Working Together Magazine - Fall 2016

IN THIS ISSUE: • Reflecting on reconciliation • A curling legend’s legacy • Math + culture = success

WORKINGTOGETHER

A Magazine of The Winnipeg Foundation | Fall2016

Fresh juice, fresh ideas Permaculture project takes root

Building community

one bike at a time Newcomers find freedom on two wheels | page 12

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David Doukoure, 10, tries out his new bike.

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Help make Winnipeg a place where community life flourishes for all.

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Call us to learn how. 204.944.9474

Making a house a home Photo essay: Spend a week in the life of the Tenant Landlord Cooperation program Page 6 Creating a connection Board Connect strengthens charitable sector by pairing motivated leaders with charitable Boards Page 16 The legacy of a curling legend Fund honouring Vic Peters helps youth pursue sport Page 22 Living on through music Family honours son with memorial scholarship Page 26 Equality through art Feminist artist Wendy Wersch’s legacy lives on through lecture series Page 28 Money in the bank for arts organizations Federal endowment program makes big impact Page 36

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Working Together is published by The Winnipeg Foundation.

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On the cover: South Osborne Permaculture Commons volunteers press apples freshly-picked from the orchard along Churchill Dr. More on page 10.

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Help make Winnipeg a place where community life flourishes for all. Visit wpgfdn.org/give or call 204.944.9474

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A message from Justice Deborah McCawley Board Chair of The Winnipeg Foundation

The road to reconciliation

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The impact of residential schools is shared and ongoing. By giving voice to the generations of Indigenous People who were silenced, by taking it upon ourselves to learn about the historic wrongs, and by participating in and supporting the reconciliation processes that are crucial to heal, we can begin to move forward as a country, and as individuals. Truth and reconciliation is about all of us. And it’s vital to ensuring a stronger, more inclusive Canada.

“Truth and reconciliation provides us with a way of evolving, growing into the country we should have been,” says Kevin Lamoureux, Associate Vice President, Indigenous Affairs at the University of Winnipeg. The Winnipeg Foundation was honoured to have him speak at our June staff retreat where his powerful words had a huge impact, so much so we invited him to make the keynote address at our 2016 Legacy Circle event; read the Q&A with Kevin on the facing page to learn more.

The Winnipeg Foundation is committed to working with everyone in our community toward a shared goal of reconciliation. Like so many in our community, we are still discovering exactly what that means. To begin, in 2015 past Board Chair Susan Millican and CEO Rick Frost signed a copy of the Philanthropic Community’s Declaration of Action.

That document, which is available on our website, is helping to guide our strategic direction.

For many years we’ve made grants to support Indigenous communities; we are now formally tracking the grants which support organizations and programs fulfilling the Commission’s Calls to Action.

Many of our donors have long-supported equality for Indigenous Peoples with scholarships for Indigenous students, for example, or through Donor-Advised grants which support Indigenous-led initiatives. We are exploring how to increase those opportunities.

The Foundation is also looking to share more stories across all our communication platforms (print, radio, video and social media) which highlight the strength of our Indigenous communities, and to present opportunities for learning and engagement, such as at our recent Legacy Circle event.

The Foundation recognizes these are just preliminary steps in our ongoing journey. We are looking forward to exploring new opportunities to support the implementation of the spirit, intent and content of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and Calls to Action.

Summer Bear Dance Troupe performs during The Foundation’s Legacy Circle Celebration.

Look for The Last Word with CEO Rick Frost on the inside back cover.

Q A &

Kevin Lamoureux Associate Vice President, Indigenous Affairs, the University of Winnipeg

An award-winning instructor, Kevin Lamoureux takes the complicated and emotionally-charged subject of truth and reconciliation and presents it in a way that is both candid and relatable. And no, he’s not the local politician with whom he shares a name (although the two are friends).

The Winnipeg Foundation was honoured to have Mr. Lamoureux as a presenter at our 2016 staff retreat and as the keynote speaker at our 2016 Legacy Circle event (see more on page 20). To learn more about how The Foundation is incorporating truth and reconciliation in our work, please read our Board Chair’s comments on the facing page.

Q - What does truth and reconciliation mean to us as a country, and why is it important?

A - When we think about the legacy of residential schools and what that did to people, it’s important to remember that it didn’t just happen to First Nations People.

It would be ridiculous to suggest the damage wasn’t heaviest in First Nations communities; what I am arguing is the impacts of a broken relationship, of traumatized communities, of intergenerational traumas, of the moral blemish of having done this to kids, affects all Canadians and we’re still living with the legacy of that today. So truth and reconciliation provides us with a way of evolving, growing into the country we should have always been.

The other thing it does is provide us with the kind of future we want for all of our kids. It’s a place where everyone in Canada has the opportunity to experience belonging, and opportunity, and possibility. Even the staunchest critic or the most reluctant thinker wants to see a healthy Canada with no poverty, with less crime, with fewer health concerns.

A lot of Canadians, because of a reluctance of the school systems historically to look at these issues, really have no

explanation for why things are the way that they are. And truth and reconciliation provides answers to some touchy questions.

It provides an opportunity to look inwards as people and as a country. Quite simply the Calls to Action provide us with a way home, a way forward, a way towards the country we should have always been.

Q - How can the average person support the Calls to Action?

A - Every Canadian should read the Calls to Action and think about two questions for every one of those 94 Calls to Action. The first one is: Why is this recommendation being made? If we as individuals could answer for ourselves satisfactorily, ‘Why is this being asked of us, why is this being asked of me?’ I think that is the truth part of truth and reconciliation.

The second question is, ‘Would our country, the country that we share and will leave behind for our kids, be better or worse off if this Call to Action were fulfilled?’ There is something really interesting that Canadians will find in trying to answer that question, that in fact our world is better off, our country is better off, if we try to move toward reconciliation. It allows us to imagine a more morally-grounded future where we can really feel proud of who we are and what we are as a country.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. In our full conversation Mr. Lamoureux also discussed predominant themes in the Calls to Action, and the next steps for both Canada and Canadians as we move toward giving our children the best possible future. To read the full transcript of our interview go to wpgfdn.org/kevinlamoureux.

To hear an interview with Kevin Lamoureux, head to rivercity360.org.

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Making a house

a home

“Who you gonna call? …Rentbusters!”

This unprovoked comment comes from a William Whyte resident after learning about the Tenant Landlord Cooperation (TLC) program – a housing initiative that has some people excited enough, they’re rewriting the lyrics to the Ghostbusters theme song.

Housing Program Director Dale Harik with TLC Coordinators Daniel Ranville and Lindsay Schaitel.

Facing page: North End resident Pat Gomes in front of his freshly-painted home.

Housing program offers North End residents a little TLC

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aniel Ranville and Lindsay Schaitel, TLC Coordinators, have just finished a presentation at the William Whyte Residents’ Association’s monthly meeting. An initiative of the North End Community Renewal Cooperation, TLC is a grassroots program aimed at improving housing conditions, assisting tenants in finding housing and landlords in finding tenants, and preventing homelessness.

Coordinators work closely with the local community to deliver workshops, conduct rental property inspections, and assist residents’ associations in addressing problem rentals.

They also advocate for tenants and help recoup damage deposits, fight illegal rent increases, get repairs done, and more. Coordinators also recognize and promote responsible landlords, and inspect rental units so landlords can qualify for fix-up grants. It’s a busy job!

Last year, the two-person team completed more than 800 calls, of which 273 were advocacy files requiring three or more hours of work each. They also helped clients recoup more than $90,000.

One of those files involved Heather Openshaw. Her landlord sold the house she was living in without giving adequate notice.

After living there for six years, one day she came home to discover the landlord had taken all her belongings to the dump.

“He left me and my son with just the clothes on our back,” Ms. Openshaw says. “His childhood stuff is all gone. All his trucks, his baby blankets, his pictures, everything. Gone.”

TLC helped Ms. Openshaw navigate the legal process. The courts found in her favour but the landlord has yet to pay up.

“I have to garnish his bank accounts. I have all the paperwork drawn up. I just have to come up with the money to get it processed,” she explains.

TLC also works closely with landlords, and sometimes things aren’t as they initially seem. Take the case of a rooming house owned by Yu Kai Gan. Through a story on the news, TLC learned Mr. Gan’s illegal rooming house was being closed down. Since TLC works to reduce homelessness, Mr. Ranville went down to find out where tenants were going.

“Initially it looked as though Yu Kai was a very bad landlord.

So I went over to find Yu Kai, and I chatted with him, and he immediately wanted some help. I could tell right away there was a language barrier,” Mr. Ranville says.

Turns out Mr. Gan hadn’t intended on running a rooming house. He had purchased the property, did extensive renovations, and was renting out the rooms as shared accommodation for the fairly reasonable rate of $550 per month. “Maybe somebody is saying I’m a bad landlord, but in my heart I am the best,” Mr. Gan says.

But after tenants who’d forgotten their keys repeatedly kicked in the front and back doors, Mr. Gan decided it made sense to put locks on individual rooms. That, along with other fire-code violations, led to the property being labeled a rooming house. Mr. Gan isn’t sure what he will do with the property, but may convert it back into a duplex, or apply to have it rezoned as a triplex.

For the North End to be revitalized there has to be a variety of housing options. The TLC program is working to ensure the community can get the support it needs. “Not only are we attempting to renew the North End by painting the house, beautifying the facade, but it’s also renewal of the spirit of the North End. And so to do that you have to reinforce and support all the souls that are here.”

To hear more from TLC coordinator Daniel Ranville, head to rivercity360.org.

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Spend a week with the TLC program in the photo essay on the following pages.

The North End Community Renewal Corporation received a grant of $30,000 in support of the Tenant Landlord Cooperation Program. The funds were drawn from the Moffat Family Fund and from the hundreds of Community Building Funds held at The Foundation, including the B. A. Robinson Co. Ltd. Fund, the Sam and Bella Rosner Fund, and The Aquamarine Fund.

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A week

in the life The North End is a vibrant community that holds enormous potential. The Tenant Landlord Cooperation program serves hundreds of clients each year. Staff work to improve housing conditions, assist tenants and landlords, and prevent homelessness. It’s a busy job. The pictures on these pages give you a snapshot into the work.

They were taken the week of Sept. 12, 2016.

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1. TLC Coordinator Lindsay Schaitel speaks with client Heather Openshaw, whose landlord threw her belongings in the dump. 2. Landlord Yu Kai Gan in front of his rental property.

