Local and Global Giving: A Closer Look at KMR Group Foundation’s Mission and Impact
At our KMR Group Foundation, we’ve made significant strides in recent years to respond to crises and empower communities, both here in Vancouver and around the world.
Since our founders, Kate Jones, and Marty Rifkin, established the Foundation in 1991, we’ve grown from a local charity into a beacon of hope for underserved populations worldwide.
As Kate explains, “As the co-founder and president of Avid Health, the creator of popular brands like L’il Critters Gummy Bear Vitamins and VitaFusion Gummy Vitamins, I witnessed firsthand the impact a successful business can have on a community. My husband and I were deeply ingrained here in Vancouver, raising our children, and providing employment opportunities to over 1,200 individuals. Selling Avid Health to Church & Dwight in 2012 provided us with the opportunity to refocus our efforts on giving back to the community that had supported us. We wanted to create lasting change, and contribute to building a stronger, more resilient community.”
Emergency Response and Ongoing Support
Our rapid response to disasters like the recent wildfires demonstrates our commitment to immediate relief efforts. We complement this proactive approach with long-term support programs, such as our partnership with FISH, which received a $165,000 grant from us this year to combat food insecurity.
At KMR Group Foundation, we recognize the importance of addressing systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and hardship. “By collaborating with a diverse array of organizations and initiatives, we can maximize our collective impact and create lasting change for those we serve,” Kate shares.
Our Educational Initiatives and Scholarships
Promoting education is a cornerstone of KMR’s mission. Our enduring partnership with Clark College illustrates this commitment. We offer 25 renewable scholarships annually to deserving students. Since 2014, the Foundation has helped over 225 young adults achieve their academic and professional dreams through our scholarships.
“We are proud to support Share in their effort to feed young children through their backpack program, ensuring that children get the nourishment they need to grow healthy and strong,” Kate said, highlighting another of our long-standing partnerships focused on education and well-being.
Looking to Our Future
At KMR Group Foundation, we continuously seek new ways to expand our impact. With plans to develop more collaborative projects and increase our support for health and economic development initiatives, we’re poised for a future where our contributions will create even more lasting change.
Kate remains optimistic about our ability to transform lives and strengthen communities around the globe. “By collaborating with a diverse array of organizations and initiatives, we can maximize our collective impact and create lasting change for those we serve,” she reiterates.
We at KMR Group Foundation remain dedicated to our mission and eagerly anticipate new opportunities to support and strengthen our local and global communities.
