challenges islanders will face in the future, perhaps the most important takeaway was this comment from an On the Table participant: “ ‘We are going to get through this together,’ said I. ‘Yes, that’s why we are here,’ said he.” Photos Chris Marshall Photos

10 Salt Spring Island Foundation 2019 Annual Report Bob and Jinny Rush: Staying Close to Salt Spring Island uring the Salt Spring Island DFoundation’s 35th anniversary celebrations in 2019, we were delighted to acknowledge the many contributions of an “old-timer” who has helped us from nearly day one. Bob Rush joined the Foundation’s Advisory Group in 1988, just four years after the Foundation was established as a charitable organization. Three years later he was appointed chair of the Board of Trustees. “The Foundation dominated my life thereafter for nearly 15 years,” Bob reports. “It took priority over The family’s It turned out to be wise advice. When virtually everything else.” ties to this region Bob became chair of the Foundation’s Bob’s involvement in all remain strong. Two Board of Trustees in 1991, the assets things Salt Spring started long daughters live in stood at some $29,000. When he before he joined the Advisory Duncan, a grand- stepped down as chair in 2005, the Group. He was born here 90 daughter and two figure was close to $2 million. years ago and raised on Salt great-grandchildren Bob applied a special personal Spring. His family moved to live in Vancouver, touch to his work. Every donation Vancouver in 1943, but for one grandson works in Victoria and receipt included a “yellow sticky” with the next 48 years he returned to the another one works on Salt Spring at a handwritten thank-you note, and family’s cabin as often as possible. “So Country Grocer. every annual report sent to a donor I feel that I never really left the island,” After earning an had a personal note he notes. engineering degree “The Foundation from a trustee—a Bob met his wife, Jinny, in Vancou- from UBC, Bob dominated my life practice continued ver in 1954 on a blind date set up by did administrative to this day with the classmates. They became engaged work in a number of for nearly 15 years.” Foundation’s annual just three months later. Jinny trained firms, including the appeal. When Bob at Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto Tahsis Company. When the company retired as chair, he passed on the and became a registered nurse. She started building a pulp mill at Gold names of over 400 individuals who then came out west, graduating from River, Bob was their project engineer had been receiving his personal notes UBC with a degree in nursing. After for construction of the accompanying year after year. teaching at the School of Nursing at townsite. Beginning in 1972 he With decades of service to Salt the Vancouver General Hospital for became City Engineer and Planner for Spring Island, Bob and Jinny both two years, she spent 14 years raising Langley, then Chief Building Official epitomize the enduring ethics of the Rush children. This included in Coquitlam and finally a manager in neighbourliness and volunteerism. spending 10 weeks every summer the Permits and Licences Department It’s fine with Bob to be called an at their Salt Spring cabin. She then at the City of Vancouver. old-timer—after all, he has been with went back to work in 1972, as a senior In 1991 Bob and Jinny retired and the Foundation almost from its first Public Health Nurse with the provin- moved back to Salt Spring, where he days. And he’s not ready to stop help- cial ministry. Once she retired, Jinny devoted nearly all his energies to the ing yet, as he remains on the Grants became involved here with the Visitor Foundation. In 1994 he attended a Advisory Committee. The Foundation Information Centre, the library, the workshop of BC community founda- is fortunate indeed that Bob Rush is Salt Spring Island Historical Society tions, where he heard the recommen- still giving everything his personal and the University Women’s Club. dation to “stay close to your donors.” touch.

