In early 2020, Mission Community Foundation was advised that it had been named the primary beneficiary of Jack Heptonstall's estate. The estate consisted of 120 acres in a prime location in Hatzic Prairie. Jack left the Foundation his property with instructions to sell it and create six funds from the proceeds. It was his desire to forever memorialize the family name in the community where he lived with his sister, Barbara, and loved all his life.

In 2023, the Mission Community Foundation received $3 million from the Heptonstall estate. To date, we have received approximately $7,227,000.

The following funds are now available for use:
Jack Heptonstall Bursary: Available to students entering scientific fields of study.
Barbara Heptonstall Bursary: Available to students entering nursing.
George Cox Heptonstall Bursary: An adult bursary for individuals aged 19+ who live in Mission and want to return to school to improve their marketability.
William & Edith Heptonstall Bursary: An educational bursary open to any field of study.
Elsie Dale Bursary: An educational bursary open to any field of study.
Heptonstall Family Fund: A granting fund for registered charities in Mission.

The Mission Community Foundation would like to acknowledge this incredible gift and how it will support the City of Mission, FVRD, and surrounding areas. This bequest will be a game changer for the Foundation, as it exponentially expands the existing endowment, enhancing the Foundation's ability to help students, registered charities, and nonprofits in Mission.

If you’d like to make a meaningful difference for Mission, please consider including the Mission Community Foundation in your will. Your donations are tax-deductible. To learn more, visit missioncommunityfoundation.org

The 73rd Annual Rotary Carol Festival filled the Clarke Theatre with festive melodies and heartfelt giving on Wednesday, November 27th. Presented by the Rotary Clubs of Mission, this event brought together community choirs to support the Mission Community Services Society Christmas Bureau.

Local choirs inspired the audience with their performances, spreading the spirit of joy and generosity that defines the holiday season. The evening highlighted the talent of our community’s young performers and seasoned singers alike, featuring:

• E.S. Richards Arts-Based Curriculum School Primary Choir
• Albert McMahon Elementary School
• Mission Senior Secondary School Concert Choir
• Hatzic Middle School
• Sing OUT
• Hillside Traditional Academy
• Westminster Abbey Boys Choir
• Valley Christian School
• Rotary & Friends Pop-Up Choir
• Mission Senior Secondary School Jazz Choir
• E.S. Richards Arts-Based Curriculum School Intermediate Choir

​All proceeds from the concert will go toward supporting the Christmas Bureau, ensuring families in need can experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

The Rotary Club of North Fraser and Mission Sunrise Rotary express their gratitude to all the participants, attendees, and volunteers who made the event a success, and especially the sponsorship of Taylor, Tait, Ruley & Company. Together, we are making a difference in our community this holiday season.

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation's grand gala, "Masquerade Ball," presented by Snowcrest Foods, delivered an unforgettable evening of elegance and generosity, raising over $200,000 to support local hospitals.

The evening commenced with a mesmerizing acrobatic performance by the Abbotsford Dance Centre, setting a tone of wonder and excitement. Hosted by the charismatic Howard Blank, the event captivated attendees with a thrilling live auction that raised an impressive $19,100 in contributions.

Highlights from the auction included:

• Two Abbotsford Canucks suite tickets for a home game this season.
• A luxurious getaway at Sandpiper Golf Course in Harrison Mills, including a one-night stay in a one-bedroom cabin, golf passes for four, and $200 at River’s Edge Restaurant.
• An all-inclusive stay for two at Sundance Guest Ranch in Ashcroft, BC.
• A stunning Blue Tanzanite & Diamond ring, donated by Lanka Jewels.
• The showstopper: Two tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, donated BC Pavilion Community Benefit Program and PavCo, accompanied by a $1,000 Mastercard gift card donated by the Conair Group, which garnered a remarkable $12,000 bid.

The event’s "Fund a Need" initiative was a standout success, raising over $100,000 to address critical needs at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Fraser Canyon Hospital, and Mission Memorial Hospital.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this year's gala," said Liz Harris, Executive Director of FVHCF. "The generosity and support from our community have been truly inspiring."

For those who couldn’t attend but wish to contribute, donations can be made via email at info@fvhcf.ca, by phone at 1-877-661-0314, or through the website at www.fvhcf.ca.

Additionally, FVHCF is hosting an online 50/50 raffle at https://fvhcf5050.rafflenexus.com/. The draw will take place on Monday, December 16, at 2:00 PM, with the winner receiving up to $20,000—just in time for the holidays.
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The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation continues to dedicate itself to raising funds for essential equipment and programs endorsed by Fraser Health, supporting communities across Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz, and Harrison Hot Springs.

This past weekend, the Rotary Clubs of Mission came together to host The Magic of Rotary Gala, marking their first gala since 2019. The event united all four Rotary Clubs in Mission, showcasing their shared commitment to fostering community spirit and supporting local initiatives.
Attendees were treated to an evening of connection and celebration, with funds raised directed toward impactful projects that benefit the Mission community.

The first-ever Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony and Block Party brought holiday cheer and community spirit to Mission on Thursday  night, drawing hundreds of residents to the heart of the city.
This inaugural event, held in conjunction with Customer Appreciation Night, united local businesses, families, and volunteers for an unforgettable evening. Attendees enjoyed live music from country legend Kenny Hess, warm seasonal treats, and a cozy beer garden hosted by HUBco Brewing.
This event showcased the incredible community spirit that defines Mission and seeing so many families and friends gather to kick off the holiday season was heartwarming. The lighting of the downtown Christmas tree drew cheers and applause.

Businesses extended their gratitude to customers through special offerings for Customer Appreciation Night.​