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North Thompson Communities Foundation - Director Marie Downing

The North Thompson Communities Foundation introduces Marie Downing, a valley resident and artisan who will be joining the board as a director in February.

The North Thompson Communities Foundation (NTCF) is looking forward to welcoming a new director in 2025 at its next upcoming meeting on February 10 says foundation chair, Louise Lodge. "We are fortunate to be gaining the skills and experience of a fantastic artisan, graphic designer and valley volunteer such as Marie Downing who will be a real asset to our board of directors as we continue our work providing support in the way of grant funds in the North Thompson Valley. We are hoping to shine a light on exactly how beneficial our foundation can be to organizations, non profits and groups as well as how we rely upon donations to continue the great work we are doing."

As their mission statement emphasizes, the NTCF provides a pathway to support in addressing social challenges and inequalities and is intended to improve the well-being of all who reside throughout the North Thompson Valley and surrounding areas. The foundation awards grants through local charitable organizations generated from responsibly managed donations and legacies which promote community capacity building and unity throughout the North Thompson Valley from Barriere to Blue River. 

Director Spotlight - Marie Downing, Barriere, B.C.

Marie Downing is the owner of Cranky Crow, a graphic design business, has a long history in the printing industry and also was the former manager of the Barriere Chamber of Commerce and part of a local art group called The Valley Artisans who recently made a donation to the NTCF of $1200. The donation came about following the very successful annual Christmas Extravaganza craft and artisans market held at the North Thompson Fall Fair grounds and agriplex over the holidays. "We had a bit extra money from our annual raffle basket saved from each year and discussed how we wanted to give back to the community. All of the artists involved donate towards the huge raffle basket and since we are able to cover the event expenses we decided to give back to the foundation that supports us all in the valley. It's our way of paying it forward." 

Downing explains since the foundation has now defined what she calls "sub categories" as a way for donors to specify where they would like to see their donation used, her group chose the 'Arts and Culture' category for their recent donation. "As long as the money went towards the communities in the valley, we would have been happy with that but it's also nice that it's coming from artists to benefit people in the arts," said Downing.

"I was looking for somewhere else to volunteer that would be a fit for my skill sets and the foundation works well for what I have to offer. I'm excited for the opportunity to make a difference and help to educate others on what the North Thompson Communities Foundation is all about."

If you are interested in learning more about the North Thompson Communities Foundation and their grant application process or becoming a donor or board member, you can find them at their website: http://www.ntcommunitiesfoundation.com/ or via email:ntcommunitiesfoundation@gmail.com.