ssifoundation.ca 11 (left) Eileen and Al Stubbe with grandson Cameron (below) Leslie Jo Stubbe

which she made valuable contribu- tions as a peer counsellor. She re- Building a Salt Spring mained on the island after Al’s death because she had become entrenched Legacy: Eileen and Al Stubbe in our community and had a circle of caring friends. She was an active ife on Salt Spring Island was a management practices. He gave member of Salt Spring Stitchers, a Ldream come true for Alvin Stubbe. Eileen the go-ahead to establish a group of avid bridge players who As a young man, he owned fund. She then became very inter- also supported the Lady Minto Cabbage Island, off Saturna, and ested in the Foundation, ultimately Hospital Foundation. And she put her planned to make a home there. But joining the Grants Advisory Commit- English-teaching skills to good use by his career as a member of the Royal tee and the Council of Friends of the editing manuscripts written on Salt Engineers meant that he headed east, Foundation. Like many islanders of Spring Island. Unfortunately Eileen and he thought that this island dream her generation, she was dedicated died in March 2016, having spent her might never come true. He married a to community service and spent last years at Meadowbrook. prairie girl, Eileen Cameron, and they countless volunteer hours helping Both Eileen and Al believed in lived throughout Canada. the Foundation grow to become the giving back to their community, Happily, Al and Eileen were organization it is today. and they passed their views on posted to the Lower Mainland before Eileen said, “I sup- philanthropy to the next retirement, and they began a property port the Foundation “It’s a safe, sane generation. Their daugh- search. In 1986, they purchased for many reasons: way to give back to ter, Leslie Jo, was born waterfront property on Salt Spring, my home is here, my in Quebec but headed and Al spent the next two years build- connection to the the community.” west at an early age. She ing a dock and renovating the house islands is long-stand- and her husband, Phil, while living on his boat. Meanwhile ing, and as a part of the community I live in Al and Eileen’s Salt Spring Eileen finished her career as an have a need to participate.” She also home, having moved here in 2017 English teacher with the Delta School noted of her work with the Grants after Leslie Jo’s retirement as a home District. Al and Eileen were inveterate Advisory Committee, “I have input economics teacher in the Cowichan joiners and involved with several into the decision making and share School District. social groups. As well, they bred and in the care with which the grants are Leslie Jo, too, believes in supporting showed Samoyeds. made. Let me assure you, we take her local community. “I’m grateful to When Al died in 1993, Eileen our responsibilities very seriously be able to donate to the Foundation looked for a way to celebrate his indeed.” She also noted in reference in memory of my parents and to help life and settled on establishing a to donations, “It’s a safe, sane way, the community that embraced them.” fund with the Salt Spring Island guided by conscientious people, to It’s comforting to know that Eileen Foundation. She asked her financial give back to the community.” and Al’s legacy to the island they advisor to look at the Foundation’s Eileen was also a very effective loved will continue through their books, their investments and general member of Seniors for Seniors, to family and the Foundation.

