More than half of CHF BC’s Island member co-ops turned out for the Island Council meeting on February 16 – one of the largest turnouts ever to an Island Council meeting.Delegates and observers heard reports from CHF BC’s President, Catherine Porter, and a report on member services from CHF BC staffer Alan Ford, and got an update from Manager, Member Relations, Miriam Trotscha and Regional Director, Anne Davidson, on work being done at CHF Canada.A highlight of the evening was a presentation by CHF Canada’s National Program Manager, Communications, Scott Jackson, on his Rooftops Canada trip to Africa last summer to view and document housing co-ops in Tanzania and Kenya. Poor housing solutions in these countries create a low standard of living and shorter life expectancies. Using seed money from Canada, financial institutions in those countries can now micro-finance housing co-operatives. So far, they have increased the standard of living for nearly 200 families. CHF Canada member co-ops already support this cause through their membership dues.Attendees also enjoyed appetizers and treats, tea and coffee, and several draw prizes including a $50 Gift Certificate donated by the meeting sponsor, RONA.The next Vancouver Island Council meeting takes place on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Howard Johnson Hotel, 4670 Elk Lake Drive. Register your co-op’s delegate today! Contact Alan Ford at aford@chf.bc.ca or 250-384-9444.Photos: Skye Dumond of Craigflower Housing Co-op – pictured here with CHF BC’s Alan Ford – won a $50 RONA gift card at the February Island Council meeting;Vancouver Island Council had a record turnout at February meeting