The Smiling Land Foundation has presented its outstanding chosen Newfoundland and Labrador charities for 2017 with a combined contribution of $75,000: $50,000 has been presented to the the LSPU Hall for the establishment of an endowment fund and $25,000 has been awarded to the Nunatsiavut Government’s Torngat Mountains Basecamp Youth Leadership Program. Over the past 9 years, the Smiling Land Foundation has invested $1.5 million in charities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Funds have primarily been raised by a signature gala, The Rockin’ Big Give. The foundation, chaired by Paul Sparkes, is led by a Board of Directors of business and community leaders as well as an advisory board consisting primarily of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are committed to sharing the spirit of their home province with others while supporting charities back home. Earlier this year, the Board of Directors of the Smiling Land Foundation also granted an emergency $10,000 donation for the Froude Avenue Community Centre after a fire devastated the community, leaving many local families in need of life essentials and resources to build their lives. The spirit of the Smiling Land Foundation continues to thrive: the 10th Rockin’ Big Give will take place in Toronto on May 12, 2018. This will be the Final of the signature Rockin’ Big Give events and the Smiling Land Foundation will use the proceeds to establish a legacy annual post-secondary scholarship for Newfoundland & Labrador youth. Details on the special finale Rockin’ Big Give will be released in the coming weeks.
Quotes: "The Resource Centre for the Arts is profoundly grateful for this gesture of faith, and for this investment into our organization. The Smiling Land Foundation helps build a continuum of self-awareness and public outreach. Contributions like this cause a ripple effect of development that has unlimited potential." - Berni Stapleton, Chair of the Board of Directors for Resource Centre for the Arts
“Culture and storytelling is a critical part of who we are as a people in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is what unites us no matter where we live around the world. In Canada’s 150th year, our Board of Directors was incredibly proud to support an institution that has long supported the people of our province and the unique, world class talents of our storytellers.”. - Paul Sparkes, Chair, Smiling Land Foundation Board
“The Torngat Mountains Youth Leadership Program provides invaluable experiences for Inuit youth. In Canada’s 150th year, we are very proud to provide $25,000 towards continued programming to ensure Inuit youth can continue to experience the natural beauty of Torngat Mountains National Park and explore their culture in such an inspirational setting.”- Heather Tulk, Director, Smiling Land Foundation Board
“We are very appreciative of this generous contribution. The funds will help support the Youth Leadership Program, enabling youth to learn different skills in leadership as well as provide them with the opportunity to learn from elders about living on the land. The program allows different generations to connect, enriching our unique cultural identity. For many it is a once in a lifetime experience.” – Jim Lyall, Nunatsiavut’s Minister of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
Media Contact: Karen Moores Smiling Land Foundation (613) 482-8110
Bert Pomeroy Director of Communications (709) 896-8582 bert.pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com
Danielle Hamel Communications & Marketing Officer Resource Centre for the Arts / LSPU Hall (709) 753-4531 ext 202 communications@rca.nf.ca