12 Salt Spring Island Foundation 2019 Annual Report 2019 Donors Bryan and Lucile Adderley Jim and Joy Eastman Bob Jones and Claire Pickering Peggy Albrough and Lyle and Susan Eide Dorothy Finnigan E.M. Pierce David Duke Gordon and Sheila Ellis Charles Kahn and Judy Norget Fred and Nancy Powell Robin Allen and Jerry Lee Derek Emmerson Paula Kiffner and Carol Wright Probus Club of Salt Spring Phoebe Andrew Susan Evans and Ted Harrison Hubert and Ann King Island Rita and Leon Aptekmann Carole Eyles Conrad Koke and Brenda Hooge Ron Puhky and Kim Hanson Diane Armstrong David and Gillian Feitelberg Kay Kos Lynne Raymond Karen Arney Elizabeth and Sam FitzZaland Peter Lamb and Jean Gelwicks Victor and Lesley Reynolds Kim and Richard Ballantyne Basil Franey Marilyn Lawrence Alan and Rita Robertson Derek and Jennifer Barrio Richard Fraser and Brian Lawson and H. Ruckle Charitable Fund Robert and Birgit Bateman Sarah Morgan Dr. Philippa Tattersall Bob and Jinny Rush Charles and Sally Bazzard Howard and Judy Fry Nora Layard Denis and Susan Russell Steuart Beattie John and Iris Fulker Peter and Pat Lazenby Kees and Margriet Ruurs Paul and Elizabeth Beckmann Keith and Chris Galloway Bob and Liesbeth Leatherbarrow Salt Spring Garbage Service Ltd. Alan and Terri Bibby Joni Ganderton and Marguerite Lee David Secord Carol and Bob Biely Steven Friedman Patrick Lee Stanley Shapiro Blackburn Mall Donation Centre Nick Gilbert Timothy Leutwiler and Bathia Sharp David Rumsey Susan Bloom Linda Gilkeson Peter and Joyce Sharpe Sharon Glover and Doug Wilkins Irving Levin and Ruth Astha Bolliger Stephanie Fowler Terry and Raymond Simard Pat and Bob Gorman Terry and Bev Bolton Barbara Lindsay Hamish and Tricia Simpson Hugh and Sylvia Greenwood Malcolm and Stephanie Bond John and Margaret Lowther George and Bridget Sipos Lesley Grott Sharon Bond Jay and Anne MacAulay Gail Sjuberg Peter and Mary Grove Laurence Bongie Ron and Margaret MacKenzie Jody and Jan Slakov Robin and Janet Halliwell Douglas and Merle Box Christina Marshall and Holly Slaney Derek Brackley and Sara Menzel Ken and Marian Hargrove David Toynbee Sandra Smith Bob Brawn Melissa Hathaway and Lina and Rod Martens Joanna and David Southwell David Deephouse Hannah Brown Fred and Karen Martin Barry and Sheila Spence Ron Hawkins Julie Bryant and Bill Roach Jo Ann Martin Greg Spendjan and Jon and Jennifer Healey Tony and Betty Burridge Andrew Massie Donna Cochran Jim and Carol Helset Grace Byrne Pat Massy Linda Stafford and Bill and May Henderson John Woodward Sharon Callahan Rollie and Elaine McCallum Simon and Louise Henson Lorrie Storr and Gary Adams Deborah Carlson Joan McConnell Duncan and Emily Hepburn Leslie Jo Stubbe Gary and Beth Cherneff Marilyn McDowell Douglas Herchmer Brian Swanson and Mary Laucks Margaret Chisholm Tony McEwen and Liz Anderson Jeanne-Marie Herman and Henry and Carol Tabbers Keith and Donna Cloete Peter and Deb McGovern Michael Ableman Lynn and Betty Thompson Matthew and Phyllis Coleman Fran McIninch Ashley and Wendy Hilliard Drew and Lynn Thorburn Dorothy Copeland and Bob and Verity McKenzie Helen Hinchliff Gérald Tibbits and Kate Merry Alfred Morgan Don and Judy McLennan Don and Sandra Hodgins Mary Toynbee Country Grocer Gina McMahon and Ross Harvey Joy and Loes Holland Richard Toynbee Kathleen Darling Bob and Donna McWhirter Marion Holmes Bob and Satu Troyer Elizabeth Dow Timothy Mennie Alan and Mary Hughes Beverley Unsworth Gary and Jan Dunn Jenny Meyer and Jim Shultz Elaina Hyde Eric van Soeren Jane Durante Doug and Diana Mitchell Ian and Rae Jessiman Phil Vernon and Maggie Ziegler Blair and Margaret Dymond Neil Morie Vogel Family Trust Mouat’s Trading Co. Rosemary and Len Wallbank Miriam Moussaioff Bob and Judy Weeden In Memory In Honour Ken and Barbara Mugridge Susan and Weiland Wettstein Donations Donations Janellen Neil Terry Wilkinson Cedric and Catherine Newman The Foundation The Foundation Bryan and Audrey Williams Gwen and Dick Newton sincerely thanks the thanks those who Myles and Jessica Wilson Sean and LeeAnn Norgard many people who made donations in Sheila Wowchuk Victoria and Alex Olchowecki made donations in honour of the following April Wright Sylvia J. Ommanney individuals: Joan Wright memory of the Wiebke Ortlepp following much-loved Karla Copeland-Rice, Mike and Linda Overholt individuals: Jacqueline Sharon Glover, David Paine and Dan Dickmeyer Booth, Sam Chan and Patrick Lee, Harold and Mark and Katharine Peill Gladys Page, Ian Raffel Plus 42 donors who wish Sharon Cooke. Anil and Sheryl Pereira to remain anonymous and Bob Rush. Lyle and Jane Petch Kisae Petersen

