Sixteen non-profit organizations received a helping hand, Jan. 5, when the owners of Robinsons Foods handed out donations of money and gift cards totalling $10,000.
For the past five years Ray Robinson and Diana Laarz have put aside funds for charitable giving, and around Christmas each year they invite local organizations to submit applications requesting funds for specific projects, and in the new year, they divvy out the money.
The couple said they strive to give everyone something, but there’s one stipulation: “We’re trying to keep it local,” said Laarz. “It’s got to benefit the local societies, the local people.”
“If it can affect a greater number of people, it carries more weight,” said Robinson, explaining the couple’s selection process.
As always, this year’s list was a diverse one, with money going to everyone from the Jasper Pride Festival Society to the annual École Desrochers Petting Zoo.
Other recipients include the Glaciers Football Club, Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge, Jasper Right to Read Society, Canadian Parents for French Summer Club, Jasper Ski Club, Advocates for Special Kids, Jasper Seniors Society, the Friday Night Youth Club, Jasper Folk and Blues Society, Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society, Children of Autumn, Jasper Red Fins Swim Club, Petit Cailloux Prematernelle and the Jasper Junior/Senior High School Scholarship Fund.
Representatives from almost all of the organizations piled into Robinsons Foods to receive the cheques and gift cards earlier this week and as they did they were quick to share a handshake, or in some cases a hug, with Laarz, thanking her and Robinson for their continued support.
Nicole Veerman
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