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Summer can be particularly challenging for families navigating the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child.
With school routines paused, many children experience disruptions in their day-to-day schedules, and finding suitable, affordable programs that cater to their unique needs can be difficult.
Thanks to a $5,000-grant from the Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF), the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) in partnership with Gateway Behaviour Services offered autism-friendly summer camps that provided respite for families and a fun, enriching environment for children.
"The funding allowed us to provide more than just a service; it gave these kids an opportunity to have fun in a safe, supportive environment," said Ashleen Massicotte, PAFN office manager. "Our camp has a high staff-to-child ratio, and staff who are very experienced with neurodivergent children, ensuring they’re safe and supported," she added.
Without the grant from PGCF, many families would have struggled to afford such an experience.
Autism funding in British Columbia drops significantly after a child turns six, reducing from $22,000 to just $6,000 annually. This leaves families with limited resources to cover necessary services, let alone additional activities like summer camps. PGCF's support helped bring the cost of the summer camps down to just $15 per child.
"Having the support of the Prince George Community Foundation makes such a difference... Bringing the cost down from what would be expensive to just $15 per child is huge," said Massicotte.
These camps have a special impact. They give the kids amazing experiences but also provide the parents with a much-needed break, giving them a few hours to recharge. Massicotte’s own child attended one of the camps, proudly wearing his participation medal weeks after the camp had ended.
"These kinds of programs cost more to facilitate because of the small group sizes, low camper-to-staff ratios, specially trained staff and oversight from a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, so PGCF’s support makes it possible," Massicotte explained. The funding not only allowed for staffing but also helped PAFN purchase equipment and supplies, making the camp a more enriching experience for all the kids involved.
In addition to supporting summer camps, PGCF's grants have helped PAFN facilitate inclusive community events.
Last year, families came together for a special sibling-support day and a sensory-friendly screening of Inside Out 2, offering hundreds of families the chance to enjoy a shared experience in an inclusive environment. These events create a sense of belonging and connection for families, ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported.
Through the continued support of PGCF, organizations like PAFN can provide life-changing services to families in Prince George, ensuring that neurodivergent children and their families have access to meaningful, enriching experiences year-round.
The Ancient Forest, or Chun T’oh Whudujut, a hidden gem just east of Prince George on Lheidli T’enneh First National traditional territory, is now one of British Columbia’s most unique and treasured provincial parks, thanks in part to a grant of $5,000.00 from the Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF).
Chun T'oh Whudujut, which translates to 'oldest trees,’ is a place of cultural and ecological significance. Ancient cedars—some estimated to be over a thousand years old—stand as a testament to the area's rich history. For the Lheidli T’enneh, this forest holds deep cultural value, symbolizing ancestral knowledge and a connection to the land passed down through generations.
In 2006, the Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club (CRHC) recognized the value of building basic trails to accommodate increased public interest in this forest. However, it quickly became clear that its wet and slippery conditions made trails hard to explore. Without the proper infrastructure, visitors struggled to navigate the area safely.
“People were using the area with footwear unsuitable for the wet conditions, and the Community Foundation funding helped us create safe pathways,” explained Dave King, who managed the club’s trail work. “These developments, like the trails and boardwalks, are essential.”
With funding from PGCF, the CRHC built elevated boardwalks and plankways, allowing visitors to explore the forest safely while protecting the sensitive ecosystem. The project also included the construction of accessible pathways, making it possible for everyone–regardless of mobility–to enjoy the towering cedars.
This accessibility project also fostered a connection between the community and the Lheidli T’enneh, encouraging visitors to understand and respect the cultural significance of the land they were walking on.
“Having the support of funding sources like the Community Foundation helped us to move forward and gain more visibility for the project,” said King.
The safety improvements drew more visitors, increasing public support and momentum for government recognition of the Ancient Forest’s significance.
In 2016, after years of dedicated work and through additional partnerships between UNBC, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the Provincial government, the area was officially designated as a Class ‘A’ Provincial Park—one of the few established in British Columbia in the last 20 years. This designation was a proud moment for the Lheidli T'enneh, who view the protection of Chun T'oh Whudujut as a means of preserving their heritage and the natural legacy of their ancestors.
“The Community Foundation’s support was a part of that success,” King said.
Today, the Ancient Forest is celebrated not only for its ecological value but also for its educational opportunities. Detailed plant inventories, interpretive signs, and guided walks provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the rainforest's flora and fauna. With over 2,400 identified species of plants, the Ancient Forest is a testament to the power of community-led conservation efforts.
By supporting the trail-building efforts, PGCF has helped the CRHC preserve an extraordinary natural treasure, creating a legacy for future generations to explore, learn from, and enjoy.
For many students, the path to higher education can be filled with financial obstacles and uncertainty.
The Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) eases that stress by offering a wide range of scholarships and bursaries that open doors and provide an essential support system for local youth.
Through these financial awards, students are not only able to pursue their academic aspirations—they’re building a brighter future for our entire community.
PGCF’s scholarships and bursaries program is as diverse as the students it helps. From the RBC Cup Legacy Endowment Fund, which supports student-athletes; to the Blackburn Family Scholarship Fund, which honours local history and supports students from rural elementary schools, the Foundation’s awards cater to a variety of academic paths, interests, and backgrounds. Each award is designed with a purpose, whether it’s encouraging community involvement, celebrating heritage, or helping those who have overcome unique challenges.
Recipients often express their gratitude for the financial assistance and recognition these scholarships provide.
One student shared, “Thank you so much for the generous donation of the Kum Duk Lim Award. It means the world to me to have been provided with this amazing opportunity. It encourages me to continue chasing and growing my passion for music.”
A recipient of the Pre-1950 School Endowment Fund Scholarship described the relief of having financial support: “I’m extremely grateful for the assistance. This award is helping me pursue my dream of studying Mechatronics Engineering.”
These scholarships impact the recipients and ripple out into the community. By helping students access education, PGCF is fostering a new generation of leaders and community contributors. Students supported by awards like the PG Hindu Cultural Society Scholarship and the Barbara & Jan Ullstrom Bursary Fund are motivated not only to excel academically but also to give back.
One scholarship recipient put it simply: “Your support has boosted my confidence and also motivated me to strive for excellence in my future endeavours.”
For many students, receiving a scholarship is more than just a financial boost—it’s a validation of their hard work and a reminder that their community believes in their potential.
“This award has given me the chance to study law, something I’ve always wanted to do,” one recipient shared.
Through the continued support of donors and community members, PGCF’s scholarships and bursaries will impact the lives of countless students for years to come. By empowering local youth to pursue education and training, the Foundation invests in the leaders, educators, and innovators who will shape our community and beyond.
