Velma is an active member of Atahualpa Co-operative where she has served as both vice-president and treasurer, on several committees, and as the co-op’s delegate to CHFT. She joined CHFT’s board for four years and also sat on the board of the CHFT Charitable Fund from 2004 to 2011.
CHFT appointed Velma to the advisory board to help with the transition of Atkinson to a co-operative community. Outside of the co-op sector, Velma has been active with the Robin Gardner Voce Non-Profit Homes board and was active in ministry with her late husband Rev. Emmanuel Francis. In 2012, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to affordable housing. CHFT’s board made Velma Lee Martineau Francis a Lifetime Board Member in 2004.
