Since 2018, the Co-operative, joined in partnership with the Pacheedaht First Nation at Port Renfrew, and together, holds the Qala:yit Community Forest Agreement.
Sustainable forest management on this ‘community forest’ now provides funding for use in both communities.
Donation ceremonies share our commitment to the community.
May 7, 2025
CLCFC contribute $1000.00 to the Lake Cowichan River Notes Choir. This donation will assist with fees for space at the local Senior Centre.
Kim Miller accepts the cheque from Richard Weir (CLCFC). Other choir members share in the moment.
Left to Right: Kim Miller (River Notes Choir), Richard Weir (CLCFC) (Other choir members in the background)
From Left to Right: Ed James (CLCFC), Ashley Gilman (Vice President, Cowichan Lake Community Garden)
April 27, 2025
CLCFC contributes $3000.00
Ed James (CLCFC) hands over the donation to Ashley Gilman (VP Cowichan Lake Commuity Garden)
Cowichan Lake Community Garden has 80 general members who grow organic produce. The extra produce is donated to Lake Cowichan Community Services and Lake Cowichan Food Bank. They in turn donate them to locals who can benefit from the harvest. The funds will also go towards an irrigation upgrade. This will be a great help when the town slides into Stage 3 water restrictions in the latter part of summer.
April 27, 2025
Kristine Sandhu (CLCFC board member) hands over the $1500.00 donation to Cowichan Lake Arts & Cultural Society.
The funds will support the new Art Centre (Youbou, BC), Gallery Space and Workshops.
Left to Right: Ed Ufnal (Cowichan Lake Arts & Cultural Society), Kristine Sandhu (CLCFC), Sharon Klein (Cowichan Lake Arts & Cultural Society)
From Left to Right: Dale Plante (CLCFC), Bob Crandall (Cowichan Lake Salmonid Enhancement Society)
April 27, 2025
CLCFC contribute $2000.00 to Cowichan Lake Salmonid Enhancement Society.
This contribution supports ‘Fry Salvage’ and public education among other Society related endeavors.
April 27, 2025
CLCFC contribute $5000.00.
Lorne Scheffer (CLCFC Chair) presents Pat Foster and Lynn Klein with the donation.
These funds will be directed towards community awareness programs, including this years 50th Anniversary celebration.
Left to Right: Lynn Klein (Kaatza Museum), Pat Foster (Kaatza Museum), Lorne Scheffer (CLCFC)
From Left to Right: Jenae Weir (Ambassador Candidate of Cowichan Lake), Richard Weir (CLCFC)
April 27, 2025
CLCFC contributes $1000.00 to the Ambassador Candidate of Cowichan Lake, Jenae Weir. The bursary are part of the Fundraising campaign that supports her with travel, accommodations and other expenses during the week.
April 27, 2025
CLCFC contributes $3000.00.
Ross Forrest (CLCFC) hands over the donation to Pat Weaver in her role as Lake Days Celebration Society member.
The funds supports the annual lake days events in Lake Cowichan, including the town parade, Lady of the Lake and other community oriented events.
Left to Right: Ross Forest (CLCFC), Pat Weaver (in her role with Lake Days Celebration Society)
From Left to Right: Bella Robinson (Student), Richard Weir (CLCFC) and Melissa Bell (Student).
April 26, 2025
Lake Cowichan Secondary School has an Student Exchange program with the town of Ohtaki, Japan. CLCFC supports the 2025 Lake Cowichan Students for this years trip.
Donation is $2000.00
April 28, 2025
CLCFC donates $2000.00 to LCSS 2025 Musical production.
Richard Weir (CLCFC), presents the cheque to Diana Lindstrom (LCSS Theatre teacher) and two of the student actors.
Left to Right: Richard Weir (CLCFC), Diana Lindstrom (Theatre Teacher), Bella Robinson (Student), Melissa Bell (Student)
April 4, 2025.
