THE CARIBOO FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY
We are a non-profit, charitable Society registered under the BC Society Act. The Society has been active in the community of Williams Lake since 1967 and was registered in 1969. Membership is drawn from the people in the city and surrounding areas and while membership is open to all, the Constitution requires that two-thirds of the Board of Directors be of Native descent.
The Society, which operates from a Centre at 99 South Third Avenue in the heart of downtown Williams Lake, receives funds from the Provincial and Federal Governments as well as from private donations and local fund raising activities such as gaming, raffles, etc.
WE HAVE WORKED WITH THE WORLD’S MOST SOPHISTICATED BUSINESSES ON MARKET LEADING TRANSACTIONS
The Cariboo Friendship Society in Williams Lake, British Columbia began in 1969 to provide Shelter and has expanded considerably over the years to address the growing needs in the community. It now has a comprehensive mandate and service offerings including social program, Aboriginal Head Start, abuse prevention and counseling, addictions and mental health outreach, pregnancy outreach, supported child development, infant development, emergency transitional and permanent housing. The Friendship Centre is involved in economic development through ownership of a restaurant, facilities rentals, and arts and craft shop, and through contracting out its maintenance staff.
Cariboo Friendship Society expanded its mandate into permanent residential housing in 1985 and has continued to create new affordable housing as recently as 2007. Our portfolio consists of 88 units, including the emergency and transitional housing. Almost all of the residents are Indigenous people.
The Society has 83 employees, of which 56 are full time and 27 part time, with a wide range of skills and experiences. 36 employees identify as Indigenous.
“Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up”