THE third annual Aviva Community Fund competition launched recently and $1 million is up for grabs.
According to a written statement, the annual initiative, presented by Aviva Canada Inc., a provider of home, auto, leisure and business insurance, is intended to help improve communities across the country.
Running until January 2012, the competition is centred around an online portal: www.avivacommunityfund.org. Community members are encouraged to submit ideas and vote for their favourites. Examples of projects include constructing a new playground in an underprivileged neighbourhood, revitalizing a community centre or providing support to a national organization. The most popular ideas will have a chance to be funded.
New this year is increased accessibility via Facebook. All ideas submitted will be visible and able to accept votes via www.facebook.com/ AvivaCommunityFund. In addition, for every "like" the Aviva Community Fund receives, $1 will be donated to Free The Children to support at-risk youth programs in Canada.
Current North Shore-based ideas in the running include:
- Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society, a non-profit organization that fosters play and friendships for individuals on the autism spectrum. Representatives are fundraising to open a state-of-the-art therapeutic play centre for children with autism.
- Special Olympics B.C. North Shore, a nonprofit organization that gives intellectually disabled individuals positive sport experiences. Funding will support community outreach, the purchase of new uniforms, protective gear and equipment, venue rental, storage, volunteer training and development, and competitions.
- Save Your Skin Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of melanoma skin cancer and providing emotional and financial support to those dealing with the disease. Funding will allow them to install sun protection measures at the Variety Kids Water Park at Stanley Park.
- The Animal Defence and Anti-Vivisection Society of B.C. is wishing to promote, through PSAs, and bus and billboard ads, the humane charity seal of approval.
Send details, along with your contact information, for our regular Noteworthy Neighbours section to emcphee@nsnews.com.