Hosted at the BC Forest Discovery Centre, Duncan, BC
Lorne shares, “We are grateful to Jimmy Pattison Group for their offer to match donations to the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation. An offer that gave us extra incentive to step up and make the donation we are announcing today. This is a unique opportunity, and we hope other interests in Cowichan will follow suit. This new hospital is a one-in-a-generation opportunity to help ensure it is equipped with the best technology we can afford.”
Qala:Yit was formed to benefit Patchedaht First Nations and Lake Cowichan when both communities were affected with the Logging Industry down turn. Jerry Cross of the Qala:Yit board also recognized the significance of this opportunity to support and donated $50,000.00 to the CDHF.
At CLCFC, we understand that this donation represents more than just a financial commitment—it is a belief in the transformative power of accessible, high-quality healthcare. By supporting the CDH Foundation, we are investing in the health and future of countless individuals and families who will benefit from the care provided for years to come.
We are excited to see the vision for CDH come to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the region. As an organization, we are proud to be part of this vital project that will enhance healthcare access, improve medical outcomes, and create a lasting legacy of care and compassion.
With Mr. Pattison’s gift of matching our gift, the $250,000.00 (CLCFC & Qala:Yit) becomes a total of $500,000.00 towards CDH Foundation.
December 16, 2024
Nourish Cowichan has been preparing and distributing meals for more than 700,000 students per year throughout the Cowichan region, including Cowichan Lake.
Fatima Da Silva (Executive Director & Executive Chef), accepts $5000.00 donation from Lorne Scheffer (CLCFC Chair), Patrick Hrushowy (CLCFC Secretary) and Dale Plante (CLCFC Director)
Left to Right: Patrick Hrushowy (CLCFC), Fatima Da Silva (Norish Cowichan Exec. Director), Lorne Scheffer (CLCFC), Dale Plante (CLCFC.)
From Left to Right: Dale Plante (CLCFC Director), Rachel Anderson (Salvation Army Thrift Store Manager), Lorne Scheffer (CLCFC Chair), Dave Perry (Community Services Coordinator), Patrick Hrushowy (CLCFC Secretary.)
December 16, 2024
Salvation Army Duncan branch is in the final stage of distributing hundreds of Christmas hampers for families in all areas of the Cowichan Valley. The local branch, along with Salvation Army operations right across Canada, have reported Christmas donations are down by as much as 50% because of the Canada Post labor strike.
“We understand that the Christmas season puts extra pressure on not-for-profit community groups and we are offering some support to help meet those needs,” says Lorne Scheffer (CLCFC Chair.)
Donation of $10,000 to the Salvation Army Duncan should assist Volunteers and other donors deliver the supportive programs in the Cowichan Valley.
November 2024
Cowichan Lake Secondary School Senior Girls Volleyball team receives $600.00.
Tim McGonigle and Jada Forrest presents this donation to Coach Sean Battye on behalf of CLCFC.
These funds will go towards the registration fee for the 2024 Provincials tournament hosted in Nanaimo, BC.
Back row Left: Tim McGonigle (CLCFC) and Back row Right: Jada Forrest (CLCFC) with Coach Sean Battye and the CLSS Sr. Girls Volleyball team.
From Left to Right: Pat Weaver (CLCFC), Jocelyn Lundberg (Executive Director of Lake Cowichan Community Services.
November 2024
Pat Weaver (CLCFC) presents Jocelyn Lundberg (Executive Director of Lake Cowichan Community Services) with $2500 for this years 2024 Hamper donation.
September 22, 2024
Cowichan Lake Food Bank receives $1000.00.
Richard Weir presents Betty Anne with the donation on behalf of CLCFC.
From Left to Right: Betty Anne Weberg Sanddar & Richard Weir (CLCFC)
From Left to Right: Pat Weaver (CLCFC), Jake Kelly, Shannon Kelly.
July 10, 2024
Cowichan Lake Community Forest presented this scholarships of $2000.00 to Jake Kelly.
Congratulations as you continue your education.
