Kawiria Creed is the youngest director on the North Thompson Communities Foundation (NTCF) board at 21-years-old and is passionate about contributing her own creative ideas as a volunteer to what she sees is a “very supportive and important” community organization in the valley.
In a recent interview she explained her reasons for joining the foundation.
“I heard about the things the North Thompson Communities Foundation had been doing with regards to providing much needed funds to a wide variety of groups that they were recruiting new volunteer members and directors," she said. "I felt that being part of this organization means that I have some creative experience and I’d like to see positive things happen in the communities we serve. I’m learning so much as a director and volunteer, knowledge that is great for my resume and the work I do with the District of Clearwater as well.”
Creed says the work she is doing “specifically” with the foundation is contributing in the area of communications and marketing.
“I do some graphic designing and help come up with ways we can get the word out about events and assist in our connecting with other community groups throughout the area we serve, which covers from Blue River to McLure."
The young director was involved in suggesting some “new ideas” to the board when she came on board, such as informative articles in both the Clearwater Times and Barriere Star / Journal, being more involved in more valley wide events and having an information tent set up during those occasions to provide more valuable info about what the foundation does, how residents can become involved either through volunteering, donating or serving on the board of directors and especially how grant funding is distributed to groups that may apply for funding support, scholarships or bursaries.
Director Creed says a major goal is to have something like an open house or regular socials in different parts of the valley in the future hosted by the NTCF.
“We are looking forward to having these local discussions to explain how groups can apply as an example. We also want people to understand that if they would like to donate to the foundation that it doesn’t have to be a large amount to make a difference. Some people donate a small monthly amount individually or some leave a legacy donation perhaps in their will. Regardless, every donation makes a difference and helps the foundation going directly back to the community.”
Not only is Creed a volunteer and director with the foundation, she is also employed by the District of Clearwater as the Recreation, Culture, and Events Assistant, is a published poet, and singer songwriter.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing what the foundation does throughout the valley with people. It’s very inspiring,” said Creed.
The North Thompson Communities 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.
If you are interested in learning more about the North Thompson Communities Foundation you can visit their website at: https://www.ntcommunitiesfoundation.com/
