About Us

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About Us

We believe our community is stronger when every person is valued, supported, and has the opportunity to thrive. Using the power of local philanthropy, the Squamish Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes and opportunities that matter most in Squamish.

As an independent community charity governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, we bring together donors, fund holders, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to build permanent community assets and create lasting impact. Through endowment funds, strategic grantmaking, and community partnerships, we strengthen local organizations, respond to emerging needs, and help ensure today’s generosity continues to benefit Squamish for generations to come.

Our Mission

To enhance the well-being of our community by inspiring giving for sustained impact.

Our Vision

We envision a thriving, diverse and inclusive community empowered by a legacy of giving.

Our Values

The principles that guide our actions, shape our organizational culture and determine how we interact with our constituents:

  • Legacy
  • Stewardship
  • Relationships
  • Equitable
  • Effective Leadership 

Our Strategy

  • Grow Our Brand: Ignite and amplify community passion and commitment for our cause.
  • Grow Our Funds: Develop the funds and resources needed to increase and sustain our impac
  • Grow Our Impact: Effectively deliver on our mission and make a distinctive impact. 
View Our Strategic Plan

We’re proud to participate in For the Love of Community, a national campaign celebrating the power of local philanthropy.

About Community Foundations

About Community Foundations

The Squamish Community Foundation is one of more than 200 community foundations across Canada working to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Foundations are charitable organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in the places they serve. They work alongside residents, businesses, nonprofits, governments, and community leaders to identify local priorities and create lasting solutions to community challenges.

By listening to diverse voices and understanding local needs, community foundations connect people who care with causes that matter. They build and steward charitable funds, support local organizations through grants, foster collaboration, and invest in initiatives that strengthen communities today and for future generations.

At their core, community foundations help people make a lasting difference where they live.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Suzie Soman

Board Chair

Suzie comes to the Squamish Community Foundation with over 25 years’ experience working in community services.
Suzie is the Community Program Manager for PearlSpace Support Services Society in in Squamish. Previously, Suzie worked with Sea to Sky Community Services for 18 years in a variety of roles. Most notably, she supported the growth of the early child development programs to serve hundreds of children and families, as well as building relationships with the SD48 to operate childcare programs in our local schools.

Suzie continues to serve children and families in her work with the Community Action Program for Children Society as their board treasurer. Dedicated to providing sexual health education for all, she previously served on the board for Options for Sexual Health for over 19 years where she worked tirelessly to advocate for sexual health education in our schools from kindergarten to grade 12.

Relationships are key when working with people, and Suzie is looking forward to building new relationships on this board and with the community to enhance the scope and reach of SCF’s

Carol Coffey

Secretary

Carol has been working in the nonprofit sector in the Sea to Sky corridor since 2003. Carol is passionate about community building, animal welfare, and ecology. Carol brings to the Foundation 7 years experience as Executive Director of the Whistler Community Foundation and is now in her second term on the Board of the Squamish Community Foundation. Carol co-leads the Squamish Vital Signs initiative and the Squamish Living Wage report.

Currently, Carol is the Society Operations Manager for the Squamish Community Housing Society. She also spent 7 years with Squamish Helping Hands Society as Administration and Funding Manager. Carol loves how community foundations empower residents to build community and connection from the ground up.

Wilson Telford

Treasurer

Wilson has been a resident of Squamish since 2011. He and his wife moved to Squamish to be closer to family and the lifestyle that Squamish provides and they enjoy so much. Wilson loves to be outdoors exploring the sea to sky lakes and rivers for the best fishing spots to pursue his passion for fly fishing.

When not standing knee deep in a river or stream, Wilson spends his days working with clients from a variety of industries in his role as partner with Baker Tilly WM LLP. Over the last 20 years he has worked with many not-for-profits and registered charities as an external advisor.

Joining the board of SCF has given Wilson the opportunity to participate as an internal advisor and help the Foundation continue to grow and reach new goals. Wilson is excited to use this opportunity to work more closely with the Squamish community and help support the Foundation in continuing to expand its scope and reach.

Photo of Director Zuleika Gedeon

Zuleika Gedeon

Director

Zuleika is a part-time community lawyer whose practice focuses on BC workers’ compensation and mental health law. With a background in government and non-profit work, she has long supported vulnerable community members, including survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals experiencing mental health or addiction-related challenges.

Grounded in intersectional feminism, human rights, and social justice, Zuleika is committed to providing compassionate, client-centered legal support. She holds a Law degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Victoria, along with training in conflict resolution and mediation from the Justice Institute of BC.

Zuleika enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and gardening, and volunteers with Pearl Space and the Squamish Welcome Centre. Originally from Canada’s east coast, she moved to BC in 1990 and has called Squamish home since 2011.

Lindsay Bryson

Director

Lindsay is a seasoned marketing professional with over 17 years of experience in developing and leading impactful marketing strategies across industries. Originally from Saskatchewan, Lindsay has called Squamish home since 2022. Her career has been marked by a passion for innovation and collaboration, working with organizations (including many non-profits) in Canada, New Zealand, and beyond.

