The results are in for Chemo RV’s 2021 Community Giving Initiative!

In these unprecedented times… Alright, wait. Rather than starting this post with what sounds like a modern-age, overused Martin Luther King quote, we’ll skip the adage that has become exceedingly popular during the 2020-21 years. Rather, let’s bring it back to simple layman’s terms: We understand the strain and learning that indivudals and businesses alike have had to recently endure—and we want to help.

At Chemo RV, we believe that supporting our community is like supporting family. During summer 2021 we launched our Community Giving Initiative. With the funds split between six local charities, the total amount raised—as you’ll read below—is both heartwarming and immensely beneficial to each charity’s purposeful work.

Over the past summer, $250 from every unit sold has totalled an amount that has been split amongst six charities. Each of the chosen organizations are ones close to our heart with work that we strongly support. The six organizations are: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Williams Lake, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre, BC SPCA – Quesnel Branch, Amata House, Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, and the Prince George Animal Rescue.  

Now, it’s time for the drumroll.

On behalf of the six chosen organizations, we want to thank you for your support. Your purchases and direct donations have been imperative to the initiative’s success. As a result of your generosity, an astounding $55,500 has been raised. You’ve proven to, like us, be #CaribooStrong—and for that we are thankful.

Each of the six organizations have provided a statement on how their funds will be used. You can be proud that the amounts raised are beneficial to profound, purposeful work.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Williams Lake

Big Brothers and Big Sisters change lives. Many young people face challenges beyond their control, which often means they risk not reaching their full potential. The guidance and support of a consistent and trustworthy mentor in their lives can help them mitigate this risk and help them to achieve more now and well into the future.

Allocation of Funds: The funds will go towards our in-school mentoring program. The in-school mentoring program provides support for children who are having difficulty in school. It provides girls and boys with a role model and friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up—all within school grounds. For one hour per week, mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hanging out in the playground. These interactions focus on providing direction, and building confidence and hope for the future. These funds will help us restock our toy boxes in each of the schools that the mentees and mentors use during their visits. 

Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre
Amount: $9,250

The Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre provides assessments, education, and assistance to children needing extra support in physical, socio-emotional, communication and cognitive development. They are dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and their families and communities through the services they provide.

Allocation of Funds: We are excited to put the money towards our preschool playground—a space that not only our programs use (preschool, therapies, early years, supported child development, child, and youth care), but also the public at large. We would be unable to do the work we do with families without your support. In 2021 thus far, we have served 1,038 children, youth, and their families. We want to thank you for helping us make this a possibility.

BC SPCA – Quesnel Branch
Amount: $9,250

The BC SPCA takes in about 45,000 animals across the province each year and helps them to find their forever homes. Many of these animals need medical attention before they’re ready to go home, and vet bills can easily reach into the hundreds or thousands of dollars for a single animal. The BC SPCA is funded entirely through donations, so their important work depends on all of us.

Amata House
Amount: $9,250

The Amata Transition House Society provides 24-hour support and temporary shelter to women and children who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. They strive to empower, educate, and advocate for a diverse, open, and equitable society by creating a safe and supportive environment.

Allocation of Funds: The funds could be used for everything from food to bedding, COVID-19 cleaning supplies, a dining room table and chairs (four of our chairs broke during summer), and self-care baskets for guests and staff as a morale booster during the cold and flu season. Further, we would use another 10×8 shed for the guests who flee domestic violence and need space to temporarily store their personal belongings until we help secure them alternate finances and living arrangements. Ultimately, there are a range of ways these funds will aid our efforts to provide a safe night’s stay for our most vulnerable women and children. 

Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation
Amount: $9,250

The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation was created to give people the opportunity to improve healthcare and services where they receive care. This includes capital improvements, equipment, and education of healthcare workers and medical staff. They’re a champion of exceptional health outcomes for the entire Prince George region.
 

Prince George Animal Rescue
Amount: $9,250

The Prince George Animal Rescue is focused on the rescue and rehabilitation of abused and unwanted cats, dogs and horses so they can go on to healthy, happy homes. They also educate animal owners on appropriate care. Since 2003 they have rescued and rehomed over 367 horses, 394 dogs, and 492 cats. The animals in their care are family until they find their perfect home.

Allocation of Funds: We plan to upgrade the kennels in our dog building, expand our cat room, purchase paint for the new fences we put in this year, and aid our veterinary bills.

As a result of your generosity and support, Chemo RV’s Community Giving Initiative has been a success. On behalf of our staff and the six organizations mentioned above, thank you. The entirety of funds has been split among these organizations whose work will strengthen our community.