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 director in 1995 and become Board Chair in 1997.
John has lived in Port Alberni since 1979 and has been a director with the foundation for more than a decade. 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.
Peggy, now retired, has spent most of her life in the Alberni Valley with a background in small business development and bookkeeping. She has also been a longtime volunteer leader with Girl Guides of Canada, her church and Alberni Clayoquot Continuing Care Society. Peggy takes on the role of treasurer and firmly believes in the long-term investment strategy of the Foundation.
Ken, a professional engineer, moved to the Valley in 1986 to become City Engineer for the City of Port Alberni and later City Manager, retiring in 2016. He also volunteers with a number of community groups including Rotary, West Coast Aquatic, Portal Players and the Maritime Heritage Society. Ken firmly believes in the concept of local community foundations.
Robert, a Bachelor of Commerce, is a long time resident of the Alberni Valley and has put his expertise to good use with Community Futures, Ministry of Small Business and Forest Renewal BC. He has also has provided economic consulting for Municipal, Regional Districts, First Nations and Abbeyfield in this area. Robert was especially impressed with the range of investments made by the Foundation over the past few years, in particular in early childhood and with agencies providing service to the poor and marginalized; and to the extent that the recipients were able to lever these into more funds.
Jean McIntosh, (BA, MA Anthropology UBC), moved to the Alberni Valley for a one-year position as Assistant Curator of the Alberni Valley Museum. That led to an over 30 year career with the City of Port Alberni as Curator and Director for the Museum and instrumental in the development, promotion and coordination of the Alberni Heritage Network of attractions. Jean particularly appreciates the diversity of community interests supported by the Foundation and is interested in continuing strong support for the arts, culture and heritage.
Jaime was born and raised in Port Alberni, graduating from ADSS in 1994. Heavily involved in local performing arts, Jaime went on to study Theatre and Music at University of Victoria, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities in 2000. Jaime left Canada to teach English In Taiwan, and spent several years working as both an Executive and Personal Assistant in California and Washington States. Jaime eventually left the corporate sphere to pursue her passion for social justice and mental health, completing a Masters in Counselling, at City University of Seattle in 2019. Jaime worked with underserved populations in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health stateside, before happily returning to Port Alberni in late 2019 to work in Community Mental Health serving children and youth. Jaime is an advocate for low barriered access to mental health supports, and has always been a champion of arts, culture, and heritage.
Marta has lived in the Valley since 1951, except for some years of study at the University of British Columbia. She worked as a librarian in the University of Victoria’s MacPherson Library, then for four years as Area Librarian for the Vancouver Island Regional Library. As a teacher-librarian, she worked at Wood School, E.J. Dunn Secondary, and ADSS, until retiring in 2000. Her volunteer work included the Community Arts Council, the Heritage Commission, and the Alberni District Historical Society. She has always been a strong supporter of local arts, culture, and heritage.
After 25 years as a professional fundraising executive in Victoria and raising millions of dollars every year for charities to help people in need, I decided it was time to switch careers. I chose to become a Financial Advisor because I wanted to help people achieve what's important to them and their families. After being away for 30 years, it was my dream to move back to my hometown of Port Alberni. I opened my Edward Jones Branch Office in Port Alberni on February 27, 2020. It's important to me to be involved in my community, using my fundraising experience to help local charities. I have a passion for arts and culture and attend live music and theatre performances as often as possible. I enjoy hiking and horseback riding on the beautiful trails in the Alberni Valley. I have two beautiful granddaughters who are also passionate about horses.
Born and raised in Vancouver, graduated in 1965 and headed to the University of BC - started in Forestry, switched to Commerce, and graduated in 1971 with a Commerce degree in Finance. Grad present to myself was travelling in Europe for one year. In 1973, I began my accounting career, first in Vancouver, then the BC Interior and in 1981 moved to Port Alberni. In 1992, became a partner in a CGA firm and retired in 2015. Sine 1982, have been active with the Port Alberni Salmon Festival Society.
Contact the Foundation to find out how you, your family, or your organization can help create lasting benefits for our Community.
Alberni Valley Community Foundation
4255 Wallace Street, Port Alberni BC V9Y 3Y6
P: (250) 720-7012 E: info@albernifoundation.ca