Her career achievements reflect her dedication to making a difference, from creating globally recognized customer innovation products to spearheading fundraising initiatives such as the "Burgers to Beat MS" campaign, which has raised over $17 million for the MS Society of Canada. Her ability to align creative strategies with organizational goals has consistently delivered impact at both local and international levels.

Joining the board, Lindsay aims to leverage her expertise to strengthen community engagement and amplify the organization’s philanthropic impact. She is passionate about deepening the organization’s connection with the Squamish community.

When she’s not working, you can find her exploring Squamish’s stunning outdoors or spending time with her family. Lindsay is honoured to contribute to the board’s vision and excited to help shape a vibrant future for the community.

Andrea Beaubien

Director

Andrea immigrated to Squamish from Montreal via Whistler in 1991. She and her husband Mike raised their two children, Bill and Erin here as well as opened Digasaurus Excavating in 1993. Andrea lives by the saving, if you want something done, give it to a busy person. Not being busy enough lately, and feeling a need to give back to a community that has given her and her family so much, Andrea has put her name forward to join the Board of the Squamish Community Foundation. Andrea brings a wealth of diverse experience in the field of Finance and Administration. As a contractor, she has worked with a variety of local businesses in a variety of sectors. While contracting, Andrea also served three terms as a member of the Board of Education of SD48. Taking a brief break from freelancing, Andrea worked as the opening Admin at the Sea to Sky Gondola and spend a couple of years at One Ocean Expeditions.
When not working, you can find Andrea playing in her pottery studio or romping the local trails with her Dog Digger.
Director Mike Skrypnek Image

Mike Skrypnek

Director

Mike is an executive leadership expert and strategist helping entrepreneurs & industry leaders with a gift for creating risk free, secure space for men in corporate, community and family leadership roles to openly share their challenges and identify ways to overcome their limitations.
Mike is an international bestseller of nine books, a keynote speaker, men’s mental health advocate, and corporate wellness trainer. He is a sought-after business strategist who has shared his insights and wisdom with thousands of passionate purpose driven entrepreneurs, business leaders and executives. To transform lives with tangible actions, Mike focuses his energy on coaching and mentorship, peer supporter training and programming and Psychological First Aid training.

Liam Hill

Director

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Liam has been established in the Sea to Sky since 2013, where he quickly became an active member of our vibrant mountain community. His connection to the area has inspired him to join the Squamish Community Foundation, where he's eager to contribute to strengthening local partnerships and fostering community growth.
Drawing on his diverse experience and fresh perspective, Liam looks forward to supporting the varied needs of our community members. He believes that when individuals and families thrive, the entire community prospers together.
Liam is excited to help bridge gaps and create opportunities that enhance the quality of life for all community members. His collaborative approach and enthusiasm for community building will help connect local resources with community needs.
Liam is passionate about building strong foundations for future generations to thrive in the Sea to Sky corridor. His commitment and desire to make a meaningful difference drives his dedication to creating lasting positive impact.

Sukhedeep Sidhu

Director

Meet Our Staff

Karen Clarke

Executive Director

Karen holds a degree in Anthropology and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Community Economic Development. After working internationally for 4 years in Ghana, West Africa, Karen moved to Squamish in 2004 where she worked with the Howe Sound Women’s Centre for two years. From 2006 to 2014, Karen was the Vancouver Coastal Health Community Developer for the Sea to Sky Corridor. This opportunity offered Karen a deeper understanding of local people and services supporting their communities throughout the Corridor. After holding a few different positions at Sea to Sky Community Services for a number of years, Karen worked as Manager of Outreach Services until July 2020 where she found fulfillment in creating an environment of support and positive relationships for staff who provide many essential services. Karen’s fundraising experience includes an off-road bicycle ride across Canada with a team of 4 women raising money for and promoting the YWCA’s ‘Week Without Violence.’
Finding a healthy work-life balance is important to Karen and when she is not working, you can find her biking or hiking on the local trails, paddling or packing up her blended family to go on an adventure that usually involves tents and a camp stove.
Karen is excited to be a part of the Squamish Community Foundation to help deepen its relational roots in this community and to assist in the growth of its philanthropic contributions and continuing support for non-profit activities in Squamish.

Tamsyn Jenkins

Director of Fund Development and Communications

Tamsyn's background is in fundraising and marketing, where she's had the opportunity to lead campaigns, build partnerships, and support community-focused initiatives. Tamsyn is passionate about building connections and supporting projects that strengthen the community. She looks forward to contributing to the Foundation’s work. Outside of work, you’ll often find her out on the water windsurfing or up in the mountains skiing or hiking - some of her favourite ways to enjoy this incredible place we call home!

View Our Policies & Reports

Transparency and accountability are at the heart of everything we do. Explore our policies, annual reports, financial statements, and other key documents to learn more about the governance, impact, and stewardship of the Squamish Community Foundation.

Policies

Annual Impact Reports

Financial Reports