McConkey

McConkey Designated Legacy Fund

David and Margaret (Meg) McConkey make their home in Brandon and in 2021 celebrated their 50th anniversary. Meg is retired from her career as a registered social worker in mental health, family violence counselling and helping people with Huntington’s disease. David worked in the field of recycling and waste management. He is now semi-retired, working as a freelance writer. They have three children and one grandchild. David and Meg feel fortunate to have been involved with great people and projects over the years. They are especially fond of two local charitable organizations: the Marquis Project and The Women’s Resource Centre. David and Meg have been involved with both since their beginnings. The Marquis Project was formed in 1979 with the aim of linking Westman people with international development. The organization has two broad goals. One is to educate Manitobans about economic, political, social and environmental issues on the local and global levels. The other is to participate in initiatives to improve the quality of life in rural communities in developing countries. Projects have ranged from agricultural and environmental partnerships in Africa to school programs and fair trade public education here in Westman. The Women’s Resource Centre was established in 1992 with the aim of providing programs, services, and counselling for women and their families. The organization encourages respect, diversity and equality with a feminist perspective. The Centre provides women and their families with information and counselling about family violence; provides information about available services; supports projects that promote women’s equality; and creates a space for women to network in a place of their own. David and Meg like that the Marquis Project and The Women’s Resource Centre are home-grown, rooted in Westman. David and Meg also like that both encompass a big vision, looking out globally and for the well-being of women and their families. As David and Meg approached the last stage of their lives, they became interested in the idea of leaving a lasting legacy. They could think of no better way than to support these two worthy organizations. As David and Meg celebrate their years together, they find comfort knowing that they have taken care of this part of their end-oflife planning. David and Meg were delighted to work with the Brandon Area Community Foundation to create an endowment fund. They liked combining Westman down-to-earth practicality with a wideopen imagination. The BACF provided them with a secure and convenient way to start a fund that will last in perpetuity. By setting up the fund now, David and Meg enjoy the satisfaction of helping out while they are still living. David and Meg invite others to consider this opportunity as a way of giving back to the community.