Alberni Valley Community Foundation

Who We Are

The Alberni Valley Community Foundation

Invests in the future of our community by creating and managing funds: all gifts from donors go into permanent endowments!
Provides grants to local charities to improve quality of life.
Addresses community needs and opportunities; encourages caring citizens to provide leadership.
Ensures the integrity of funds and that the wishes of donors are respected.

	Hugh Grist Hugh and his wife Anne moved to the Alberni Valley in 1969 where he enjoyed a 29-year career in engineering at the Paper Mill, retiring in 1998. He was a founding member of the formation committee of the Community Foundation, appointed direct in 1995 and become Board Chair in 1997.

	Oliver Howard Rev. Oliver R. Howard, B.A., B.D., is a retired minister of the United Church of Canada. Oliver and his wife Joyce moved into the Alberni Valley in August of 1987. Oliver has been involved with the Alberni Valley Community Foundation from its inception. He served on the committee that formed the Constitution. He believes the Alberni Valley Community Foundation provides a splendid opportunity for citizens who have been blessed by a life of prosperity in this Valley to express their gratitude by donating to the Foundation.

	Aaron Vissia CFP - Aaron is a well known local financial planner who has been involved with the foundation since 2002. Having been born and raised in the Valley, Aaron joined the Foundation as a way to become further involved in the community and provide direction and ideas to benefit local clubs and organizations in need of funding. Aaron currently serves as part of the Financial Committee.

	Mike Kuruliak Mike started with the foundation a number of years ago as the Labour representative on the board. His interest in the foundation and how it works for the community was a natural fit. Knowing the guidelines by which the foundation operates strengthens his desire to be a useful member on the board and to our community at large.

	Mark Norn In 2004 Mark was invited to join the Community Foundation Board. He had a keen interest in establishing a Legacy Fund on his Family’s and business behalf. After 60 years of family ownership he thought it was a good idea to give back to the community. Mark is proud of what the Foundation has achieved to date and is eager to help the community and it’s legacy grow in the future.

	Paul McMillen Paul is the treasurer of the foundation and has been involved since 1998. Paul strongly believes in the focus of the AVCF to raise capital, invest the capital, and disperse the interest for charitable and non-profit purposes. In his own words, “The Alberni Valley has been good to my family. The AVCF allows me to give back to the community working with others for continuing to better the quality of life for citizens in the Valley as well as donating monetary funds to leave an everlasting legacy.”

	Terry Boyd Terry started with the Foundation in 2000. Currently he is the chair of the Grants committee. Recently retired after 40 years in the funeral business, Terry is married to Carol and has 3 boys. He has dedicated his life to service for those in need in all walks of life.



	Stefanie Weber Stefanie has been a direct since early 2007, serving on the grants committee and as the communcations director. Stefanie is a local business owner along with her husband Tim, and has been active in many community organizations including the 2004 BC winter games, Alberni Curling, Alberni Valley Minor Softball, Canadian Parents for French and the Alberni Valley Community School.

Photo Not Available	Derek McGregor Derek has been a director for about 4 years. He had heard about the foundation years ago and agreed with the idea of a fund that never decreases, only the interest earned is sent back into the community. The foundation adds to the quality of life in the Valley via its contributions to deserving reciepients. Derek has helped in the golf tournament at the local golf course, and looks forward to similiar ventures in the future.

	Holly Van Schouwen Holly joined the foundation in early 2007, and serves as the secretary. Having a diverse background in event planning and marketing, she bring sher enthusiasm and vision for a brighter Port Alberni future to the group. Holly has a strong belief that continued investment in our community will benefit organizations now and create a strong foundation for investment in future generations and their needs.

Photo Not Available	John Mayba John has lived in Port Alberni since 1979 and has been a director with the foundation for 6 years. As the foundation supports a wide spectrum of volunteer groups and other organizations, John feels that the work being done in the foundation is very worthwhile and makes the community a better place to live. John is particularly interested in projects which help alleviate environmental and social problems.