The Community Foundation of North Okanagan has awarded its first Canada 150 grant to a historic organization.
The Royal Canadian Legion Armstrong branch was given a $5,000 grant after applying for funding to create a play that will review the 150 years since Confederation depicting memorable events in each decade from the perspective of the citizens of Armstrong.
“This is the first of several Canada 150 Grants the Community Foundation intends to announce in the coming months,” said foundation executive director Leanne Hammond.
“The Community Fund for Canada’s 150th is a collaboration led by Community Foundations of Canada and the national network of 191 community foundations, including the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan, with the support of the Government of Canada and leaders from coast to coast.”
The Armstrong project is titled Through Their Eyes, and utilizes the skills of well-known actress and writer Christine Pilgrim.
In addition to professional singers and musicians, members of the community may be used in sketches and musical routines.
Prominent pioneers, such as Gold Rush Overlanders Augustus and Catherine Schubert and EC Heaton Armstrong, after whom the city is named, will be celebrated, as will later events such as Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the North Okanagan and the Interior Provincial Exhibition, which has been drawing huge crowds since 1899.
Segments of Chinese, First Nations’ and the first French settlers will also be presented.
Armstrong’s contribution to both world wars, the building of the railway, the area’s agriculture, horticulture and industrial heritage including ranching, logging and tourism, along with its contribution to the arts, sports and culture, will be acknowledged through sketches, song and dance.
The play will be part of Armstrong’s celebrations in May.
“This project captures the spirit of our Canada 150 Grants perfectly. I can’t wait to attend the play,” said Hammond. “The creativity and passion of this group is an inspiration. They even dressed up for the cheque presentation.”
The grants will go to projects that engage Canadians from all walks of life in a wide range of local projects that build community, inspire a deeper understanding of Canada and encourage participation in a wide range of initiatives that mark Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Grants are to be responsive to local priorities and encourage a greater sense of community belonging.
While the application deadline for Canada 150 Grants has passed, the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan’s regular Smart &Caring Community Grants cycle is open now until the end of March. For details on that granting program visit www.cfno.org.