TLC coordinator Daniel Ranville says rooming houses play an important role in the community. “A rooming house provides safety, security, stability and a nourishing environment… It provides the first step toward a person finding themselves again.” 3. Ms. Schaitel with client Glen Downey, with whom she worked to successfully fight an illegal rent increase, among other things. He calls TLC “a godsend” and says without the program he’d be paying higher rent. 4. A rental property in the North End. 5. The Selkirk Avenue bell tower, which plays host to the weekly Meet Me at the Bell Tower community meetings. 6. The North End is busy with community activities. 7. TLC staff attend Thunderwing’s meeting, which is an initiative that coordinates resources across sectors to prevent and stabilize crisis situations for families. 8. Mr. Ranville and Ms. Schaitel make a presentation to William Whyte Residents’ Association. 9. Ms. Schaitel examines a map of the North End. 10. Community art.

11. Ms. Schaitel meets with a client at the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre.

Harvesting food, growing community, practicing sustainability South Osborne Permaculture Commons

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ach year in South Osborne, land is converted to edible landscapes and hundreds of people are fed using the principles of permaculture.

“The permaculture concept is ‘earth share, people share, and fair share.’ So a portion of what we grow is always donated to, preferably, people that need it,” explains Tim Stuart, a Board member with Sustainable South Osborne Community Cooperative (SSOCC).

SSOCC’s Permaculture Commons is a series of community gardens in the Riverview and Fort Rouge communities. Anyone is welcome to join for a share in the harvest. But the project involves more than community gardens. There’s a handson course through the University of Manitoba that combines sociology, urban agriculture, food sovereignty and research methods. There are also community potlucks, a food share co-op, and an annual harvest dinner fundraiser. Plus, food grown through the garden clubs is sold to local restaurants and donated to those who need it.

The community-building aspect is especially important for SSOCC’s Vice-President Rod Kueneman, who is also a Senior Scholar in the Faculty of Sociology at the University of Manitoba.

“That’s a very pragmatic kind of a goal, to teach people to grow food. But I want people to know each other. I want them to share their knowledge, share their tools. Make decisions and solve our problems. Really, we’re trying to build strong, local communities. And I think we’re having increasing success at that.”

It’s been a learning process since the project began in 2009, says Kueneman. Now other community groups, such as Spence Neighbourhood Association and Ma Mawi, are coming out to learn how they can utilize permaculture techniques in their own communities.

Permaculture works with nature to increase yield, minimize work and heal the land.

“Permaculture, in very basic terms, is biomimicry. It’s copying what nature already does,” says Mr. Stuart. “Some crops, like grains, pretty much require monoculture. [Permaculture is] the idea of companion planting: putting plants together that help each other to grow and protect each other with more symbiotic relationships.”

To learn more go to southosbornecommons.ca.

In 2016, Sustainable South Osborne Community Cooperative, in partnership with Food Matters Manitoba, received $20,000 for the South Osborne Permaculture Commons. The grant was drawn from the hundreds of Community Building Funds held at The Foundation, such as the Jim and Kathleen Graham Fund, the Grace and Casey Kraayeveld Fund, and the Israel Joseph Dreman Fund.

“ ONE OF THE PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES IS DESIGNING FROM NATURE, AND THE SPIRAL IS ONE OF NATURE’S MOST EFFICIENT DESIGN PATTERNS, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE DO AN HERB SPIRAL THAT IS BUILT VERTICALLY. WE PLANT SO THINGS THAT REQUIRE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MOISTURE ARE AT THE TOP BECAUSE YOU GET REALLY GOOD DRAINAGE.” – Jennefer Larsen, Garden Steward

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A PLACE TO GROW IN LORD ROBERTS This garden club, which features a hoop house and an herb spiral, provides a space for people of all ages to come together. Participants include youth from local elementary schools and day cares, as well as adults. It’s located behind the Lord Roberts Community Centre.

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“ PEOPLE ARE QUITE SHOCKED AT HOW BIG AN APPLE CAN ACTUALLY GROW IN MANITOBA. EVERYONE THINKS WE CAN ONLY GROW CRAB APPLES. BUT WE’VE GOT APPLES HERE THAT ARE JUST AS BIG AS ANY YOU SEE IN THE STORES.”

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A PLACE TO GROW IN RIVERVIEW Located at the Riverview Garden Society just off Churchill Dr., this teaching garden includes four raised-beds.

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SOUTH OSBORNE RIVER GARDEN This spring about 65 flood-resistant fruit and nut bushes were planted along the riparian forest, next to the river. This was done to encourage bio-diversity without adding too much extra weight to the riverbank.

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– Rod Kueneman, SSOCC Vice-President

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THE SOUTH OSBORNE ORCHARD CLUB This is the largest site in the Permaculture Commons, with 80 fruit frees, hundreds of berry bushes, annual and perennial herbs and crops, and hugel beds. It is located along Churchill Dr. close to Baltimore Rd.

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PEOPLE GARDEN Named by the kids at the local day care, this garden was built in 2013 as part of the Building a Community Commons course at University of Manitoba. The garden boasts a hoop house, herb spiral, demonstration food forest, and hugel beds. It is located behind the Riverview Community Centre.

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To hear more about the Permaculture Commons project, head to rivercity360.org.

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Building bikes

Mohamed Sessay, 13, on the BMX he received during The WRENCH’s Bike Bazaar.

In addition to the bike, each kid got a helmet, lock, and other accessories.

building community

The WRENCH brings bicycles to Winnipeg’s newest residents The WRENCH’s Benita Kliewer works on a bike.

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ozens of newcomer youth have new bikes – and a newfound sense of independence – thanks to The WRENCH. “For a lot of kids having a bike is way to have some freedom to explore their new homes, to hang out with their new friends, to be able to get out into the community and do things with their family,” says Benita Kliewer, WRENCH’s Program Coordinator.

WRENCH, which stands for Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub, is a charitable community bike shop that aims to promote cycling and make bikes accessible to everyone. One of the ways it does this is by hosting drop-in days where people can repair their own bikes or learn to build a bike from scratch – even if they have no experience.

“Lots of people say ‘Well, I’ve never worked on a bike. I have no idea how to do this.’ That’s no problem. We’ll pair them up with an experienced mechanic, set them up with a set of tools and then walk them through doing whatever needs to get done. It’s a really an empowering experience,” Ms. Kliewer says.

This summer, WRENCH’s Newcomer Bike Initiative offered several programs specifically to support some of Winnipeg’s newest residents.

One of the many events was a Bike Bazaar held in conjunction with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM).

On a sunny summer day in mid-August, kids and their families gathered in the yard of Victoria-Albert School. Dozens got new bikes and helmets, including

Last summer, WRENCH received a donation of bike trailers from MEC, so it held a trailer building workshop and is partnering with Hospitality House Refugee Ministry to give them away to newcomer families. “It’s a way to keep families together and allow folks to experience their new home together,” Ms. Kliewer says.

WRENCH has also been working to translate a number of documents including one outlining the names of key bicycle parts. “When you’re trying to use specific technical [words] in a new language, then everything gets a little bit more complicated. It’s helpful to have things to point to with different translations,” Ms. Kliewer says.

To learn more about The WRENCH and how you can get involved, go to thewrench.ca.

People wait in line for a new bike during the Bike Bazaar at Victoria-Albert School.

Musu Kayfay’s two children, Mohamed Sessay and Fatumata Kayfay. The family came to Canada via Guinea about a year and a half ago.

“Before [the kids did] not have a bike like this. They were bugging me, [saying] they need a bike… [But] I didn’t have the possibility for them to get a bike. When [IRCOM staff] told me they would give bikes away here I said, ‘That’s nice. I will come,’” Ms. Kayfay says.

Eight-year-old Fatumata has big plans for her new pink bike. “I need a bike because I’m going to be riding, going to the park with my bike, everywhere I can go.”

Mohamed, 13, previously had a bike that was too big for him; he switched it for a new black BMX that he can do tricks on. This wasn’t the first time Mohamed has been involved with WRENCH. Last year he participated in one of the organization’s afterschool bike repair programs. “I fix bikes. I can fix the tube, the handle bars and the pedals… It’s nice,” he says of the program. “I get to meet more people and make some friends. I like working with my hands.”

These programs, offered in conjunction with local schools and organizations, allow kids as young as eight to learn how to build and fix bikes, and even earn their own bike through volunteering. “Bikes are very accessible machines so it’s really possible for everyone to learn,” Ms. Kliewer says.

WRENCH also offers programs targeted specifically to girls in Grades 7 and 8. “We do essentially a stripped down earn-a-bike with these kids. It’s a way for them to learn mechanical skills which they may not have had chance to experience thus far in their life. And a way to also mentor them in some way to know what it’s like to be a woman growing up in Canada,” Ms. Kliewer says.

The WRENCH’s Newcomer Bike Initiative received a grant of $24,500 drawn from the Gray Family Fund, a Donor-Advised Fund.

To hear an interview with Benita Kliewer, head to rivercity360.org.

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Nine-year-old Hanan Mohamud is happy with her new ride.

Bikes give kids independence and allow them to explore their new communities.

Math + culture = success 14

Program finds students thrive when lessons include Indigenous teachings

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hat do math and a sense of cultural identity have in common? For students in the Summer Indigenous Math Leadership Program, they’re inextricably linked.

About 45 elementary and high school students spent their summer at the University of Winnipeg’s Wii Chiiwaakanak Centre learning about math and Indigenous culture through projects, field trips and presentations from Indigenous community leaders.

“My favourite part was going to the Winnipeg Art Gallery because there was a lot of cultural art there. I’ve never seen art like that before. It was very nice,” says nine-year-old Colton Stevenson, who was participating in the program for a second year. “There are a lot of new things that I learned about my culture.”

Why math and Indigenous culture?

Nick Tanchuck, who together with wife Dr. Carly Scramstad, educator Sharon Redsky and many other committed community members, developed and coordinates the program, says he first came up with the idea after realizing

Indigenous students in his inner-city classroom didn’t have the same academic or cultural supports as newcomers or those from other cultural backgrounds.

For many Indigenous students learning in a traditional classroom can be difficult as they have experienced racism at school. Plus, if students struggle in math they’re often told they’re just not smart enough and should move onto another subject.

“Math is sometimes seen as a difficult or intimidating subject and so if you can have some success there it can make you feel like you can conquer other challenging and potentially intimidating things,” says Mr. Tanchuk, who is currently obtaining his Ph.D in Philosophy and Education at Columbia University.

Learning about culture can make a huge difference in Indigenous People’s lives. “A lot folks who have had success in life have drawn strength from traditional knowledge and culture and ceremony,” Mr. Tanchuk says, citing MLA Wab Kinew as just one example.

In addition to presentations by

elders and community leaders such as politician Robert Falcon Ouellette, students had the chance to learn lessons from a traditional Indigenous perspective, such as an experiment modeling climate change.

“We wanted to learn about and study the leadership roles Indigenous folks have taken on issues of climate justice,” explains Mr. Tanchuk. “Watching kids get excited about learning about climate science and also seeing that this is something that Indigenous People have been doing for thousands and thousands of years, that this is something that is deeply embedded in culture, that these types of insights are part of a long tradition of insights, was really powerful and exciting.”

