Vanderhoof Children's Theatre receives Integris Community Foundation grant
Integris Credit Union and the Integris Community Foundation are thrilled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Vanderhoof Children's Theater (VCT), a cornerstone of the Vanderhoof community; this year, they are celebrating 25 years in production with their biggest show yet, The Lion King Jr!During a break in a busy rehearsal session, Richard Wruth, Founder and Director of VCT, talked about how theatre has positively impacted the lives of children and their families, “If you watch a kid, let’s say, that starts in grade two – they come in as this shy, little kid. Yet, when the shows are done, and they are leaving [for the year], their parents and their teachers reach out and say, ‘This student is now participating more in class…not as shy… willing to step out of the box and try new things’,” Wruth said, “And then you have the older kids taken on the little kids, and they create these bonds together. It’s really cool to watch as they grow through the production.”
“The Integris Community Foundation is delighted to invest in the Vanderhoof Children’s Theatre for the replacement of much-needed production communication equipment,” says Ken Young, Chair of the Integris Foundation Committee. “Over the last 25 years, the VCT and their countless volunteers have made an important and sustained impact HERE for youth, their families and in the lives of local audiences. And now, we see the generational aspect given that parents who were, at one time, performers and volunteers are now in the audience witnessing their kids perform and volunteer! Since 2003, the Integris Foundation has invested over $1.3 million into projects in Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake and the surrounding region – including a $150,000 grant to School District 91 to build the Integris Community Theatre. It is so satisfying to see the Integris Foundation’s investments overlap in this way – an incredible space to perform and now the communications equipment that will enhance VCT productions for years to come! We are so proud of the VCT kids and we are pleased to support their experience with a Integris Foundation grant,” concludes Young.
As part of its ongoing commitment to community enrichment, the Integris Community Foundation recently contributed to improving the Vanderhoof Children's Theatre experience by providing a grant of $9,000 for an upgraded communications system, greatly enhancing the production’s coordination and flow.