More than $55,000 raised through Kitimat’s Annual Community Telethon (ACT) has been distributed to local organizations supporting youth development, emergency response, literacy and community health.
The funds, raised during the 45th edition of ACT on Oct. 20, are allocated by the Kitimat Community Foundation to meet urgent needs and invest in long-term stability. Contributions to the event come from across the community, including industrial partners, small businesses, families and individuals.
The Kitimat Community Foundation said the full $97,400 pledged during the telethon is not distributed for several reasons, partly because some pledges are not honoured or collected. It said the remaining funds are also used to cover the following year’s telethon and operational costs, with $10,000 reserved for emergency requests outside the regular grant cycle. The Foundation cited past examples such as support for the Mount Elizabeth Theatre’s 2024 campaign and the 2025 purchase of a new Kit the Fox mascot, which is made available for community use. All spending, it added, is sourced locally in accordance with its operational policy.
Among the largest recipients this year is the Kitimat Community Development Centre, which received $18,736.14 to equip its community group space and support early childhood programs. The grant will fund purchases including a baby car seat, safety gates, toys and play equipment for use in out-of-school and healthy babies programs, as well as food and nutrition initiatives.
The Army Cadet League of Canada, BC Kitimat Parents Association received $7,200 to enhance training for youth enrolled in the Royal Canadian Army Cadet program. The funds will cover marksmanship safety equipment, ceremonial uniform parts, a drum major mace and other training resources.
Arts and music opportunities for youth were supported through a $6,850 grant to the Kitimat Arts for Youth society. The funding will go toward the Kitimat Band and Music Basics programs, along with drama camps, instrument clinics and repairs, and the purchase of new instruments.
Kitimat Community Services Society received $6,000 to continue running its Literacy Kitimat and Kitimat Work BC programs, which help individuals build personal, academic and employment potential.
Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary School’s FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams were awarded $3,000 to purchase building materials and workshop kits. The program allows students in grades 7 to 12 to design and compete with robots while building their team’s brand and community presence.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Society, 63 Kitimat received $3,500 for first aid certification for ten of its members, helping maintain life-saving capacity on the Douglas Channel.
Kitimat Museum & Archives received $4,500 to run art workshops and purchase a surveillance camera system to support ongoing programming and security.
Tamitik Status of Women was awarded $5,500 to support its Free Store and Furniture Exchange programs, which provide household goods and essential items to people in need.
In total, $55,286.14 was distributed to eight community groups. The annual October event has served as the Kitimat Community Foundation’s main fundraising source since 1979, with proceeds drawn from a broad base of donors committed to strengthening the community.