ssifoundation.ca 13 Milestone and Other Funds We are grateful to our many Milestone Fund donors, who provide an enduring legacy to our community through their donations and bequests. All Milestone and Field of Interest Fund gifts are held in our Community Endowment Fund. $5,000+ $10,000+ $25,000+ Anonymous #1 Art Botham Memorial Fund Anonymous #3 Anonymous #6 James A. Brown Fund Jacqueline Booth Memorial Fund1 Anonymous #8 William David Dexter Memorial Fund Bob and Sharon Brawn Fund Birgit and Robert Bateman Fund Robin Gibbard Scholarship Fund Basil and Margaret Franey Fund Sheri Berkowitz Fund Helen Hinchliff Fund Laurel Gordon and Murray Sumpton Fund Carol and Bob Biely Fund Marc and Jean Holmes Fund Roy, Mollie, and George Lamont Fund George William Brown Fund Nancy and D. Keith-Murray Fund Allen and Joan McConnell Fund Migs Edwards Fund Brian and Gisèle McDermott Fund John and Bev Menzies Family Fund Sharon Glover and Doug Wilkins Fund E.A. (Effie) and W.M (Will) Mouat Dr. Raymond Rush Fund Jack Hallam Fund Memorial Fund Salt Spring Arts Council Kirby and Pat Herchmer Fund Norman and Carolyn Mouat Fund Endowment Fund2 Lee G. Hurd Fund Olivia D. Mouat Fund Stanley and Roberta Shapiro Fund Drs. Albert and Peggy Mouat Johnston Judy Norget and Charles Kahn Fund Richard and Barbara Toynbee Fund Fund Ortlepp Family Fund Yvonne and Tom Toynbee Fund Anita Kahn Memorial Fund Joyce and Joseph Ovenden Fund Wettstein Family Fund Patrick Lee Family Fund Harold and Gladys Page Fund Timothy Leutwiler and David Rumsey Snook Family Fund $50,000+ Fund Stowel Lake Farm Fund Anonymous #7 Kay and Ralph Magee Fund Mort and Biz Stratton Fund Grace and Pat Byrne Fund Ann and Gundy McLeod Fund Manson and Mary Toynbee Fund Barnie and Bill Cowan Fund Don and Betty McMahon Fund Nels Vodden Fund Dorothy Cutting Fund Gina McMahon and Ross Harvey Fund Helen Elizabeth Langford Memorial Fund Mary Moat Fund $15,000+ Hugh and Nancy McCullough Fund Norgard Family Fund Anonymous #5 John and Claire Pickering Fund Dick and Chris Pattinson Fund Brown/Sanderson Fund Eileen and Al Stubbe Memorial Fund Al and Mary Pike Fund Irving Levin and Stephanie Fowler Fund Leslie Ramsey Memorial Fund Hector Perry Fund $100,000+ Dave Rayment Memorial Fund Hubert and Margaret Robinson Fund Anonymous #2 Peter Rowell Fund Vogel Family Fund Tom and Mimi Gossett Memorial Fund Kees and Margriet Ruurs Fund Cordula Vogt Fund Linda and Mike Overholt Fund Dennis and Sanchia Seward Fund Audrey and Robert Wild Fund Jessie Mouat Toynbee Fund 2 Terry and Sue Strain Fund Cam and Terry Wilkinson Fund Bob and Jinny Rush Fund Allison and Mel Sumner Memorial Fund Saltsea Holding Fund Rosemary and Len Wallbank Fund The Unger Family Fund for Children and their Mothers and Senior Women in Need1

The following funds have come to the Foundation through bequests or other Bequests deferred gifts. As with Milestone Funds, Estate Funds will be recognized in perpetuity. All are held in our Community Endowment Fund.