Students also participated in landbased cultural activities such as medicine picking and a sweat.

“I had never been to a sweat lodge,” says 15-year-old Josey Gustafson, who participated in the summer program for the fourth year, this time in a leadership capacity. “I learned it’s a very spiritual place, it’s sacred.”

Youth have overwhelmingly reported positive experiences with the cultural aspects of the program. “They come out feeling stronger, healthier, more connected,” says Mr. Tanchuk.

“These things are really crucial, especially in adolescent years, not only to fostering achievement in academia but also in all the other things that matter in life.”

Participating in these cultural activities is also in keeping with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, he adds.

The Indigenous Math Leadership Program piloted in 2012 with about 15 students Mr. Tanchuk had taught in school or worked with when he was Sports Coordinator at the Spence Neighbourhood Association. The program would not have been possible without the support of many community members, including staff from the Wii Chiiwaakanak.

Each year programming has evolved. As youth grew up, staff realized many were ready to take on increasing leadership roles. And to strengthen programming, staff realized it was important to get community insight.

Mr. Tanchuk applied for funding under The Foundation’s Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship (ELF) to design and implement peer mentorship and intergenerational components.

“The ELF money helped us to develop a model that is community-based, that is based on insights; on things that had gone well with the program to date and also drawing on insights from expert community members.

I think it has been powerful having a clearer community-based model for growth and also for supporting kids as they grow up, filling those next generational roles.”

For the past two years, some of the older students who have grown up through the program have started to mentor and teach the younger students. “To see that growth and strength in leadership emerge, and to see the ripple effect on the younger generation, [is powerful].”

The Summer Indigenous Math Leadership Program (facilitated through the University of Winnipeg Foundation), has received support from a number of Winnipeg Foundation programs, including Nourishing Potential, Youth Vital Signs, and the Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship.

To hear an interview with Nick Tanchuk, head to rivercity360.org.

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What is ELF? The Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship (ELF) is open to any young person in Winnipeg between the ages of 18-35 with a project idea that works with a local registered charitable organization to help build our community. Young leaders can apply for up to $10,000 to help with the costs of developing and implementing the project. Through ELF, participants come away with strong connections to community, agencies, and The Winnipeg Foundation.

To learn more go to: wpgfdnywc.org.

Facing page: “I love math,” says nine-year-old Colton Stevenson.

Top to bottom: Josey Gustafson, 15, is developing her leadership skills; Nick Tanchuk and Dr. Carly Scramstad have been running the program since 2012; Sara and Caitlyn at the traditional Midewiwin lodge. Photo by Angel; Harmony on her way to the traditional Midewiwin lodge. Photo by Michelle Rosner; Tallie and other students at the Qua’yuk tchi’gae’win: Making Good exhibit at the University of Winnipeg. Photo by Michelle Rosner.

Horizontal photo above: Summer Indigenous Leadership Program participants at their August graduation.

Creating a

Connection

Board Connect… pairing motivated leaders with charitable organizations

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new program is helping strengthen our city’s charitable sector by helping Boards or standing committees recruit leaders who are prepared to serve.

Board Connect matches motivated leaders with charitable Boards or standing committees for one year.

The program, piloted with Leadership Winnipeg graduates in 2015/2016, helps participants expand their skillset, ensures charitable organizations have access to talented professionals, and increases awareness of and support for the charitable sector.

“Volunteering for a community organization is a wonderful thing, but in these cases these individuals are also looking to develop leadership skills,” says Noreen Mian, Executive Director of Volunteer Manitoba, which operates the program.

Since 2004, Leadership Winnipeg – a leadership development program run by Volunteer Manitoba and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce – has provided existing and emerging leaders

with a “backstage pass” to our city, giving participants a unique, first-hand perspective on what’s happening in our community.

“The (Leadership Winnipeg) program really highlighted cool, up-and-coming initiatives our city and our province are involved in,” says Monica Dominguez, who completed the program in 2013.

After Leadership Winnipeg finished, Ms. Dominguez, who works as a Community Relations Advisor for Manitoba Hydro, was looking for ways to continue her involvement. “A lot of people have this interest to be involved, but we didn’t know how to make that happen. You’re skilled and at a certain level in your career, but then how do you connect that if you haven’t been involved with Boards or know someone?” Ms. Dominguez says.

Ms. Mian and her colleagues knew Leadership Winnipeg graduates wanted to continue their involvement, and anecdotally they heard that some have. Board Connect formalizes the opportunity and process. Plus, the program offers the added value of screening participants and organizations, to help ensure they are good matches.

In the pilot year, Board Connect paired 17 Leadership Winnipeg alumni with local charitable organizations, including Monica Family Dynamics’ Executive Director Pamela Zorn and Board Dominguez and Chair Luc Levandowski, with Board Connect participant – Family Dynamics. and new Board member – Monica Dominguez.

Family Dynamics is a charitable organization that provides a variety of family supports, including counselling and resource centres. Board Chair Luc Lavandowski could see Board Connect is an excellent opportunity, so he, along with new Executive Director Pamela Zorn, met Ms. Dominguez for coffee.

“We explained we were in a period of transition this year,” Mr. Lavandowski says. “I didn’t want it to be a case where [she] didn’t know what [she was] coming into. And it ended up being a really good fit.”

Family Dynamics’ bylaws state all Board members must serve two-year terms and since the Board Connect program is only a year, Ms. Dominguez was initially brought on in an ex-officio capacity. But that ended up working out to her advantage.

“I found that really beneficial, it’s kind of like a warm up year. Process-wise I felt out of my depth – and that’s really what I wanted: to learn new things and new programs and interactions,” Ms. Dominguez says.

The skillset of Leadership Winnipeg alumni makes them a great fit for Board work, and according to Ms. Zorn, finding qualified volunteers isn’t easy. “[Board] governance is higher level and it requires just the right symbiosis among a large group of people that come from all walks of life. To find a skilled Board member and somebody who can give up that amount of time to make sure there is good governance and the organization thrives is a real balancing act,” Ms. Zorn says.

Ensuring the right placement is also very important, Mr. Lanandowski says.

“I’ve been involved with Boards where

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For Monica Dominguez, being involved with a charitable Board is “a part of becoming socially-minded.”

you can tell someone’s there who doesn’t want to be but they feel, ‘I said yes, I better do the work.’ That’s not good for the organization or for the individual.”

In the case of Monica Dominguez and Family Dynamics, both parties were very happy with the placement. Family Dynamics has volunteered to take another placement next year, and Ms. Dominguez has joined the Board as an official member. For her, community involvement in this new capacity has been incredibly rewarding. “You get to experience community in a different sense. It’s just a part of becoming socially-minded and

being part of a larger picture on how to improve Winnipeg.”

Board Connect is now open to any community leaders who want to get involved, and to registered charities based in Winnipeg. For a complete list of eligibility criteria or to apply, go to volunteermanitoba.ca.

To hear more from Board Connect participants, head to rivercity360.org.

Volunteer Manitoba is receiving a grant of $75,000 over three years in support of Board Connect. The support is drawn from the hundreds of Community Building Funds held at The Foundation, including the Dr. A.R. Winram Fund, the Randy and Terri Otto and Family Fund, and the Pay It Forward Fund.

Donors’ generosity makes it possible for The Foundation to fund a variety of organizations and projects in our community.

In May, The Foundation’s Grants Committee approved $1.84 million to support 124 projects. Here’s a sampling of the grants.

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba

Fort Whyte Foundation Inc.

$35,000, drawn from The Arnold William and Natalie Riedle Memorial Fund and Community Building Funds

$18,000, drawn from the Moffat Family Fund, the Nourishing Potential Fund and the Marjorie and Billy Hughes Fund.

ADAM is committed to helping individuals who struggle with anxiety disorders. The goal for the new Peer Support Program is to connect approximately 20 Winnipeg-based volunteers, who have lived experience with anxiety, with clients in need of immediate one-on-one peer support.

Located within the city limits, FortWhyte Farms Social Enterprise Project works with underserved urban youth by using sustainable urban agriculture to help build the leaders of tomorrow.

Volunteer Peer Support Program

KERRY RYAN, COMMUNITY GRANTS ASSOCIATE

“ I know a few people with anxiety and I know some parents that have children with anxiety and they’re at their wits end trying to help them. If they could get some information and some support on how to deal with people with anxiety, I think it’s really important.”

“ It’s important that we all know what we’re eating and where it comes from, and learn how to be self-sufficient and foodsecure. FortWhyte Farms is such a great, tangible example of that. What’s really neat about the project is they get kids from the inner-city involved. They’re gaining really important hands-on skills; learning about food: where it comes from, how to harvest it; and they’re producing healthy food for Winnipeggers to eat.”

The University of Winnipeg Foundation

Mount Carmel Clinic

$30,000, drawn from Community Building Funds

$50,000, drawn from the Moffat Family Fund and the Children’s Foundation of Winnipeg Fund

The Human Rights Hub is an online portal that serves as a central ‘hub’ to coordinate and promote events, activities, and initiatives that occur in Winnipeg’s vibrant human rights sector.

Mount Carmel Clinic is a community health care centre located in the North End/Point Douglas area. Its mission is to create and promote healthy inner-city communities.

ANA HRYNYK, COMMUNITY GRANTS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

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FortWhyte Farms

Human Rights Hub

The Mothering Project

JOANNA TURNER, COMMUNITY GRANTS ASSOCIATE RICK LUSSIER, SENIOR GRANTS ASSOCIATE “ The Human Rights Hub has eight partner organizations right now. This grant is allowing them to expand that. So they’re going to increase the number of partners and increase the content on the site, so that there can be more participation.

The theory being an informed citizenship is an engaged one.”

“ The Mothering Project provides really critical medical outreach support to women who are pregnant or have recently had a baby. It provides support from a traumainformed perspective; staff understand that substance abuse is often something the people use to mask and cope with their feelings when they’ve had a traumatic experience.

It’s important for the community and it’s addressing a need that’s quite great for a population that’s really vulnerable.”

Community Financial Counselling Services

Megan Tate, Director of Community Grants

Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Program $12,500, drawn from the Moffat Family Fund

Marie Bouchard, Community Grants Associate

CFCS is a non-profit credit counselling agency that helps meet the needs of Manitobans experiencing financial challenges by providing credit/debt counselling and payment negotiation with creditors.

Donna Edmundson, Community Grants Specialist

MEGAN TATE, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY GRANTS “ The program trains volunteers to help low-income people complete their income tax forms and submit them to the government. People have to actually submit their taxes to receive some of the benefits they’re entitled to. Through this program they train hundreds of volunteers who fill out thousands of tax forms, which ultimately results in millions of dollars coming back to low-income Manitobans.”

Ana Hrynyk, Community Grants Administrative Assistant 19

Tolu Ilelaboye, Youth Engagement Coordinator

Islamic Social Services Association Chief Operating Officer position*

$30,000, drawn from Community Building Funds ISSA, established in 1999, links Muslim social service providers in North America, provides relevant information about Islam, and promotes harmony between cultures.

