News & Events

A Family Affair

February 10, 2022

An article written by Mary and Tara Ashley

1990 was an exciting year for me, and for Campbell River. Although we didn’t realize it then, we took a step forward that would create the Campbell River Community Foundation ….a “forever” legacy that is firmly established in 2021. It was the year I became Mayor and was able to pursue my passion for the well-being of our citizens with the support of so many people and the establishment of the Foundation. 

It grew slowly at first, building a permanent endowment which was a “community savings account”. Each year the interest was used for grants to the non-profit organizations that do so much to support our community needs and projects. 

In our family my Mom, brother and sister-in law helped me to start a “Family Fund” with ongoing contributions each year. It is our legacy to this very special place we call home. 

It is equally important to me that the next generations of our family are contributing. Although I have retired from the Board, I am very proud that my granddaughter is now a Board member”. 

Tara Ashley carries on the family tradition adding “I am incredibly proud to be following in my grandmother’s footsteps and doing my part to make a difference in our community. The need to give back has been instilled in me from a young age and I was fortunate enough to watch my grandmother’s remarkable ideas come to life in so many ways throughout my childhood.I think a common misconception about philanthropy is that you must be wealthy to make a difference, but the truth is that philanthropic donations live on forever with the endowment fund and continue to look after future generations no matter how big or small. 

It is important to me to have a thriving community for young families such as my own, and to leave a legacy for my daughter so that she can continue with the tradition of “helping people help others”.

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