Presenting the scholarships is Pat Weaver.
April 30, 2024
Cowichan Lake Secondary, with support Cowichan Lake Arts and Culture Society (CLAC) put on the ‘Big Fish’ theatre production on June 2024. CLCFC donated $2000.00 towards this creative arts initiative.
Pat Weaver and Ed James donated the cheque on behalf of CLCFC. (Richard Weir (CLCFC) photographed presentation.)
From Left to Right: Pat Weaver (CLCFC), Diana Lindstrom
Left to Right: Bruce Carey, Wendy Carey, Linda Blanchford, Gordon Austin, Paulette McCaughey, John McCaughey, Bonnie Patten, Thomas Hutchings, Guy Patten, Bert Lambert, Lance Iverson
CLCFC Cheque presenters: Ed James, Kristine Sandhu, Richard Weir and Pat Weaver present the cheque to Dick Orman, HB Carpet Bowling Coordinator.
February 28, 2024
Cowichan Lake Community Forest presented $2000.00 to the Honeymoon Bay Carpet Bowling Association.
This donation helps them host the 2024 Adult (19+) BC Provincial Carpet Bowling tournament. This annual event will take place in Lake Cowichan for the first time. It will draw players in from across British Columbia and we anticipate traffic to local hotels and restaurants in town and surrounding communities.
CLCFC is happy to support events that promote tourism.
February 23, 2024
Lake Cowichan Kinsmen receive a $15,000 donation from the CLCFC Board members. This money will be used to complete Phase 2 of the Duck Pond playground revitalization project. This includes a designated cement pad used to install outdoor workout equipment. Target users are teens, young adults and seniors.
From Left to Right: John Kirkpatrick, LC Kinsmen – Vice President, Drew Carmichael, LC Kinsmen- Treasurer, Lorne Scheffer, CLCFC – Chair, Richard Weir, CLCFC, Troy Douglas, LC Kinsmen – President, Ross Forrest, CLCFC.
Left to Right: Pat Weaver, Jenae Weir, Lennox Weber, Richard Bergman and Jada Forrest.
June 15, 2023
Cowichan Lake Community Forest presented three scholarships of $1500.00 in 2023.
This years 3 deserving graduating students are Jenae Weir, Lennox Weber, Richard Bergman. Award money will be used to further their education.
Presenting the scholarships are Pat Weaver and Jada Forrest.
June 11, 2023
Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-op donated $7,000 to the Cowichan Lake Trail Blazers. Their mission statement is “… to develop, maintain and promote hiking and biking trails throughout the Cowichan Lake region while working with the local communities to enhance the support structures and services required to creating sustainable, environmentally sound experiences for local residents and tourists.”
We support their vision as they work on this legacy project for the Cowichan Lake community and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
From Left to Right: Dick Orman, Ross Forrest, Pat Weaver, Tim McGonigle, Ed James, Richard Weir, Pat Hrushowy, Manfred Moser (Vice President), Chelsea Billsborrow (Director), Betty McGonigle (Director), Rick Hill (Director), Fred Nipp (Treasurer), Lynn Klyne (Director),
Front Row (Kneeling): Bob Day (President)
Left to Right: Kristine Sandhu (Town of Lake Cowichan), Jada Forrest, Dale Plante, Denise Williams (CVRD), Ross Forrest, Karen Deck (Area I Youbou/Meades Creek), Richard Wier and Lorne Scheffer.
June 6, 2023
Cowichan Lake Community Forest CO-OP donated $8600.00 to Cowichan Lake Minor Hockey. This is to be designated for ‘development ice’ and league fees.
‘Development ice’ is a program that brings in highly trained coaches for player skills improvement. Other communities have this in place. By providing it in Cowichan Lake, it offers these young players the opportunity to compete at the same level.
Roxanne, Minor Hockey President: ‘This donation offers a program we have never been able to offer before because of the growing cost of ice, insurance and other expenses. It allows us to keep the cost down and not ask parents for additional funds.’
