Music in the Park will return this season with an eight-concert schedule, thanks in part to an $8,000 grant from the Saanich Legacy Foundation.
The non-profit, registered charitable society matched its previous year’s grant to the Music in the Park series and is a key partner in two Saanich projects, the Lambrick Park Beach Volleyball Courts and the Little Spirits Garden at the Royal Oak Burial Park.
“The foundation is proud to continue its sponsorship for 2015,” said past president Fred Haynes.
The Saanich councillor stepped down prematurely from his term as SLF president to avoid any conflict, should the SLF approach council for funds.
“The Little Spirits Garden is a touching project and we encourage the public to join us in this ongoing campaign,” Haynes said.
The garden will preside atop the slope at Royal Oak Burial Park, commemorating the losses of infants and pre-natal children.
“We’re in the good position that we’ve allocated our 2015 funding, so we move into a holding pattern for the rest of the year,” Haynes said. “Unfortunately it also means we’re unable to assist anyone else.”
Last year the 16-year-old foundation granted funds to the Strawberry Festival and LimeLight, the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association, Alpine Victoria, Success by Six, Ballet Victoria and the Coffee for Kids program, which helps children and families in the Dominican Republic with medical care, clothing and other supplies.
The numbers aren’t certain yet, but SLF is a considerable player in helping create the new four-court Lambrick Park Beach Volleyball Court project at Lambrick Park secondary.
The complex is still awaiting it’s final approval but looks to be on track.
“The sand will come from the de-commissioned outdoor courts at UVic’s Ian Stewart Complex and is extremely expensive to purchase and to move it,” Haynes said.
“This will create another opportunity for use by the school, community, and hopefully for elite performance.”
The timing comes at a good time as Saanich’s Jamie Broder, national team beach volleyball player and Claremont secondary grad, is in the midst of a strong campaign to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Acting as president in Haynes’ place is Barb Klassen, who is also holding treasurer duties.
In anticipation of adhering to the provincial governments’ proposed changes to the new B.C. Societies Act, SLF recently added Steve Newton as a board member.
Newton brings an expertise with the proposed amendments, which will affect every charity.
“One one of the things that is alarming for some is that it will allow members of the community to question a charity,” Newton said.
“So if you’re a charity and collect money from public or other government, one of the proposals is to give the public a greater degree of questioning how public funds are spent, rather than have the board of director’s determine the agenda without contest.”
Nothing will happen until the proposed changes are implemented in law, but the afore mentioned right to contest is something other charities want to see reviewed, Newton added.
“It may place undue hardships on some organizations.”
reporter@saanichnews.com