Rick Lussier, Senior Grants Associate

Jan McLellan, Community Grants Administration Coordinator

MARIE BOUCHARD, COMMUNITY GRANTS ASSOCIATE “ Because their customs, their religion, and their lifestyle are so different from what is practiced here, [ISSA] felt it was important to establish programming and supports for Muslim women. The Muslim women, as in many cultures, are the glue that holds the family together. ISSA feels if the woman can be strong and feel confident, then the whole family will benefit as well. ISSA prides itself on promoting cultural harmony between different cultures, and that’s such important work.” *Although The Foundation is generally a project funder, in certain circumstances it will make exceptions.

Kerry Ryan, Community Grants Associate

Joanna Turner, Community Grants Associate

2016

C E L E B R AT I O N

8th annual event recognizes

We are all treaty people

The Foundation’s Legacy Circle honours all the special people whose planned gifts help our community flourish For Good. Forever.

The Foundation held its annual Legacy Circle Celebration on Oct. 5.

The event was a luncheon at the Convention Centre. In recognition of The Foundation’s commitment to working toward a shared goal of reconciliation, the event’s theme was We are all treaty people. It featured a keynote address by Kevin Lamoureux, the University of Winnipeg’s Associate Vice President of Indigenous Affairs.

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1.

4.

2.

3.

5.

6.

7.

1, 3.The event featured a performance by the internationally-recognized Summer Bear Dance Troupe. 2. Guests had the opportunity to view four treaty boards and a treaty medallion from the Treaty Relations Commission. 4, 5, 6.The Legacy Circle Celebration is a chance to meet other like-minded citizens and connect with old friends. 7. Artist Tim Schouten (left) spoke about his work The St. Peters Reserve Project, which was on display.

Leave a legacy Planned gifts support our community For Good. Forever.

T

he Winnipeg Foundation is built on legacies, dating back to 1921 when William Forbes Alloway established The Foundation as a permanent source of support for our community. Five years later, his wife Elizabeth left the first bequest.

At the time, the $800,000 gift was the largest ever received by a Manitoba charity and made headlines across the country.

Since then, hundreds of donors have entrusted The Foundation with their legacies by leaving gifts in their Wills. These gifts have allowed The Foundation to respond to our community’s most pressing needs and emerging opportunities. We could not do the work we do without you. Thank you.

In 2016, The Foundation was honoured to receive the following bequests. We sincerely thank those who have planned future gifts through Charitable Remainder Trusts and insurance gifts.

Bequest gifts Jeanne Margaret Allen John T. Atchison Robert Murray Barnes Herbert Arthur Beachell Morley Blankstein Doreen Louise Botterweg Brynjolfur Kristin Brynjolfsson Noreen and Robert Allen Marion Corbett Miriam Crawford Deborah DesRivieres Margaret Elizabeth Dingle Barbara Jean DuVal Peggy French Lilia Marjorie Gardner Elizabeth Agnes Gould Jean Elaine Greenham Mary Greening

John Hodges Margaret Eleanor Horn Margaret Charlotte Jamieson Phyllis May Kilpatrick Margaret Pearl Langer Gordon Linney Lynne MacFarlane Olive Roberta McCormick Helen Sinclair Miller Marion Mills Barbara Jean Pearce Dennis Pendeshuk John H. Peters Martin Leonard Ringer Dorothy Grace Smith George Thomas Snell Madeline Grace Waddell Gary Landau Wolfson

Are you a Winnipegger at heart who winters or lives in Victoria?

We invite you to join us for a special reception this spring!

Watch for more information coming soon.

204.944.9474 or 1.877.974.3631 wpgfdn.org

By establishing a Community Building Fund at The Foundation, Deborah DesRivieres will continue to support the wide range of local causes she was passionate about, including the environment, arts and animal welfare.

Photo courtesy of Dennis DesRivieres.

Charitable Remainder Trusts Phyllis C. and G. Cameron Anderson Memorial Fund Minnie Evelyn Findlay Memorial Fund The John McMurdo Family Trust Fund Insurance gifts 5 Anonymous Donors Douglas T. Bell, Winnipeg Elevator Group Earl Coleman Gordon and Nettie Dueck Bill and Carole Enefer Dr. Paul and Carol Galbraith Joseph Graham Gregg and Mary Hanson Dale H. Kendel Guy and Hester Kroft Iris Maurstad

Adrian and Lynn Measner Morna-June Morrow John and Delores Morton Richard L. Nowak Donna and Bill Parrish, C.M. Kerry D. Pollock Margaret (Peggy) Prendergast Blair Smith Jim Sutherland Gwen Welsh Norval C. and Ivy Young * Gifts were received within The Foundation’s fiscal year (Oct. 1 2015 to Sept. 30 2016).

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The legacy of a

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curling legend

Memorial Fund honouring Vic Peters will help youth pursue sporting excellence

M E M O R I A L

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F U N D S

ic Peters was a tenacious competitor and a national curling champion. He was a humble man who loved his family and his work. And he was a mentor who committed countless hours to supporting young people on and off the ice. Now, Vic’s Little VIPs Memorial Fund is ensuring his legacy of support will continue forever.

Mr. Peters was one of Canada’s top curlers, winning the 1992 Brier and finishing third at that year’s world championship. He was a three-time Manitoba champion (1992, 1993 and 1997) and was inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame in 2005. He was universally known as a good sport.

Born March 24, 1955 in Steinbach, MB, Mr. Peters was a natural athlete. It was through curling he met his wife Debora. “When I first saw him he had hair down to his shoulders, this long shaggy blonde hair,” Mrs. Peters says. “He wore a red ski jacket and there was a hole where the feathers were coming out, so he just Duct taped it closed. And then he had his pants tucked into work boots that were unlaced. And I’m looking at him and thinking, ‘What is everyone talking about?’ because all the girls were just in love with him.”

After the bonspiel wrapped up, Vic joined Deb’s table for a few beverages, and as the night wore on she began to see what the fuss was about. The couple married in 1979 and made their life in Winnipeg. They had three children: son Daley and daugthers Kasandra Leafloor and Elisabeth ‘Liz’ Fife.

In summer, Mr. Peters worked as a golf course Superintendent, first at Rossmere, then at Larters and finally at The Meadows. In winter, he worked as an Icemaker, and he curled.

Despite the busy schedule of a professional curler, Mr. Peters was extremely involved with his children. The family spent lots of time at the curling rink and golf course, and lots of time traveling to different competitions.

“All three of them were raised in a curling rink and on a golf course. I don’t think life could have been any better.”, Mrs. Peters says.

Mr. Peters loved being around kids and offered up his expertise to young curlers. Family meant the world to him, and he was overjoyed by the arrival of his three grandkids: Jacob, Ted and Greta.

Although Mr. Peters never pushed his children to curl, two play at the competitive level. Daley is a two time Manitoba junior winner, and played with his dad in the Manitoba men’s championship in 2011. Liz Fyfe plays second for Team Manitoba. One of Mr. Peters’ last public appearances was in February 2016 when he attended the Scotties in Grande Prairie, AB to cheer on Liz’s squad.

Despite the Peters family’s many accomplishments, Vic maintained you didn’t need to win, nor did you need a lot in life, to be happy.

“He was content, and he said that before he died… It didn’t take a lot to please him. We didn’t need a fancy car. He wore Crocs. He never wanted anything but a cold beer at the end of the day and his family to play with Debora Peters (seated centre) and her family are looking forward to deciding which charitable out in the park.” agencies will receive support through the Vic’s Mr. Peters had melanoma in the ’70s, and in 2011 it came back; he passed away Little VIPs fund. in March 2016. The family wanted to do something to honour his memory.

“I wanted something to be established that would be a legacy, that wouldn’t just be about me and the loss of my husband, and then my kids I wanted something to be and my grandkids. I wanted [his legacy] to be passed on; I wanted to know that what it stood for today would continue on through the generations of established that would be a Vic’s kids.”

The family began a Memorial Fund, which allowed them to quickly legacy, that wouldn’t just be establish a place to which memorial gifts were directed. Read more about about me and the loss of my these types of funds on the next page. Since Mr. Peters’ passing, hundreds of gifts have been made to Vic’s Little VIPs Fund. In September, the family husband, and then my kids held a golf tournament to support the fund raising $15,600.

Vic and Deb Peters always said if they won the lottery they would build a golf and my grandkids. I wanted course for under-privileged youth, a place where kids would feel special – and so the fund was named Vic’s Little VIPs. Although the particulars are still being [his legacy] to be passed on; worked out, the fund is designed to “help young people in this community I wanted to know that what develop critical skills to assist them in their pursuit of sporting excellence.”

The whole family will help decide where grants from the fund will go – and it stood for today would how Vic Peters’ legacy will live on. “We would like The Foundation to present ideas to us, we’d like to look at them, do site visits so the kids can actually continue on through the see [the impact]… We want to be actively involved, [to discover] what is this organization, what are their needs, and where is our heart right now.” generations of Vic’s kids.

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M E M O R I A L

MEMORIAL FUNDS Honour a loved one with a memorial gift At a time of loss, a gift to our community is a meaningful way to remember a loved one. The Winnipeg Foundation offers a number of memorial gift options.

F U N D S

Give to an existing fund You can give, or direct memorial gifts, to an existing fund. (See story on Isabel and Murray Auld below for an example.) The Foundation has hundreds of funds to choose from, or you can support our city’s most pressing needs and emerging opportunities through the Winnipeg Community Building Fund.

Create a new fund Creating a Memorial Fund provides a lasting legacy in honour of someone you love and offers a simple, flexible way to look after memorial gifts.

The Foundation offers you the flexibility of quickly creating a fund to which gifts can be directed. You can take your time deciding how those gifts will support our community. (See story about the Vic Peters family on the previous page for an example.) Memorial Funds can be ready to accept gifts within 24 hours.

Memorial Fund options Once you are ready, you can decide how you want the fund to be used. You may choose to: •E stablish an endowed (permanent) fund that gives back every year. This fund’s purpose may reflect your loved one’s values and favourite cause, or benefit the community as a whole.

•C ontribute the gifts to an existing fund at The Winnipeg Foundation.

•G ive a one-time grant to a charitable organization of choice.

How The Foundation can help We can help you with fund wording for the obituary, provide customized gift forms for a service, and create an online page where people can give to the fund through our website. We’ll notify you of all gifts received, thank each donor individually, and provide a tax receipt for each gift. Please contact us to learn more.

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Lifetimes of Service The legacy of Isabel and Murray Auld

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he first female Chancellor of the University of Manitoba, Dr. Isabel Auld’s contributions to our city and country are legion. She served on many community boards, including CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Health Sciences Centre, Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, Canada World Youth, the J.W. Dafoe Foundation, and on the Rhodes Scholarship Selection Committee. She was the first female appointed to the Board of Wawanesa Insurance Co. Murray Auld had impact on the aerospace industry over five decades.