Ruby Alton Estate ...... $298,672 John H. Kavelin Estate...... 1,000 Elizabeth Baker Estate...... 25,000 John Lees Estate...... 9,000 Rosmaria Behncke Estate...... 525,777 Dennis J. A. McMaster Estate3...... 25,000 Margaret Briggs Estate...... 4,500 Joan Nicholson Estate...... 153,690 Ruth Crane Estate...... 35,463 Gladys Mary Page Estate...... 33,511 Helen Margaret Franey Estate...... 10,165 Gordon Parsons Estate...... 5,000 Tom Gossett Estate...... 50,000 Gwen Ruckle Estate...... 137,781 Valerie Gyves Estate...... 500 Helen Agnes Ruckle Estate3...... 277,277 Jack Hallam Estate...... 7, 835 Shaw Family Estate...... 1,411,640 JDB Trust (John Ward, Dorah Ward, Fred Slaney Estate...... 1,000 Bertha Cameron)...... 401,370 Cordula Vogt Estate...... 10,000 Lubomyra-Mellita Kandler Estate...... 35,000 Dorah Ward Estate...... 15,060 1 2 3 14 Salt Spring Island Foundation 2019 Annual Report Field of Interest Fund Advised Fund 2019 bequest Summary of Financial Statements As at December 31, 2019. The 2018 financial statements are restated because during 2019 the Foundation switched from the deferred method of fund accounting to the restricted method of fund accounting. This method recognized donations as revenue in the year they are received instead of the year related grants are made. It clarifies the breakdown of assets but does not change the total of net assets. Please refer to our website for the full audit report and notes. Statement of Operations 2019 2018 (restated) REVENUE Donations 601,360 317,362 Donations, flow-through 43,657 282,815 Investment income 187,280 241,069 Gain (loss) on investments 902,132 (350,229) Total Revenue 1,734,429 491,017 EXPENSES Advertising and promotion 5,068 6,063 Amortization 145 146 Bank charges and interest 1,757 2,451 Building occupancy 29,187 27,147 Computer expenses 6,818 4,238 Fees, meetings and general 18,374 7,643 Foundation projects 10,349 18,388 Grants 233,518 188,222 Grants, flow-through 43,639 282,815 Insurance and legal 1,363 1,357 Investment management fees 69,118 76,032 Printing, postage and publishing 8,441 8,480 Professional fees 7,431 7,175 Telephone 1,496 982 Wages and benefits 73,130 63,784 Total Expenses 509,834 694,923 Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses 1,224,595 (203,906)

Statement of Financial Position ASSETS Cash 254,470 176,688 Accounts receivable - 5,620 Government remittances receivable 3,013 11,548 Prepaid expenses 1,005 1,486 Investments 7,842,191 6,718,198 Equipment - 145 Total Assets 8,100,679 6,913,685 LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 9,853 10,409 Undistributed grants 413,756 432,529 Flow-through funds 282,109 300,381 Total Liabilities 705,718 743,319 NET ASSETS Externally restricted endowment 2,725,727 2,524,388 Internally restricted endowment 2,873,411 2,399,803 Unrestricted 1,795,823 1,246,175 Total Net Assets 7,394,961 6,170,366 Total Net Assets Plus Liabilities 8,100,679 6,913,685

