How can small rural communities sustain vitality and promote a healthy environment for present and future generations? One of the ways in which the communities of
Langenburg and Churchbridge are being intentional about building strong communities is through the Family & Friends Community Foundation, which was established in 2003. The Foundation’s mission statement is “Through dedication, enthusiasm and accountability, Family & Friends will strive to assess community needs, provide leadership, build endowments and provide worthwhile and meritorious grants to promote a cooperative, vibrant community.”
Within the structure of the Foundation, there are a number of named funds which have a defined mandate. The Little Red Car Fund, created through a generous donation to the Foundation, was established to benefit the children and youth in the communities by supporting opportunities for them to develop the skills and the character qualities that will prepare them to be healthy, contributing participants in society. The Little Red Car (LRC) Committee was formed to provide leadership for that mandate. Their vision
statement is “Shaping Children and Youth of Integrity…Laying Cornerstones for the Future.” The committee, which is composed of a cross section of adults and youth from Langenburg, Churchbridge and the surrounding municipalities, meets frequently to discuss strategies to nurture the assets in our communities.
Little Red Car Becomes a Vehicle for Asset Building
Over the past two, years the Little Red Car Committee’s primary goal has been to raise awareness in the community about the assets. In the summer of 2008, the LRC committee, with the endorsement of the Town Councils and the Chambers of Commerce in both communities, applied to become a part of the HC • HY network. In September of that year, they hosted the “Everyone’s an Asset Builder” workshop, which was facilitated by Andrew Sedley of the Sunrise Health Region and Alisa Leidl, the principal of Churchbridge Public School. It was well attended by municipal leaders, health care workers, educators, parents, school student leaders and the local media.
