The late-winter wallop last March that downed trees across the island with heavy snow left many Bowen neighbourhoods struggling to dispose of all the debris.
Some residents turned to the Community Foundation and a special “Spring Clean-Up” funding initiative through the Neighbourhood Small Grants program to help pay for some of the work.
Ian Stuart, who lives on the west side of Bowen and owns a large commercial wood chipper, pitched in to help his neighbours and many others as well. This led him to greater awareness of the Foundation and its work within the community. He was inspired to give something back.
Now, when he receives an order for firewood (split and delivered) or chips (dumped where you ask) he directs the customer to the Foundation to make a tax-deductible donation in lieu of payment to him.
These days, he mostly distributes his own wood and chips, but he donates these to the cause and encourages others to consider community-minded philanthropy as well.
Ian’s creative initiative has resulted in several donations to the Bowen Island Community Foundation already this year. You can reach Ian at 604-727-2788 or [email protected]
