COQUITLAM – School District 43 has named Trustee Gerri Wallis as its representative to the board of directors of the Coquitlam Foundation, replacing Diane Sowden.

Wallis, who previously served two, eight-year terms on the board, joins Chair Colleen Talbot, Vice-Chair Julie Fisher, Secretary Janet Toddington, Treasurer Bob Tanaka, and directors Richard Stewart (representing the City of Coquitlam), Janine Davies (representing the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce), Ron Grender, Sam Nakai, Terry O'Neill, Ron Roberge and Wim Vander Zalm.

"We'd like to thank Diane for her valuable contributions to the foundation," Talbot said. "At the same time, we certainly welcome Gerri's return. We're looking forward to renewing our relationship with her."

A member of the Community Foundations of Canada network, the Coquitlam Foundation manages an endowment of more than $1.8 million. Its funds focus on everything from arts enhancement and academic achievement, to literacy promotion and community service. It distributed $50,000 in grants, scholarships and bursaries at its Awards Night last April

Donations to the foundation or any of its funds can be made c/o P.O. Box 2, 1207 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, B.C., Canada, V3B 7Y3, or through the foundation’s website, www.coquitlamfoundation.com. The Coquitlam Foundation’s mission is to encourage and support creative, targeted philanthropy that builds a vibrant, sustainable and healthy community.