Starting at MacDonald Brothers Aircraft and later as President of Bristol Aerospace and Deputy Chairman of Rolls Royce Canada Ltd., his influence and service were recognized as recipient of the C.D. Howe Award, and as Honorary Fellow, the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute. A corporate Director of Telesat Canada and Great-West Life, Murray was also active in the community; a trustee of Westminster Church Foundation, Grace Hospital and Southport.

Married in Regina in 1942, they enjoyed 72 years together in Winnipeg, the community they loved. The couple had three children: Nancy Birt, Hedley and Cathy, and five of their eight grandchildren live in Winnipeg.

Both were members of the Order of Canada and recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, along with other individual honours and awards.

When Murray passed away in September 2015, and Isabel in March 2016, the family chose to direct memorial gifts to the endowment fund the couple created at The Foundation in 1992. The Isabel and Murray Auld Fund is a Community Building Fund, supporting Winnipeg’s most pressing needs and emerging opportunities forever.

Murray and Isabel Auld are the parents of Cathy Auld, The Foundation’s Director of Donor Relations and Corporate Secretary.

In 2016, the following people and groups were honoured or remembered with gifts to The Winnipeg Foundation.

Jason Dalton Martha Danylchuk Bonnie Davies Tracy Davis Susan Dawes Amie Decock Beth Delmonico DKG International Thomas Doherty Bernie Dolski Gord and Kara Dowhan Dr. Joseph Du C.M., O.M. Jim Duncan Dorthi Dunsmore Dan Ebel Donna Edmundson Alan Einarson Doris Engel Jean and Ray Faryna Velma Ferns Bernardo and Monika Fiest Nathan Filosi Linda and Allan Finkleman Anne Fowler Jane Frain Bob and Betty Fraser Gladys Fredrickson Elaine Friesen Heidi Friesen Agnes Frost Matthew Frost Debora Fuhl Mackenzie Gair Tess Garinger Debbie Gilbert Karen Glass Elsie Glowacki Franklyn Griffiths Anna Guzzi Bradley Haas Philip Haese Susan Hagemeister Cole Hamblin* Richard Harbeck Valerie Harder Bob Harwood Al Hawkins David Helwer Gracie Herntier Odette Heyn Jack Hignell Mark Holliday Mary Horechny Douglas Howe Steven Hurst Bryan Huska Richard Huska Eleanor and Douglas Hyndman Steven Isfeld Anne Ismond Dr. Sara Israels

Don Iverson Mohamed Jalloh James Jeffries Marion Jessiman Allan Johnson Cliff and Berniece Johnson Jack Johnson* Paul Johnston Ann Jones Robert and Thelma Jones Nadine Kampen Dr. Kwan Chi Kao* Brenda and Roger Kennedy Nancy Klippenstein Linda Kohut Hildegard Koske Constantine Kostaniuk Margaret (Margie) Kvern* Pamela Kwiatek Miguel Labossiere John Lamont Jessie Lang Curtis Landega Linda Langevin Donna Law Dominic Leggett Jill Leggett Jeannine Leitch Marlene Lewis Kelley Liebzeit Roland Light Jack MacDonald Maureen MacDonald Lynne MacFarlane Reg Malanchuk Carol Manness Eulah Matheson Mark, Angie and Maureen Matthews Joanne Maxwell Kyle McCabe Larry McCartney Marcia McClung Margaret McDevitt Joy McDiarmid Julie McInnes The McLean Family Alice and James McLennan N. Bruce McLeod Gaye McMillan Jean Meek William Mehmel Pearl Milan Mary Lou Milhausen Anthony Militano Laura Milner White Isabel and Walter Mirosh Shar Mitchell Jacob Mitton Gladys Moffatt Christiane Molund Dr. Jeffrey Morris

Dorothy Morrow Kenneth Morrow Alan Mowat Munroe Junior High School Sheila Murphy Ernest Mutimer Marilyn Myrvold Michael Nesbitt Ted Norrington Bruce Oake Lloyd Oake Aiden O’Brien Doug O’Brien Dean Otto Florence Overgaard Diane Owens Nicole Owens Irene Ozuk Gretha Pallen Bill Parrish C.M. Sydney J. Parsons* The Paterson Family Hailey Paterson Robb Paterson Doug Paulsen Vic Peters* Bill Petrie* Margaret Petrie Olive Phillips Margaret Pidlaski Rochelle Pincovich Police Academy Graduating Class 158 Shirley Poole Betty Anne and Bill Porteous Travis Price Mabel Pringle Braden Purchase Indira Ratnayaka Gail Reid Don Reynolds Dr. David Riesen David Rigby Judith Ritchie Jo-Anne and Tom Roberts Joey Robidoux Margaret Robson Alexander Romanyk Rina Romeo Eldon Ross Fayre Russenholt Hayley Rutledge Jennifer Ryan and Peter Sigurdson Kathleen Ryan and Sean Strong Kerry Ryan and Jeope Wolfe Tim and Mary Louise Ryan Zach Saunders Henk and Marcia Schippers Clifford Schmidt

David Schwieger Carly Scramstad Alfred Selver Spence Shiach Joe Simmons Janet Simpson Cheryl Dawn Skazyk Evelyn Smith Geni Smith Robert Sokalski Peter and Geri Spencer Gerry Spindler Jag Sroay Diana Stevens Elva Stevens Douglas Stewart The Stockwell Family Priscilla Stone Jean Stople Eleanor Suderman Karen Sutherland Ted Swain Helene Tardiff J F Reeh Taylor Kenneth Wayne Taylor Glen Thompson Faye Thomson Kay Tomchuk Richard Topping Inez Trueman Steve Veres Margaret Vonstone Lily Walker Kitsley Harry Wall Mary and Alex Warren Louise Warwick Larz Wass George Waters Doreen Webb Dr. Gerald Webb Martin Weidman Sharon and Barry Weinstein Robert John Wesley Nita Whitehouse Karen Wiebe William Wittenberg Janet Wright Margaret and Paul Wright Donna Mae Yeo * Denotes funds created in honour or memory of individuals in the past year. ** Gifts were made within The Foundation’s fiscal year (Oct. 1 2015 to Sept. 30 2016).

F U N D S

Karyn and Dale Aarhus Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman Barb Adams Annika Albrecht Heidi Albrecht Léo Albrecht Lisa Alfred Bettina Allen Rev. Dr. Walter Allum Otto Alto Ivy Alwis Yuri Andrejowich Carole Arklie Colleen and Glenn Armstrong Isabel and Murray Auld Sheri Bailey Joe Barnsley Bob and Susie Baron Kal Barteski The Bashford Family Joan and Jim Baudic Joyce Beggs Michael Bennett Alexander and Rosemarie Bergmann Martin Bergmann Mariam Bernstein Dawntay Rain Bittern-George Guy Bonnetta Kym Boulay Blair Bracken Reid Bricker Joyce Brownscombe Jack Brownstone Anne Buchanan Emily Butler Ralph Caldwell Jesuina Calisto Joyce Cameron Kathryne Cardwell Donald Carlson The Carriere Family Patricia Casey Terry Cheater and Leslie Weir Dr. Patrick Choy Margaret Clarke Police Chief Devon Clunis (Ret.) Anne Colish Brian Collie Jeff Collins George Courchene Robert Cox Genessa Cram Ruby Cram Miriam Crawford Nancy Crocker Cheryl Cruickshank Linda Cuperus

M E M O R I A L

MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE GIFTS

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Living on

Family honours son with memorial scholarship

through music Stephen Leitch loved music.

In 2001 he was on the cutting edge of computer music production. He had a promising future ahead and planned to study computers at college. With all this going for him, his family still wonders why the then-18-year-old took his life. The Leitch family has taken this tragedy and turned it into a way to remember and honour Stephen’s memory while helping promising students.

While Stephen worked really hard in school, his minor learning disability didn’t allow him to excel. He always enjoyed playing and listening to music.

In Grade 11 he was placed in the home room of the music teacher and joined the Music Program at Miles MacDonell Collegiate. This opened a whole new world to him.

Left to right: Betty and Don Leitch; siblings Rae and Andrew on the day Stephen arrived; Stephen in Grade 11.

Facing page bottom: Don Leitch with Grace Willmer, the 2016 recipient of the Stephen Leitch Music Award.

“For the first time Stephen found something at school he really liked doing,” says Stephen’s father Don Leitch. “He just loved the Music Program: the creation of music, people performing, people singing… and he was into music mixing – the computer aspect.”

Stephen particularly loved rock and roll from the ’50s and ’60s – a passion Mr. Leitch says started before Stephen was even in Kindergarten. One day as a young boy, Stephen called his family into the living room, Mr. Leitch remembers fondly. He had set up his Fisher Price cassette recorder next to the piano.

“He said, ‘Watch this!’ and he hit play and it was Jerry Lee Lewis with “Great Balls of Fire.” [Stephen] was pretending he was Jerry Lee Lewis… with his phenomenal antics. Stephen was sitting on the piano stool and his little legs were just dangling and kicking faster than the music.”

As Stephen got older, he’d mix music on the computer and make compilations for friends and family.

He had planned to study computers at Red River College.

Stephen was just weeks away from graduation and his passing was totally unexpected, Mr. Leitch says.

“The child psychiatrists say occasionally there can be absolutely no signs of the indicators that can lead children or youth into considering suicide or actually taking the final step.”

When Stephen died, after paying for the funeral and other expenses, the

family had a small amount of money left over from an insurance policy.

Mr. Leitch and his wife Betty wanted a way to remember and honour Stephen.

“It was our two other children, Andrew and Rae, who said, ‘Maybe we should do something at Miles Mac for Stephen,’” Mr. Leitch says.

Stephen’s passion for musical arts led the family to create the Stephen Leitch Music Award Fund. The scholarship is issued annually to a Grade 12 Miles Mac student who shows enthusiasm, commitment, energy, spontaneity and pure joy in field of music.

Miles Mac and River East School Division moved quickly to establish the award, and the first scholarship was issued just a few weeks after his death.

Miles Mac and the School Division managed the fund for a number of years, but since it was held in a general account there was very little interest earned. As the scholarships were distributed year-after-year, the capital began to erode.

The family wanted a more permanent option, so they moved the fund to The Winnipeg Foundation. “It’s forever, as The Foundation says,” Mr. Leitch notes.

“The Winnipeg Foundation has an exemplary track record of running these programs,” says Mr. Leitch, who is CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba. “Once you’ve made the decision and you’ve made the contribution there’s no further issue.

You can just enjoy what you’ve done.

You don’t do the work. You don’t have

to worry about connecting the dots and deadlines. It’s just done. It’s simple.”

