Group changes name, bylaws to expand reach
By Jesse Grass
Since 2015, Friends of Hartland Inc. (FOH) has been a beloved charity in the Hartland community. Recently, FOH has decided to rebrand themselves- they are now the Friends of Carleton County (FOCC) and have also changed their focus.
Friends of Hartland Inc. is responsible for raising nearly $100,000 for the Central Carleton Community Complex in 2021 and 2023, among many other projects that have helped make the town a great place.
Initially founded as a fundraising organization for the Day & Ross community center back in 2014, the charity was limited to making gifts to the Town of Hartland for the construction and upkeep of local services, libraries, and arenas.
However, organizations outside Hartland have also reached out to the FOH for fundraising assistance.
“While there was a clear need for our expertise and charitable framework our bylaws prevented us from supporting projects outside Hartland,” said Katherine Hann, Founding Director of Friends of Hartland.
While the FOH would have been willing to aid other organizations outside of Hartland in their fundraising, the original bylaws made this impossible.
Recently, the charity was approved by the Government of New Brunswick and the Canada Revenue Agency to change its bylaws – and its name.
They have now adopted the name Friends of Carleton County Inc.
Their mission remains the same; it has just been extended to the whole county.
“Expanding our mandate allows us to help more communities without diminishing our commitment to Hartland,” said Hann.
FOCC welcomes any municipality, community organization, and local group to partner with them to raise and steward funds for any capital project that will strengthen our communities.
This means that, while projects from the Town of Hartland will still receive fundraising aid from the organization, FOCC can now extend its reach across the county, from Kent to Benton.
The by-law changes have positioned FOCC as a county-wide fundraising partner for local projects.
Beyond fundraising, FOCC also provides a trusted registered charitable framework, responsible supervision and management of donations, fundraising expertise, donor confidence, and administrative support, allowing community leaders to deliver successful projects.
“Whether the project is a community centre, recreation facility, library, park, trail, or another capital initiative that benefits the public, Friends of Carleton County works alongside local organizations to help turn community vision into reality.”
Any municipality, non-profit, or community group from around the county can partner with the FOCC for support.
This change will provide communities across Carleton County with support for projects that improve quality of life for everyone in the county, such as community centres, trails, libraries, recreational facilities, parks, and other initiatives that benefit the region.
FOCC also currently has a call-out to recruit individuals willing to serve on its Board of Directors. Prospective applicants can contact Katherine Hann, Founding Director, at info@friendsofcarleton.ca for more information on this role.
“Our goal is simple: to help communities raise more money, complete more projects, and create lasting community assets for future generations.”
