How some YACs got started

Here is a first story of how a Canadian YAC got started. Share your beginnings with us! Just e-mail your story to Barbara McMillan and we'll post it here.

Huronia Communities Foundation (ON)

The Shuswap Foundation (BC)

YACOS (Youth Advisory Committee Of the Shuswap) is an initiative of the Shuswap Community Foundation set up in 2002/03 to engage youth in philanthropic work in their community.

When YACOS was launched, the Vancouver Foundation promised to donate $12,000 over a period of three years provided matching grants could be obtained in the community. The Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union liked the idea and stepped forward with a pledge to contribute $4000 a year for three years to be placed in a Youth Endowment Fund administered by the Foundation. The second installment of $4000 was received in December 2003.

Foundation president, Cindy Derkaz, has high praise for the local Credit Union's involvement stating, "It kicked-off the youth in philanthropy project - once again demonstrating the Credit Union's commitment to our community." The Credit Union knew it would take time for these funds to earn substantial interest so they added an additional $1,500 in 2004 and another $1,500 in 2005 to be granted immediately for youth-based projects. (To see 2003/04 grants, click here.)