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Stephen’s passing – and it’s the 15th time a promising young student received the Stephen Leitch Music Award. Someone from the Leitch family attends the awards ceremony each year to hand out the scholarship, and although it’s a “melancholy moment,” it feels good to see Stephen’s life is making a difference.

“In some small way this is his contribution back into the Music Program that gave him joy,” Mr. Leitch says. “It’s given us satisfaction, it’s given us some peace, and it’s a happy moment when we’re able to attend and give out the award in Stephen’s name.”

Scholarship Funds provide annual gifts to support students with their studies.

Scholarship Funds can provide: Scholarships – based on academic achievement or other merit.

Bursaries – based on financial need.

Prizes – generally based on a specific accomplishment, such as highest standing in a specific course.

Fellowships – provided at the graduate level in support of advanced studies and research.

Please contact us to learn more.

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Marlene Campbell and Sonia Graboski were close friends of Wendy Wersch.

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Equality Feminist artist Wendy Wersch’s legacy lives on through lectures

through art

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memorial lecture series has been inspiring female artists for more than 15 years, and two of its founders could not be more proud. Artists Marlene Campbell and Sonia Graboski are making sure their late friend and colleague Wendy Wersch will never be forgotten.

Ms. Campbell and Ms. Graboski warmly reminisce about Ms. Wersch: from meeting in the Fine Arts program in university and becoming fast friends, to their weekends at the lake laughing, swimming, drinking martinis, and creating. Wendy was a passionate artist who made a point of fighting for women’s rights and equality through artistic expression.

Wendy Wersch’s Emergence at Ace Art Inc. Photo supplied.

The Wendy Wersch Memorial Committee. Back row, left to right: Sonia Graboski, Shawna Dempsey, Alexis Kinloch, Heidi Eigenkind, Elvira Finnegan. Front row, left to right: Dena Decter, Gaetanne Sylvester, Marlene Campbell, Bev Pike. Photo by Sheila Spence.

“ [Wendy] was a feminist at heart. I think she felt that women were given a raw deal in many factors of life,” Ms. Graboski says.

“She wanted things to be fair, for all concerned. Not just for the men, but for the women as well. And she fought hard for that.”

A Winnipeg-based visual artist, Ms. Wersch created many installations and photography exhibits. She was known for her “Emergence” and “The New Myth” installations, and her work was exhibited locally and abroad. She spoke strongly through her art which, according to Ms. Graboski, is how she dealt with her feelings and experiences. She was also very involved in the local arts scene, serving on several Boards and supporting organizations like Mentoring Artists for Womens Art (MAWA).

Ms. Wersch passed away in 2001 after a courageous battle with lung disease. She is survived by her husband, Gerry, and two daughters, Courtney and Alison.

Discussions about how best to honour Ms. Wersch began almost immediately after her passing. Ms. Graboski and Ms. Campbell, together with friends and family, quickly struck the Wendy Wersch Memorial Committee. The Committee knew that to honour Wendy’s legacy, they had to give other women artists a platform to tell their stories and share their experiences. That’s how the Wendy Wersch Memorial Lecture Series came to be.

The first thing the Committee did was set up a fund at The Winnipeg Foundation. The Wendy Wersch Memorial Fund, established with a gift from Ms. Wersch’s husband Gerry, is Donor-Advised. This type of fund allows the Committee to have a say in how grants are distributed. “Wendy was very intelligent, well-spoken, and had a critical mind. I think a lecture series would have been right up her alley,” Ms. Graboski says. “The fact that it’s for her is very special.

Her art, her installations, her life has all generated dialogue.

That’s probably what she would have wanted. It’s generated thought, and that’s what I think is important.”

Launched in 2002, the annual lecture series is facilitated through MAWA, which has been instrumental in helping host and organize the lectures. The lectures focus on women in the arts as role models for innovative cultural investigation. The series builds awareness of feminist art criticism, activism, and practice. It has welcomed some of the best and most renowned artists from all over the world,

including Woodstock Art Gallery Curator Mary Reid, photographer and Indigenous activist Sheila Spence, and artist Leah Fontaine. These lectures have been on a range of topics, from modern feminism to the suffrage movement to Indigenous spirit mending. All discussions are typically viewed through the lens of artistic expression in all its forms, and the lectures have become a staple in the local art scene.

“She really encouraged women to come out and be proud of themselves and have their voices heard,” Ms. Campbell says. “She worked really hard on that, and that’s why the Committee got together and put this lecture series together.”

To date, the Wendy Wersch Memorial Fund has distributed more than $22,000 to support the lecture series.

“Wendy would be so proud. Because women’s voices are being heard through their artwork,” says Ms. Campbell. “She just ran out of time. That’s the Winnipeg Foundation sad part of it. She had, still, Donor Services so much to say. Something Coordinator Kirsten had to be done to carry on her voice. It’s like when you Halden works closely throw a rock into the lake with the Wendy Wersch and you get the ripples. Well, Memorial Committee Wendy started the rippling.” to help promote the Are you interested in fund and lecture series. recommending which We’re here to help your charities receive grants from philanthropic goals. your fund? Contact us to learn Contact us to learn more. more about Donor-Advised Funds and how they work.

204.944.9474

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Left: Glenda Dean is proud of the fund her parents created. “It’s opened our eyes in terms of what one can do. And I think that’s pretty incredible.” Right: Betty and Bob Brooke share a dance in 2009. Below: A young Bob and Betty Brooke.

Family fund shows we all can make a difference

Family values 30

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ob and Betty Brooke lived by their values: honesty, integrity, acceptance and education. Their fund is ensuring these values will continue to influence their family – and community – forever.

Bob and Betty married in 1941 and spent 70 years together.

“Their relationship is truly inspirational. Their love for each other never wavered. They expressed their love in many ways, often showing acts of appreciation and kindness to each other,” says Glenda Dean, the Brookes’ daughter.

Born in Winnipeg in 1914, Robert “Bob” Brooke experienced some difficulties growing up, but a friend’s father, who was a Canon in the Anglican Church, changed his trajectory. “Canon Findlay took him under his wing and really guided him. He was a troubled kid,” explains Ms. Dean.

The youngest of seven, Alice Elizabeth “Betty” Mensforth was born in Winnipeg in 1918.

The couple had three children: Warren, Ralph and Glenda.

They raised their family on Spruce Street in the West End and regularly took family camping trips. They worked hard to instill strong values in their children. It worked: before retiring, Warren Brooke was Executive Director of Family Service in London, Ont. and Ms. Dean was Executive Director of Alpha House in Winnipeg.

Mr. Brooke was a salesman for Westinghouse. When Glenda started school, Mrs. Brooke went back to work at Eaton’s, primarily so the couple could travel the world. And they travelled extensively, visiting England, Switzerland, Australia, the Mediterranean, Haiti, and many other countries, and taking numerous cruises. Travelling expanded the couple’s world view.

“I think they saw beyond themselves, they saw the bigger picture, they saw how we are all connected; as much as we are different, we are all the same. So I think that just added to their view of diversity.”

times of their passing, the family chose to direct memorial gifts to the fund as a way to remember Bob and Betty. And members of the Brooke/Dean family, including the couple’s grandchildren, make gifts to the fund as a way to both remember Mr. and Mrs. Brooke, and to give back to their community.

“I think we’re all equally proud of [the Brooke Family Fund]. I think we’re really proud of what [my parents] created, in knowing that we’re part of that. It’s opened our eyes in terms of what one can do. And I think that’s pretty incredible.”

The Brooke Family Fund shows

FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS

Green Action Centre received $20,000 to help condo and apartment building residents develop composting programs.

4 GRANTS TOTALING

1 GRANT TOTALING

EDUCAT EMPLOYION AND MEN T

$467,066

1.62

MILLION

IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT

HER

ED

RE ANDCREATION CAM P S 71 GRANTS TOTALING

$192,701

Aboutface Craniofacial Family Society received $9,000 for Camp Trailblazers.

ARTS AN

Victoria General Hospital Foundation received $10,000 for the For Her Heart’s Sake project.

36 GRANTS TOTALING

- B AS

The Order of St. Luke Region 10 received $1,325 for the 2016 Healing Conference.

F AIT H

$1,325

$

Frontier College, in collaboration with the Community Education Development Association (CEDA), received $28,836 for a Truth and Reconciliation Summer Camp.

TH HEAL

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba received $40,000 to build a dementiafriendly community in Winnipeg.

COMMUNIT Y SER VICE

28 GRANTS TOTALING

$456,226

$229,963

NMENT O R I ENV

Do you want to support an area you’re passionate about?

Contact us to learn about starting your own Field of Interest Fund.

Support an area of interest close to your heart. These funds provide grants of all sizes to each of The Foundation’s eight main granting areas. Below, we’ve highlighted total support for each area, along with sample grants, that Field of Interest Funds made possible between October 2015 and June 2016.

50 GRANTS TOTALING

$31,844

everyone can make a difference, no matter what their means.

“Philanthropy sometimes seems like such a big thing, but really it’s something everyone can do. My parents were regular, working-class people. They worked hard, supported their family and lived modestly.

And they wanted to leave something that reflected how they lived their life.”

I TA G E

As they neared the end of their lives, the Brookes decided they wanted to permanently support the causes they cared about. After meeting with Foundation staff, they started a Field of Interest Fund.

“My dad was very impressed and really trusted that The Winnipeg Foundation would be good stewards for this money.

They set up the Brooke Family Fund, which started out with a very small amount of money, and the focus was on youth and education and the church.”

After Mr. and Mrs. Brooke passed away in 2011 and 2015 respectively, an estate gift further supported the fund. At the

LT D CU

5 GRANTS TOTALING

$39,009

Costume Museum of Canada received $4,500 for a Culture Days exhibit.

URE

29 GRANTS TOTALING

$210,964

Theatre by the River received $6,000 to produce “Constellations.”

31

New funds

at The Foundation

S

ince the last issue of Working Together was published in Spring 2016, donors from all walks of life have established funds that express their philanthropic goals and wishes for our community. During this same time period, six local charitable organizations started new Agency Funds at The Foundation, and our colleagues at rural Manitoba Community Foundations started three new funds.

Individual and Family Funds

32

Anonymous Fund Angelou Fund Diane Monnier Fund École Victoria-Albert School Fund Harris Family Fund for Animal Care and Wellness Janet Simpson Books for Kids Fund Patrice Yamada and Peri Venkatesh Fund Patricia and Dennis Nord Scholarship Fund Waffle Wednesday Community Building Fund

Memorial and Tribute Funds Deanna Lum Sisler Award Fund GC Sisler Award Fund Margie Kvern Memorial Fund Timothy Chiu Chen Seminary Scholarship Fund Vic’s “Little VIPs” Fund*

Bequests Barbara Pearce Arts and Culture Community Fund Charles and Pearl Langer Memorial Fund Doreen Botterweg Memorial Fund Elizabeth Gould Memorial Fund Jack and Iris Hodges Memorial Fund Marion Mills Memorial Fund Martin Ringer Memorial Fund Paul and Barbara DuVal Memorial Fund Phyllis May Kilpatrick Memorial Fund

A gifted singer with a larger than life personality, Barbara Pearce loved helping others realize their full potential. Her bequest to The Foundation ensures her passions will be supported forever.