Notes to Financial Statements (1) As of January 1, 2011, the SSI Foundation was a society registered as a public (2) The Foundation uses the restricted fund method of accounting for foundation with the Charities Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency. As such, it is contributions. exempt from income tax and can issue tax receipts. The Foundation’s charitable organization number is BN 811053255 RR0001. ssifoundation.ca 15 Special Thanks

n All our generous donors—past and present n Our dedicated 2019 committee volunteers: Communications Committee: Kate Merry, Lesley Reynolds (Chair), Ceridwen Ross Collins, Linda Starke, Diane Thomas Donor Relations Committee: Dawn Beattie, Sharon Glover, Kate Merry (Chair), Lesley Reynolds Finance and Audit Committee: Eric van Soeren (Chair) Grants Advisory Committee: Rebecca Bloch, Gordon Chutter (Chair), Barry Cooke, Smart Giving Margaret MacKenzie, David Norget, Sylvia Ommanney, Bob Rush, The Salt Spring Island Foundation offers Elly Silverman, Philippa Tattersall, Greg Taylor you many options to suit your philanthropic Investment Committee: wishes. John Binsted, Karla Copeland-Rice (Chair), Terry Bolton, One way to customize your giving is Eric van Soeren, Brettney Webb by supporting a Field of Interest Fund Foundation of Youth, 2018–20: dedicated to a specific purpose, as directed Calla Adubofour-Poku, Junan Adam Gordon, Kahlila Ball, Avalon by the original donor. The Jacqueline Booth Memorial Fund honours an islander who Bevière, Maya Neufeld Boucher, Fraser Byers, Ruby Egger-Lipsitt, was dedicated to preserving the natural Osha Foreman-Clarke, Josephine Gaffney, Malaya Hart-Weller, ecology of Salt Spring Island and the west India Hayden, Acacia Lee, Ebony Lingard, Lina Losier, Amelia coast marine environment. Proceeds from McCluskey, Quinn Nickels, Jesi Pearce, Bonnie Reynolds, the fund are directed to grants that support Sonja Reynolds, Claerwen Sladen-Dew (Co-Chair), local environmental projects. Tyger Stafford (Co-chair), Elizabeth Woodley, Madeline Woodley Our newest Field of Interest Fund is the Vital Connections Committee: Devon James Bolton Mental Health Fund. Maggie Allison, Kim Hanson, Ellie Langford Parks (Chair), This fund was established by our much- Brian Lawson, Kate Merry, Lesley Reynolds, Julie Rieter loved Terry and Bev Bolton, following their n Council of Friends of the Foundation: son Devon’s suicide in December 2019. The Carol Biely, Bob Brawn, Gladys Campbell, Emily Hepburn, Boltons hope that this fund will support Wendy Kaye, Patrick Lee, Judy Norget, Claire Pickering, mental health efforts on Salt Spring so that Tom Toynbee other families will not experience such a n Neighbourhood Small Grants Review Committee: tragic loss. Heather Adshead, Dawn Beattie, Lukas Booy, Gini Eder, The Foundation is also the home of an Advised Fund that specifically supports the Ramona Reigel, Daniel Squizzato work of the Salt Spring Arts Council, includ- n The Gulf Islands Driftwood, the Salt Spring Exchange and ing the Salt Spring National Arts Prize and Contour Grafix for their ongoing support other programs that provide rich cultural n Country Grocer for their donations to community charities, benefits to our community. including the Foundation (Box 87) Please consider these funds when you are n Our graphic designer, Carolyn Howse making your donation. If you would like to n W. Allan Hancock for donating the use of his painting for our create your own Field of Interest or Advised thank-you cards Fund, we would be happy to discuss the n Louis Pepin and all those other volunteers and community options we offer. members who support the Foundation and help to keep administrative costs low Contact Us: Tax-deductible donations BY MAIL: BY PHONE: can be made through SSI Foundation 250 537 8305 our website at: PO Box 244, AT OUR OFFICE: ssifoundation.ca Salt Spring Island, BC 158A Fulford Ganges Rd V8K 2V9 (UPSTAIRS)

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