Joyce Laffin is excited to be the newly elected treasurer for the North Thompson Communities Foundation (NTCF).
“When I learned about the foundation and the large area it covers in the North Thompson Valley, I became interested. I attended a Barriere Chamber of Commerce event where the NTCF chair, Louise Lodge and director Cheryl Thomas shared information with members about the vision and goals of the foundation. They are so passionate, knowledgeable and inspiring. I was impressed and wanted to become involved personally,” Laffin told Black Press in an interview on Thursday. May 15.
Laffin and her husband moved to Barriere three years ago from Chilliwack and she described the change in lifestyle.
“Just coming out to Barriere and experiencing that small town vibe, everyone is so friendly here. It took a bit to adjust to coming from the city, it’s so peaceful, friendly and I’ve been able to open up my own bookkeeping business and it’s going very well in just a few short months.”
The new NTCF treasurer has been bookkeeping for 27 years now having been employed with her cousin’s traffic control company in payroll then moving into a role in human resources. The couple has two adult daughters and a 10-year-old granddaughter she refers to as “our little best friend” and they also have a pug and bulldog. Her husband is a sandblaster and coater foreman near Site-C in northern B.C.
Laffin is looking forward to being part of the NTCF board and getting to know more people in the valley since the foundation serves such a broad area in its support of groups from McLure to Blue River.
“The foundation isn’t tied down to one specific thing but supports such a large variety of groups with grants. It’s amazing," she said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know people and groups within all the communities. We have events coming up throughout the summer and it will be great to give back and meet more people in the valley."
Along with the appointment of the new treasurer at the recent Annual General Meeting of the NTCF, the foundation has recently posted the successful grant recipients for 2025 and they are:
Barriere Girl Guides Apple Pie Project 2025: With funds awarded for baking supplies for this year's event.
North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association: Funds awarded for the installation of the condensing and compressor components of the cooler at the Fall Fair.
Upper Clearwater Volunteer Fire Brigade: Funds awarded to be put towards the site plans for the new fire hall.
Barriere Firefighters: Funds awarded for signage on the new trailer to acknowledge sponsors.
North Thompson Activity Centre: Funds awarded for sports equipment and babysitting course materials.
Rabbits BC: Funds awarded for judging coops and a weigh scale for this year’s upcoming event.
North Thompson Arts Council: Funds awarded for art supplies for this year's Children's Arts Festival.
BC Agricultural Exposition: Funds to be put towards a photographer for this year's event.
Barriere Search and Rescue: Funds awarded for the completion of trim on the hall expansion to acquire occupancy certification.
Barriere Recreation Society: Funds awarded for the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator to be installed at the Barriere Curling Rink.
To learn more about the North Thompson Communities Foundation, get involved as a volunteer or to donate please visit their website at: https://www.ntcommunitiesfoundation.com/
Or call: (250) 674-3260
