During the Heart of the Shuswap Mixer at Prestige Harbourfront Resort on September 18, Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) unveiled the recipients of SCF’s first major capital grant. Intended to provide meaningful long-term impact to local organizations, the new grant stream provides $20,000 – $100,000 in funds for major capital projects. The first grant was distributed to Shuswap Paws Rescue Society for the purchase of a new rescue van.

Shuswap Paws Rescue Society Board Director Lindsay Blackstock says, “The new cargo van has greatly increased Shuswap Paws Rescue Society’s ability to respond efficiently and safely to animals in need throughout our rural service area. The van provides a secure, spacious, and fully sanitizable space for animal intake, transportation, and health checks, helping reduce the spread of infectious disease. It also allows us to host mobile adoption events, bringing adoptable animals directly into surrounding communities.

“The additional cargo space is invaluable for TNR and trapping operations, providing room for traps, supplies, carriers, and multiple animals. It also allows us to transport larger numbers of rescued animals to partner rescues and larger facilities in more populated areas, creating more opportunities for animals to receive the care and placement they need.”

SCF Executive Director Monica Sigurdson made the announcement at the mixer. She also thanked donors, fundholders and community partners as Shuswap Community Foundation’s endowment fund surpassed $20,000,000 for the first time. “The generosity of Shuswap residents and businesses in contributing time and resources to local causes is incredible. The income earned from this endowment fund will allow us to continue supporting causes that matter long into the future.”