Thanks to a major donation from CIBC for the construction of a community kitchen in the Gibsons Public Market, the fundraising arm of the community hub is $100,000 closer to its goal.
Pam Robertson, chair of the Gibsons Public Market Capital Campaign, made the announcement on Nov. 9 at the Market.
“The kitchen is the centre of family life where lively conversation and learning happen, and food is one of the first things that comes to mind when we think about healthy life choices for ourselves and our families,” Robertson said.
She drew smiles of appreciation when she flipped over a sign to add the CIBC logo to an artist’s rendition of the proposed kitchen.
CIBC was well represented at the happy event; in addition to three senior executives, the packed room included several of the Gibsons’ CIBC employees.
Rod Fossen, district vice-president, CIBC, Vancouver area, opened his remarks by thanking the Beachcombers Ukulele Group, aka the BUGS, for their spirited contribution to the evening. Fossen grew up in rural Alberta and the music reminded him of a Canadian kitchen party. He went on to speak about the importance of community to CIBC.
“CIBC is proud to contribute to the development of Gibsons Public Market that will bring the community together in recreation, health and education,” Fossen said.
“We chose to focus our donation on the community kitchen because it supports one of our core values in raising healthy families and communities, which includes promoting healthy food choices and seeing the kitchen as a place where the family comes together.
Mike Stevenson, senior vice-president and region head branch network B.C. and Northern Territories, also spoke about growing up in a rural area in central B.C. and the important role community hubs play for local people. He welcomed the opportunity the bank had to be part of the Market.
Also present from CIBC was Christina Vetro from Toronto. Vetro is the regional consultant, community investment for B.C., Northern Territories and Alberta.
Gerry Zipursky, one of the first proponents of the Market, remarked later to audience members that the capital campaign is at a critical juncture in order to qualify for $400,000 in matching funds from the Island Coastal Economic Trust.
“We really need local support, every dollar helps. Whether the donation is $5 or $50,000, every donation counts,” he said.
For more, see www.gibsonspublicmarket.com or call 604-886-8814.