Read more about Ms. Pearce in our next issue.

Group Legacy Funds

The Winnipeg Foundation Initiatives

Kiwanis Bursary for Indigenous Students Fund Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg Affleck Trust Fund Kiwanis Club of Winnipeg Community Support Fund Manitobans Aiding Shelter Foundation Fund Olga Grouch Fund - Fisher Branch Women’s Institute Pride Winnipeg Scholarship Fund The Royal Winnipeg Rifles Endowment Fund

Friends of Our History Fund Rebuilding Fort McMurray Fund Welcome to Winnipeg Fund

* Profiled in this issue on page 22.

DONOR SURVEY NUMBERS BY THE

3,168

WHAT DID YOU TELL US?

20% RESPONSE RATE

SURVEYS DISTRIBUTED

BY PROBE 80% 75%

STRONGLY AGREE THAT OUR GIVING PROCESS IS EASY AND TAX RECEIPTS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ARE RECEIVED IN A TIMELY MANNER

INDICATED THEY WOULD LOVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT AND LEARN ABOUT THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT

75%

FOUND IT MEANINGFUL TO RECEIVE A LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM US

93%

FOUND MATCHING (STRETCHING) GIFTS APPEALING

75%

FELT THEY RECEIVE JUST ENOUGH INFORMATION FROM US

90% OF RESPONDENTS WOULD RECOMMEND US TO OTHERS THEY WOULD APPRECIATE 61% IAN NDICATED OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND EVENTS

75%

WERE VERY SATISFIED WITH THE INFORMATION CONCERNING THEIR GIFT (TAX RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)

WHAT’S NEXT?

In spring 2016, we conducted a comprehensive survey of our donors. Thank you to everyone for your feedback and opinions.

89% FELT VERY INFORMED ABOUT US

60% HAVE

VISITED OUR WEBSITE

ELT REASONABLY WELL-INFORMED 71% FABOUT ENDOWMENT FUNDS

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SOCIETAL ISSUES FOR THE FOUNDATION TO ADDRESS?

36%

SAY EDUCATION/EMPLOYMENT

34%

SAY COMMUNITY SERVICE

25%

SAY HEALTH

24%

SAY ARTS & CULTURAL

17%

SAY ENVIRONMENT

16%

SAY RECREATION/CAMPS

11%

SAY HERITAGE

25%

SAY THEY’RE UNSURE

The survey gave us the chance to get to know you better and understand what information you want and how you want it delivered. While some areas are ranked high, others could use a bit of improvement. We are always striving to do better.

33

Our Foundation

News updates

34

FORMER BOARD CHAIR TO HELP DETERMINE JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS The Honourable Richard J. Scott has been appointed to the independent and non-partisan Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments. His appointment to the seven-member Board was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in August 2016.

“Under the new process, an independent and non-partisan Advisory Board has been given the task of identifying suitable candidates who are jurists of the highest caliber, functionally bilingual, and representative of the diversity of our great country,” the media release states.

He served as Chief Justice of the Manitoba Court of Appeal, and is current counsel, arbitrator and mediator with Winnipeg firm Hill Sokalski Walsh Olson. Chief Justice Scott served on The Foundation’s Board of Directors from 1990 to 2005, including a term as Board Chair from 2001 to 2005; he is currently our Board Alumni Chair, a position he assumed in 2007.

HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUM UNVEILS PLAQUE HONOURING THE FOUNDATION In 2003, The Foundation’s Board of Directors approved a $6 million grant in support of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This grant remains the largest in our history and was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. The Museum unveiled a plaque commemorating the contribution in September.

HENTELEFF PARK OPENS INTERPRETIVE CENTRE Henteleff Park Foundation opened the park’s new Interpretive Centre last August. “The Interpretive Centre will focus on four themes. It will showcase the unique natural landscape, plant and bird life that inhabit the park; pay tribute to the major role that Métis families played in settling and developing the community; highlight the history of market gardening in the area; and share the Henteleff family story and the contributions they made along with other Jewish farm families in Manitoba in the development of the community,” the website states.

The Interpretive Centre is located at the park’s entrance at 1964 St. Mary’s Road, near the original homestead of the Henteleff family. The Henteleff Park Foundation was established in 2002 and has received a number of grants from The Winnipeg Foundation.

FOUNDATION INTRODUCES GRADUATE AWARD IN CANADIAN HISTORY The Foundation has created an award for graduate students focusing on the life and times of Canadians who have contributed to our country’s rich history. In 2016/17, a Graduate Award in Canadian History of $2,000 will be offered to students who are: 1. Enrolled in Year I or Year II of the Joint University of Manitoba/ University of Winnipeg MA Program in History, in the thesis, coursebased, or major research paper streams; and 2. Studying with a focus on Canadian History or History of Indigenous Peoples of Canada.

Far-reaching Foundations Study calculates Manitoba foundations’ direct and indirect socio-economic impacts

C

ommunity foundations outside Winnipeg have seen tremendous growth in recent years. From just two in the 1960s, today there are more than 50 throughout Manitoba. The value of these foundations’ endowment funds sit at more than $70 million. Each year rural Manitoba foundations make hundreds of grants, but what are the direct and indirect socio-economic impacts?

Recognizing community foundations’ important contribution and role, The Winnipeg Foundation commissioned Brandon University’s Rural Development Institute to conduct a study on the economic impact Manitoba community foundations outside of Winnipeg have on their communities. The Institute also developed a framework that can be used in subsequent years to calculate economic impacts as political, social and economic conditions evolve.

Each year assets of these community foundations grow by several millions of dollars through gifts and earnings on investments. In turn, the community foundations grant to hundreds of projects throughout Manitoba, resulting in both direct and indirect economic impact.

The report used two methods of calculating the economic impact of community foundations: the Return on Investment Values model and the Statistics Canada Input/Output model; both calculated using fiscal 2014 figures.

The Return on Investment model calculated direct economic impact of granting and expenditures at nearly $3.3 million. When social and economic impact multipliers were applied on granting dollars to each charitable sector, the socio-economic impact was valued at $17.5 million. Resulting in a total economic impact (using the Return on Investment Values model) of $20.8 million.

The Statistics Canada Input/Output model breaks down the economic impact of community foundations by direct, indirect and induced impact as follows: Initial Spending

$4.6 million

Total Gross Output

$7.6 million

Total GDP Basic Price

$4.0 million

Total Labour Income

$2.9 million

Total Jobs

66

Total Indirect Taxes

$0.3 million

Both methods concluded community foundations play an important role in strengthening their communities.

Additionally community foundations often provide project seed money, which can then be used to leverage additional funds from other granting organizations and different levels of government. Case studies were examined which further supported the need for community foundations to support activities and projects which improve quality of life. For example, a $2,500 grant from a community foundation helped secure an additional $9,500 of funding to build a $12,000 climbing wall at a school.

Through this research, a process was developed to calculate economic impacts of community foundations in subsequent years. This model can be used by individual community foundations as needed.

Interested in supporting a Manitoba community foundation?

Go to endowmanitoba.ca for list of community foundations throughout the province, and to make your secure gift.

This year’s Endow Manitoba 24 Hour Giving Challenge is Saturday, Nov. 19.

On this day, The Winnipeg Foundation will “stretch” all gifs made to Manitoba community foundations. For every $5 you give, The Winnipeg Foundation will add $1. (For a maximum stretch of $2,000 per foundation.)

35

Federal endowment program making a big impact on local arts scene

Leveraging community investment 36

L

Theatre Projects Manitoba shows Sargent & Victor & Me (left) and Bashir Lazhar (top).

ocal arts organizations are developing financial stability thanks to a Federal program and donors’ generous support. Since 2002, arts organizations with Agency Endowment Funds at The Foundation have benefitted from millions in “stretch” funding from Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Investment Fund.

Through its Endowment Incentives program, Canadian Heritage encourages private donors to contribute to the arts organizations’ endowment funds. In Winnipeg, the 21 charitable arts groups qualifying for the program have seen six times more gifts compared to those organizations with Agency Funds that are not eligible for the program.

Since the program began, the federal stretch has contributed more than $16 million to these organizations’ endowment funds, averaging 73 cents for every dollar raised. The program’s total community impact is more than $38 million in endowment fund contributions from donors and the Federal government. This results in more than $2 million in annual grants to our community.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Theatre Projects Manitoba (TPM) set its sights on ensuring long-term sustainability. A small theatre company committed to cultivating Manitoba plays and artists, TPM put a major push on developing its Agency Endowment Fund at The Foundation.

“The endowment will help us plan for the future, meet unanticipated costs, and overcome challenging times when support from funders and donors fluctuates,” says TPM’s General Manager Rea Kavanagh.

Thanks to an ambitious fundraising campaign and stretch funds from The Winnipeg Foundation and Canadian Heritage’s program, TPM was able to grow its endowment fund by almost five times during its anniversary drive, raising almost $56,000.

That brings total impact to more than $66,600 in just two years.

In the 15 years the federal program has been offered, the arts organizations which have received the largest federal stretches are: • Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which received a stretch of $6,994,670 • Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, which received a stretch of $5,310,703 • Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, which received a stretch of $1,549,925 The Canada Cultural Investment Fund has led to federal stretch money and increased donor gifts, and has greatly benefited participating arts organizations. The capital growth of the endowment funds has led to increased annual grants, which means greater sustainability for eligible arts organizations.

Sharing stories to make the world a better place The Winnipeg Foundation’s Community News Commons (cncwpg.org) is more than a platform for citizen journalists to share stories that matter to them; it’s also creating a more informed and engaged community and stronger, healthier neighbourhoods.

HONOURING ABORIGINAL CULTURE AND TRADITION DOWNTOWN

SPREADING GOODWILL FOR 85 YEARS

LIFE LESSONS FROM TWO MASTER TEACHERS

by Anne Hawe

by Heather Emberley

by Shirley Kowalchuk

Business is up at the Princess Street Goodwill store but February wasn’t a good month.

This year the Retired Women Teachers’ Association of Manitoba is celebrating its 65th anniversary, and it’s celebrating the lives of two master teachers, Ada Allan (left) and Jean Deans (right).

My mother always said something special could be felt in the sounds of an Aboriginal drumbeat.

That specialness was palpable as elder Larry Monkman concluded his introductory words with a song and drumming at the first Indigenous Artwalk Tour presented by the Downtown Business Improvement Zone.

The walk’s theme of Welcome was interpreted by 12 artists whose work is showcased in windows of downtown store fronts. A walking tour route connects the tour stops.

