Vancouver: The newly created Motion Picture and Entertainment Industry Foundation is holding focus groups to determine which charitable initiatives are high priorities for the production community’s philanthropists.

‘We’re trying to identify where the money should go,’ says Tim Hiltz, former business manager for the B.C. Council of Film Unions, who has spearheaded the creation of the foundation.

Within three years, the mpeif – which is a federally registered charity able to issue tax receipts – is expected to raise about $1 million per year.

According to Hiltz, film industry workers are more generous than the average benefactor, but until now didn’t have an outlet to consolidate their charitable efforts. ‘The foundation will bring together all charitable initiatives under one umbrella to maximize the benefit,’ he explains. ‘Now we can work as a community to enhance our reputations as good corporate citizens.’

A formal gala will officially launch the foundation this fall. Other fundraising will be achieved through pay stub deductions, bequests, memorials and corporate giving.

For information call (604) 688-9427.