October 4, 2001 JDF Community Futures Annual Picnic

The JDFCF has helped small businesses in the area to develop their full potential. Local artisans Alison Garrett-Hanneson of Windsong Chimes (below right), and Darren Skaalrud, (below left) a wilderness photographer and painter displayed their wares at the gathering.
Al Jones (at far right with red cap) cooked up a delicious salmon bar-b-que for JDFCF members and guests. Some of the approx. 50 attendees were Lorna Barry, Sooke Council, Melanie Green, Gail Welsford, Joe Artibise, HRDC, Mel Dobres, Sooke Film Society, Alan Thompson, Liberal Party, Gary Nicholls and Al Jones.

JDFCF has a mentoring program that helps local business people with writing business plans, and find funding for new ventures.

Left: Joe Artibise, a representative of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) confers with Gail Welsford

Community Futures is a Federal program that is designed to focus on employment through the creation of new enterprises, expansion of existing businesses and attracting new investment and businesses into the Region.

Specifically, our goals are: Encourage local entrepreneurial ventures through technical and advisory assistance to clients, entrepreneurial training and financing instruments. Encourage the diversification of the local economy through community economic development and involvement in local and regional initiatives. Provide a central source for people to receive assistance, direction and mentoring in the development of their business plans. Provide a variety of financing options to assist with viable enterprises.

Right: Martha Moore, member of the Sooke Fall Fair Committee and young entrepreneur, Caprina Valentine talked to Melanie Green while they enjoyed the fine weather and food.

 

 The Park Watch was initiated by JDFCF this spring and has been a very successful venture! Not only has it cut crime at local area parks, but it has lead to training that has given a number of the people on the program the opportunity to find full time employment in the security industry.
Left: Gail Welsford and Capital Regional District Parks Senior Park Maintenance Worker, Richard Waterfield.

Sooke Film Society representative and liaison to the Vancouver Island Film Association Mel Dobres was on hand to outline the potential of the area for film locations

Update 2005 - this group has been disbanded.