CLCFC is happy to support Minor Hockey in Cowichan Lake
From Left to Right: Jada Forrest (CLCFC), Roxanne Garnett (President, CL Minor Hockey), Shane Mullin (CL Minor Hockey Director), Dale Plante (CLCFC), Lorne Scheffer (Chair CLCFC), Ross Forrest (CLCFC), Richard Weir (CLCFC).
2023
Richard Weir is presenting to Harbs Bains, owner of the Cowichan Lake Kraken Hockey Team.
This is the first of three $8000.00 cheques used to support this team in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League.
From Left to Right: Richard Weir & Harbs Bains
Members of the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Cooperative with the Cowichan Lake area fire halls’ fire chiefs on June 3 to thank them for their service. (image borrowed from the Gazette)
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June 9, 2022
“Because of the efforts of each fire department’s volunteer members practising, training, and working to be at the ready to protect people and properties, they make each of our communities and homes safer places to work, live and recreate in,” said Lorne Scheffer, chair of the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Cooperative. “The CLCFC board and residents recognize and appreciate the important role the fire departments play in our communities.”
The money given to the fire departments and other community projects is a direct result of the forest coop’s partnership in the Qala:yit Community Forest Agreement.
April 2022
The Forestry Co-op generously donated $50,000 toward the Duck Pond revitalization project. April 2022
“It is the pleasure of the board of the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-op to be able to help the Kinsmen Club of Lake Cowichan with their legacy project for the Duck Pond,” said CLCFC president Lorne Scheffer. “The funds provided by the CLCFC for this and other projects are the direct results of our partnership in the Qalayit Community Forest License Agreement.”
The Grand Opening of this new ‘inclusive’ equipment and soft rubber surface was August 2022.
From left: The Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative’s Lorne Scheffer, Ed James and Pat Weaver (second from right), join Rod Peters (Kinsmen), deputy mayor Kristine Sandhu, councillor Carolyn Austin, Kinsmen member Dustin Mayo, and Kinsmen President Steve White for a special cheque presentation Friday April 22, 2022. (image from Cowichan Valley Citizen)
Image from Elder Care Facebook page
May 2022
Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-op donated $60,000 to the Cowichan Lake Elder Care Society. This is in support of their purchase of ‘the much needed neighbouring parcel’ of land necessary to construct Lakewood Manor.
The Town of Lake Cowichan donated the initial lot and a half to provide the start to this iniative.
The future Lakewood Manor will meet the needs of our senior citizens.
June 2021
The Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative is donating $100,000 to support whole-person care at Cowichan Hospice House.
Opening in late 2020, this new facility is a compassionate, person-centered, end-of-life care centre available to Cowichan Valley resident
From left, Tim McGonigle, Ian Morrison, Pat Weaver, Jamie Goodman, Lorne Scheffer, Richard Weir, Gretchen Hartley, Christa Fox, and Andrew Fox celebrate a donation of $100,000 from the Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative to Cowichan Hospice House. ( S.W. Lorimer photo)
Doug Knott and Richard Wier
In 2020, a $12,500 donation was made to the Lake Cowichan Fire Department Museum.
Richard Weir presenting cheque to Fire Chief, Doug Knott.
(As the years pass, some may wonder about the masks. 2020 was when the COVID World Pandemic; happened; masks were the recommended protection until a vaccine could be developed.)
In 2019, a $5,000.00 donation was made to purchase equipment for the ‘1st Lake Cowichan Scouts’ of Lake Cowichan.
Ed James and Richard Weir appear in the photo, representing the Forest Coop.
Photo taken February 2020, when the 1st Lake Cowichan Scouts held their annual Baden Powell Dinner.
2019
The Cowichan Lake Community Forest Co-operative has donated $10,000 towards the purchase of the Community Service Bus. This bus provides access to services for the community.
From Left to Right: Richard Weir, Carol Blatchford, Pat Weaver, Ed James
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