AGM Announcement

Join us Thursday March 3 in the CTRA lounge for a very special Annual General Meeting in honour of CTRA's 30th year!

As part of the evening's activities, CTRA is providing an expert panel presentation on the personal financial benefits of planned giving. Join us for this informative session and stay for our AGM and social hour. There is no charge to attend, and you do not need to be a member to join, but you must carry membership to vote during the AGM.

The evening kicks off at 6:30 with refreshments provided. No RSVP required.

CTRA Riders Shine Sea to Sea!

Bobbi-Jo gives "Red" a congratulatory kiss

Big congrats are in order for rider Bobbi-Jo Scharff who placed 3rd in her Bronze Grade III Test 1 class, Emily Mae Swain who placed 2nd in her Bronze Grade Ia Test 1 class, and rider Kiara Caplin who took first place in her Bronze Grade III Test 2 class.

The Sea-to-Sea Program is the para-dressage component of Para-Equestrian Canada's Video Competition Series. For these unique competitive opportunities, riders from across Canada submit video entries to be judged against riders in the same class. This approach significantly reduces the cost and logistical burden for participation, which can disproportionately challenge riders with special needs (riders with disabilities often require additional supports such as adaptive equipment, specially trained horses, volunteer assistance, etc.).

By facilitating remote video entries, this series provides ALL of the participating riders the home court advantage. CTRA extends a profound thank you to Para-Equestrian Canada for making this competitive opportunity available for our para-equestrian athletes!

The Benefits of Leaving a Legacy

A recent article by Jim Tyson, Senior Consultant with the Investors Group in South Cowichan Life Magazine provided a number of great options (for donors of all ages and budgets) to make a difference and minimize taxes.

Did you know that naming a recognized charity as a beneficiary in your will could reduce or eliminate the income tax on your final return? Or that donating publicly funded stocks or securities will entitle you to a tax receipt for the full value without capital gains tax? How about the fact that you can name a charity as the recipient of your life insurance policy, allowing access to certain tax credits?

Still in the dark? All this and more will be covered by our expert panel presentation preceding our AGM on March 6 in the CTRA lounge. Join Jim Tyson with Attorney Elizabeth Robinow and Notary Kate Roome in learning how just about anyone can donate to charity, starting today – and benefit from it!

Staff members Jodi Keller, Cindy Bryson, and Lynda Jones present CTRA Executive Director Anne Muir and therapy horse Smokey with a big GIFT

Island Savings Staff Sponsor Therapy Horse Smokey!

A big thank you to staff at Islands Savings, a division of First West Credit Union for the recent sponsorship of therapy horse Smokey.

Staff members from the Administration division and the Duncan Centre branch partnered to raise $2,676 through GIFT Jeans Day fundraising and will be using this money to make sure that Smokey has everything he needs to do his important job in 2016. Thank you to everyone at Island Savings that made this generous contribution possible!

Attention CTRA Families:

Are you in need of funding to access programming? Check out Island Savings' GIFT granting opportunites for families (up to $150/individual). Deadline March 26.