A Legacy of Care: Drake and Avril Smith’s $100,000 Gift to the North Thompson

There is a unique kind of magic in the North Thompson Valley. It’s found in the neighbors who show up for one another, the volunteers who keep our trails safe, and the quiet dedication of those who want to see our community thrive long after they are gone.

Recently, that spirit of dedication was put into action in a historic way. We are incredibly moved to share that Drake and Avril Smith have donated $100,000 to establish the Drake and Avril Endowment Fund through the North Thompson Communities Foundation (NTCF).

A "Forever Gift" for the Valley

When Drake and Avril sat down to think about their legacy, they weren’t just looking at the needs of today—they were looking at the needs of 20, 50, and 100 years from now.

By establishing an Endowment Fund, their $100,000 gift acts as a permanent "seed." The Foundation invests this principal gift, and every year, a portion of the investment income is "harvested" and given back to the community as grants. Because the original gift is never spent, Drake and Avril have effectively created a source of support that will never run dry.

Supporting the Heart of our Community

Drake and Avril have always been passionate about the diverse threads that make our valley a home. To reflect those values, their fund will provide annual support to four specific areas:

• Animal Welfare: Providing a voice and care for the animals in our region.

• Search and Rescue: Ensuring our local heroes have the equipment and training to keep us safe.

• Youth Groups: Investing in programs that give our kids the best possible start in life.

• Hospice & Health Initiatives: Supporting compassionate care and wellness for our residents during their most vulnerable times.

What is Your Legacy?

"When you leave a gift to the North Thompson Communities Foundation," says the NTCF Board, "you are planting a legacy that, with careful tending, will grow into something for future generations to benefit from. Drake and Avril’s gift is a shining example of how one family can build a better valley for everyone."

The Smiths join a growing circle of local visionaries—families and businesses like The Bucks, The Redmans, Weyerhaeuser, and Taseko Yellowhead—who believe that our community’s best days are ahead of us.

Join the Movement

You don’t need $100,000 to start your legacy. Whether it’s a monthly donation, a gift in your will, or a bursary in memory of a loved one, every contribution to the NTCF is carefully tended so it can grow forever.

Are you inspired by Drake and Avril’s story? Explore how you can start your own fund or support our existing focus areas by visiting our [Ways to Give] page. Together, we are building a stronger North Thompson—one legacy at a time.