Fraser River Discovery Centre

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Monday, November 16, 2009
We can’t do this on our own
Yesterday (Nov 15) was National Philanthropy Day in Canada and it seems appropriate this week to talk about the importance of philanthropy to the Fraser River Discovery Centre. In short, without it, we would not be able to do the work we do. Often, philanthropy is associated with extremely large donations to large non-profit associations. While this is an important aspect of the word, philanthropy is also giving, volunteering and social engagement in community which enriches the quality of life for all people. The quality of education, healthcare, the environment and the arts, to name only a few, would be far less if not for the impact of the charitable sector and the increasing role it plays. In Canada, more than 83,000 charities provide countless services to millions of Canadians, who in turn contribute more than $10 billion annually to those organizations. Here at the Discovery Centre, we rely on the generosity of our donors. We’ve recently established the Discovery Centre Giving Circle. Allen Domaas, Chair of the Giving Circle remarks “Since reopening in March 2009, the Discovery Centre has received a number of meaningful donations, including a recent donation of $10,000 from our newly elected Board Chair, Margaret Mason. When joining the Discovery Centre Giving Circle, donors agree to invest an annual gift of $500 and individuals, corporations, and community groups have been responding favorably. Donations to the Discovery Centre Giving Circle fund exhibits, educational programs, community awareness events, providing FRDC with opportunities to encourage dialogue necessary to connect communities in discovery and celebration of the living, working Fraser River”. In making her recent $10,000 donation FRDC Chair, lawyer and New Westminster resident Margaret Mason said “I made my gift because I believe so strongly that the FRDC has the ability to take the lead in educating British Columbians about the importance of the Fraser River. The Centre is developing strong partnerships with industry, conservation groups and individuals. We will develop a showcase facility for New Westminster that will be an integral part of the redevelopment of the riverfront. Together we can ensure the River will be sustained for future generations.” In honor of National Philanthropy Day and on behalf of the staff, board, volunteers and visitors of the Discovery Centre, I want to say a big thank you to all the Discovery Centre donors and funders: Discovery Centre Giving Circle Allen Domaas Catherine Ouellet-Martin Mott Family Parklane Homes Ltd Ruby Group Fundraising & Events Sea-Link Marine Services Ltd Southern Railway of British Columbia Ltd Michael Forrest Harken Towing KPMG George Abakhan Paul Beckman Governments City of New Westminster Province of BC Department of Canadian Heritage Sponsors Vancouver International Airport Port Metro Vancouver McQuarrie Hunter LLP Grant Thornton Fraser River Pile and Dredge Royal Bank Norlien Foundation River Market at Westminster Quay Click here for more information about National Philanthropy Day.
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Friday, November 06, 2009
A Grand Gala Success!
Last Thursday, over 180 people came to the Discovery Centre 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner. This year we honored the entire river community for their dedication to and achievements on the river. The Gala Dinner is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the days leading up to the event are always excitingly manic. This year there was also a feeling of anticipation and achievement that was a bit different than in years past. This year the dinner was held in the renovated Discovery Centre and we were proud to show it off. I'm happy to report that our first big dinner event at the Discovery Centre was a grand success! The company was fantastic, the live auction was a hoot and the dinner was delicious (I still can’t believe a fine four course meal was prepared and served from our offices!). To those of you who attended, our heartfelt thanks for your support and dedication to the Discovery Centre. It was wonderful to look around the room and see so many friends of the river gathered together! Over the past few months, since we re-opened in March, I’m always excited by how different the Centre feels once it is full of people. As a new attraction, we have some days with few visitors. However, on days like last Thursday, with the Centre absolutely brimming with visitors, the atmosphere is electric and I’m reminded once again of why I love working here. The Discovery Centre is on its way to something special and being here at the start of this next phase is a real privilege. So thank you to our sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees for making last Thursday so special. See you again next year!
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