Words and photos generously provided by House Signs for our Community organizer, Shona Robichaud.

The Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley exists to promote health by relieving conditions associated with end of life in our Columbia Valley communities. They provide in-home and/or hospital visitation to those diagnosed with a terminal illness.  The Hospice Society also helps with bereavement and the grief process through programs to support those struggling with intense emotions associated with grief and loss.

The Columbia Valley Community Foundation has supported the Hospice Society lending library. The library lends books and gives away brochures almost daily. The community foundation grants have also provided funds to create school resource kits designed for elementary and high school teachers and students to help deal with loss and grief.

Their 2017 grant was made possible from a Kootenay Savings Flow-Through grant. 

The Panorama Adaptive Sports Society (PASS) is a group of passionate volunteers and athletes who work hard to allow everyone to find joy in sport. The group is led by Catrien, a local physiotherapist, who has a passion for equitable movement. In the winter they offer support to locals who wish to downhill ski or snow board, and support Panorama Mountain Village as they offer lessons to guests of the resort.

In 2017, PASS was successful in obtaining a Canada 150 grant which was used to purchase ski jackets for their volunteers. While serving a functional purpose, these jackets identify the volunteers on the mountain and provides awareness of their program. The grant was made possible by a federal Canada 150 grant and a donation by part-time resident, W. Brett Wilson.

Extending the love and passion we have for skiing and introducing folks, regardless of ability, to the sport of skiing and having fun in the mountains together as a community at Panorama Mountain Village.

Catrien Dainard

Access the Valley is a community initiative supported and locally funded by the Columbia Valley Community Foundation and the CV Greenways Trail Alliance. Their goal is to visit local venues and take pictures, descriptions and videos of accessible features of each place and promote them on the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce website and on the Greenways Trail Alliance website. Their aim is to  provide information to residents and tourists with mobility restrictions.

Established in 2017 as an open fund. Income from this fund is used solely for enhancing programs of the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley.  This charitable organization exists to assist individuals and families in recognizing and accepting death as a part of life.  They support individuals and families during the dying and grieving process.