“We are on the cusp of something wonderful,” said Lisa Meeches, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Aboriginal People’s Advisory Committee member, referencing Louis Riel’s prophecy that artists will inspire the people.

“I had bill collectors calling me…one fellow from Brampton wanted to know when I was going to pay the $1,800 he was owed,” says Doug McKechnie, President and CEO. What does this have to do with the Goodwill Stores here in Winnipeg?

Not a lot.

Winnipeg boasts the only independent Goodwill organization in the country, celebrating its 85th birthday on Apr. 4, 2016. Proudly called the Canadian Goodwill Industries Inc., it never joined Goodwill Industries International, of which the 16 stores that failed in Ontario were members.

Hence, the confusion.

RC360 now a full hour!

You can now get your “views and news from around Winnipeg” for a full hour!

RC360 is broadcast every Sunday morning from 8 to 9 a.m. on CJNU 93.7 FM and is available 24 hours a day via podcast at rivercity360.org. River City 360 presents the latest events and happenings in Winnipeg, with a focus on the charitable sector and philanthropy. Each week hosts Nolan Bicknell and Robert Zirk present interesting interviews, engaging discussion and weekly features.

River City 360 delivers a variety of stories and up-to-date features that matter to listeners. Don’t miss it!

Both educators attended Normal School, graduated in 1933, began their careers in one-room schools in rural Manitoba, taught for 40 years, retired for 40 years, and celebrated their 102nd birthdays.

Sadly, Miss Allan passed away in July but Mrs. Deans has plans for her 103rd birthday on Jan. 7, 2017.

102-year-old people are often asked how they manage to live so long. Ada Allan’s stock reply was, “Never drank, never smoked, never married.”

To read the full versions of all these stories go to: cncwpg.org/workingtogether-fall-2016/

37

Coaching program connects charitable and business sectors Another group of community leaders will learn how to better tell their organization’s story in three minutes or less as The Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch returns for a second year.

Fast Pitch aims to help build capacity and create visibility for Winnipeg’s charitable sector by pairing leaders from charitable organizations with skilled volunteer “coaches” from the business sector. Each leader learns tips and tools to help deliver their organization’s story succinctly and powerfully, and the coaching process helps build valuable relationships with members of Winnipeg’s legal, financial, marketing and business communities.

“As an arts company, we’re well-known and able to talk the language of art and theatre, but communicating with, and reaching out to, the business community and the wider public is something we really want to do and that’s why this appealed to us. [It helped] us develop that language and that capacity,” explains Hope McIntyre, Artistic Director of Sarasvàti Dramatic Theatre Productions and Repertory, which took the Grand Prize in 2016.

38

The Winnipeg Foundation piloted Fast Pitch in 2016; you can read more below. Following stakeholder feedback, the 2017 program has been slightly modified. This year will feature a cohort of 12 to 14 organizations, 28 coaches, and four to six sponsors, and the program will be shortened slightly to 10 weeks. The Foundation will also include more volunteers who will help review applicants, facilitate coaching sessions and act as judges for the Semi-Final and Final Showcase events. There will also be additional grant money up for grabs for the participating charitable organizations. To learn more go to FastPitchWinnipeg.org.

Fast Pitch

Returns!

2016 Fast Pitch champs After months of preparation and practice, four local charitable organizations were crowned Fast Pitch champs at the sold out Final Showcase last April.

GRAND PRIZE

$7,500 GRANT

SECOND PLACE

$2,500 GRANT

THIRD PLACE

$2,500 GRANT

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

$2,500 GRANT

Sarasvàti Dramatic Theatre Productions and Repertory

Local Investment Toward Employment (LITE)

KidSport Canada – Manitoba/Winnipeg Chapter

Artsjunktion Manitoba

The initial 17 teams, who each received a grant of $500 for participating in Fast Pitch, were whittled down to 10 during a SemiFinal event. All 10 finalists made pitches during the Showcase. The Grand Prize, Second Place and Third Place winners were decided by the panel of invited judges: Ace Burpee, Obby Khan and Lisa Meeches. The People’s Choice award was determined through text-to-vote.

Winnipeg’s Vital Signs® 2017 Measuring what matters to Winnipeggers What are Winnipeg’s strengths and weaknesses? What is our community doing well and what can be improved? Winnipeg’s Vital Signs is your chance to tell The Winnipeg Foundation what you think.

Vital Signs is a check-up on the vitality of our community that identifies significant needs and trends. The report combines research with the results of a survey, where community members can provide insights on issue areas critical to quality of life in Winnipeg. The report will be released in October 2017.

Vital Signs is a national program led by individual community foundations and coordinated by Community Foundations of Canada.

Cumulatively, the initiative works to leverage local knowledge, measure community well-being and support action towards improving our collective quality of life as Canadians. More than 65 communities in Canada and around the world are using Vital Signs to mobilize the power of community knowledge for greater local impact.

The Foundation’s goals for Winnipeg’s Vital Signs 2017 are to: • Increase the effectiveness of The Foundation’s grant-making • Enhance resources on issues/ opportunities for our donors and the broader community • Inspire new discussion, connections and community advancement on issues • Inform our strategic planning as we define the path towards our centennial in 2021 This project builds on our experience implementing Winnipeg’s Youth Vital Signs report in 2014, when we invited young Winnipeggers, aged 14-29, to grade key areas of life, identify opportunities for change and categorize priorities for community investment.

How can you contribute your perspective?

As Vital Signs is deeply enriched by community input, there will be many opportunities to get involved in the new year through Vital Signs community consultations and a spring survey.

To find out more, go to wpgfdn.org/VitalSigns To see other Vital Signs projects nationwide, go to vitalsignscanada.ca

39

Longtime volunteer Angela Strong is all smiles.

Foundation staff after a busy breakfast.

40

Agape Table

brings people together

S Winnipeg Foundation staff Carolina Stecher, Megan Tate and LuAnn Lovlin serve up breakfast.

Foundation staff lend a hand, learn a lot

ome days before Agape Table opens its doors, a lineup stretches nearly around the block. Agape Table feeds breakfast to an average of 250 guests per day, and when you visit the organization on the corner of Broadway and Colony, you can immediately see why it’s been such an important place to so many people for more than 35 years.

When you walk in, you’re greeted by the aroma of delicious food and fresh coffee, and the smiling faces of staff and volunteers.

An undeniable positivity reverberates through the community nutrition centre.

For two mornings in September, The Winnipeg Foundation’s staff visited Agape Table to meet guests, prepare and serve food, and learn all about what Agape Table does for Winnipeg. Staff met with Volunteer Coordinator Russell Mason and were also given a quick tour by Executive Director Dave Cunnin.

Agape Table first opened its doors in 1980, and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The organization provides the under-served population around West Broadway with a hot meal and a place to relax, converse, and regain a sense of community and comfort.

Subsidized breakfasts are $1 and bagged lunches are $2. The organization also has a food and clothing bank as well as a Low Cost Grocery, where anyone can buy high quality meat, dairy, and produce at a wholesale cost.

The volunteer opportunity was coordinated by The Foundation’s Employee Charitable Contribution Committee, which provides employees with opportunities to support the community through Jeans Days, Team Activities, and a Charitable Gift Matching Program.

To hear to hear an interview with Agape Table staff and clients, head to rivercity360.org

The

Last Word

An urban myth is fictional folklore deeply rooted in local culture. The mandate of The Winnipeg Foundation is certainly surrounded to some extent by an urban myth. While our predominant role is to support Winnipeg charities, we are not legally restricted by that limitation. With so many Winnipeg family members living in different parts of Canada, it is not surprising some our grants can reach beyond our province.

with CEO Rick Frost

A previous gift from Lloyd and Elsie Campbell allowed the community of Minto to build a play structure at the daycare. Photo by Gwen Wooley.

Whenever this topic comes up in conversation, I almost always begin by referring to camps in northwestern Ontario. For many Winnipeggers, going to summer camp is the most memorable part of their childhood.

It’s an easy illustration of why The Foundation can support charitable activity outside Manitoba.

Another example relates to scholarships. The Winnipeg Foundation now administers about 375 Scholarship Funds. Students from our city go to universities right across Canada and so it is not surprising our financial support can follow them.

In any given year, about 85 per cent of our grant-making activity stays within Winnipeg. Over the years, most donors who create endowments have set the trust conditions so the annual benefit goes to local charities.

But this is not always the case.

I remember one summer afternoon about a decade ago getting a phone call from someone who had just driven through Fort Francis. The caller wanted to know if our Board was aware that The Winnipeg Foundation was making grants in this northern Ontario city. Apparently, he heard a call for proposals that was being advertised on the local radio station. I explained one of our donors has created a fund to benefit Fort Francis and that the terms of the endowment had been accepted by our Board.

This is not something new. Here is an excerpt from our 1950 Annual Report: “ The fund is primarily for the benefit of the inhabitants of Winnipeg and its environs. Where property has been donated to The Foundation and the donor desires that a part of the income derivable therefrom be distributed for charitable purposes for the benefit of citizens of other municipalities, and so indicates, the Board may accept and administer the trust.”

Today we define our mandate in terms of serving the people of Manitoba, primarily those living in the City of Winnipeg. Our current Strategic Plan places heavy emphasis on listening to the needs of our donors. Most people living in Winnipeg have local chartable interests but we are seeing the impact of broader trends toward globalization. For example, virtually everyone now accepts that Winnipeg’s environmental footprint reaches well beyond the perimeter.

Looking to the future and knowing the interests of our donors are not limited by geography, more of our grants will likely reach other communities.

In other words, please don’t be surprised when Donor-Advised Funds at The Winnipeg Foundation support the Vancouver Symphony.

41

Support for southwest Manitoba Just as some Winnipeg Foundation donors direct grants to organizations outside our province, the tiny community of Minto in southwest Manitoba is about to receive a mighty generous gift from B.C. The Lloyd and Elsie Campbell Foundation Fund, held in trust by the Vancouver Foundation, is supporting the Minto School District with an annual grant of approximately $55,000 starting in November 2017. Approximately 100 people live in the Minto community, and the school has about 40 students. The gift will support youth and recreation programming.

“It’s going to make a huge difference, it’s going to open a lot of doors for us,” says Gwen Wooley, Treasurer of the Committee that will determine what the grants will support. The Committee, which is currently developing by-laws and defining terms, is hoping the support will make more people aware of the community and entice some to move there.

Elsie Campbell was a native of Vancouver, B.C. and was a graduate of the Fairview School of Commerce.

Lloyd Campbell was born in Brandon, MB and moved to Vancouver in the early 1940s. He was a developer in Vancouver and Palm Springs, and made his fortune in land development and boat building.

We hope you enjoyed this issue of Working Together.

Your gifts plant the seeds. Our community reaps the harvest. helping cultivate a Winnipeg Thank you for where community life flourishes for all.