Impact
$700k+
FabLab investment
$200k
Catalyst Grants
1,000+
Youth participants 2025
Ethan Wilding with GISS staff Tom Langdon, Jude Shugar, and Ryan Buchanan outside Gulf Islands Secondary School GISS

A new minibus for Gulf Islands Secondary School

A $75,000 donation from the Wilding Foundation will let GISS replace its aging minibus, a 25-year-old vehicle with more than 180,000 kilometres that has long served athletics, robotics, TASK, leadership, and class trip programs.

The new bus will keep students moving to competitions and events across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

“A minibus is an integral part of not only our athletics program, but also many other school programs such as robotics, TASK, leadership activities, and class trips.”
Tom Langdon, GISS Athletic Director
Ethan and Julia at the FabLab FabLab

A creative haven at the heart of the community

The FabLab at the Salt Spring Public Library is a community makerspace equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, design software, and more. It offers islanders of all ages a place to learn, experiment, and create -- all free of charge.

In 2025, the FabLab logged over 1,100 appointments and 3,600 drop-in visits, with STEAM program attendance over 1,000 participants.

“The Fab Lab is a very special place for my neurodivergent child and for our community in general.”
97% booking rate 3,600+ drop-in visits in 2025
GISS Robotics team GISS Robotics

Building robots, building futures

The Cyber/Scorpions team brings together students from grades 8 to 12 who design, build, and compete through VEX Robotics. The team has grown to 30 students and seven independently designed robots in a single season.

Shoemaking

Shoemaking Workshop: Leather Sandals

A two-day intensive in handmade leather sandals — cut, shape, and stitch your own pair on a contoured footbed and molded sole.

Apply
Shoemaking

Leather Shoemaking: Oxfords

A six-day intensive workshop covering pattern cutting, lasting, and leather sole construction. Leave with your own pair of handmade shoes.

Apr 13 or Apr 27, 2026
Apply
Youth STEAM

FabLab Child & Youth Programs

Free STEAM programs for ages 6-18. Design, build, and explore at the Salt Spring Library FabLab.

Learn more
Catalyst Grants

Helping artists finish what they started

Grants of $3,000 to $10,000 for visual artists across the Southern Gulf Islands. More updates on the new grants to come.

“Smart arts funding” — a model that directly supports the working artist at the moment of greatest need.
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