Press Release: Local Benefactors make York Region Community Foundation possible

Unionville �Three Founding Benefactors have set the stage for the York Region Community Foundation (YRCF) to build permanent, income-producing endowment funds to support a wide range of community needs across the region�s nine municipalities.

Rosemary Park, Chair of the Board of Directors of YRCF, says, "With major gifts supporting this initiative from Enbridge Gas Distribution, Miller Thomson LLP and personally from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti we are ready to help the residents of York Region build a stronger community and create lasting legacies."

Major support also comes from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario that assists the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

"Along with these Founding Benefactors and OTF there are many more companies and individuals who believe in the mission of YRCF and have given generously, both financially and of their time," Park added.

The official launch of the York Region Community Foundation, a locally-run public foundation, will be held this Wednesday, September 19th at the Varley Art Gallery in Unionville.

Community Foundations pool the charitable gifts of many donors to create income-earning endowment funds. Grants from these earnings help a wide range of local endeavors � from health, education and social services to arts and culture and the environment. Currently there are 158 Community Foundations across Canada holding a combined $2.7 billion in assets. In 2006 $137 million was granted to thousands of charities working in the community foundations� communities.

Residents of York Region�s nine municipalities � Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Whitchurch-Stouffville � now and in the future will enjoy the many benefits of a Community Foundation.

For more information: http://www.yrcf.ca/