We’re pleased to report that the Laemmle Charitable Foundation contributed $145,300 to local non-profit organizations in 2015. The upward trend continues this year with a nearly 10% increase over 2014 giving.
This year we continued our sponsorship of the Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition‘s OPERATION FIREFLY at the $10,000 level. This program runs from November through February, setting up bike light distribution points throughout LA County. Free light sets are distributed to riders who are caught out at night without this vital safety equipment. Since many people are riding out of economic necessity, they are unable to afford lights, or can not afford to replace stolen lights. This program helps make our streets safer for the most vulnerable road users.
We believe that water conservation is going to be a long-term issue for Los Angeles, and Tree People has been the leading voice in the community for years on this matter. In addition to our $10,000 donation to Tree People, we continue to support a number of local environmental groups that are helping to make Los Angeles more sustainable. Included here are organizations such as Friends of the Los Angeles River, Heal the Bay, and The Trust for Public Land – Parks for People LA.
Homelessness has become a greater and greater problem. We hope that it is not a chronic issue (as may be the case with the drought), but it is something that needs to be addressed immediately. Chrysalis and OPCC are two terrific organizations working to address this crisis, and we are proud to offer additional support at this time of increased need …along with our support of Union Station Homeless Services and LA Family Housing. Also great organizations.
Los Angeles is a great place to live. But it can be better, healthier, more sustainable, and more just. We feel that these organizations are working hard everyday to address the problems that face our community. We are proud to be able to support them with our grants and we invite you to join us and make a year-end, tax deductible contribution.