WAWANESA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INC. MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
A free community BBQ was held at the New Horizons Center marking the 30th anniversary of the Wawanesa Community Foundation Inc. Chair Glenn McGregor welcomed everyone and thanked the Wawanesa Women’s Group and the Wawanesa Coop for their assistance with the BBQ. The Foundation was founded in 1993 by Mick Mitchell in honour of his parents - Mick would be so proud of how the Community has come together to support the Community Foundation.
Information was distributed detailing our Community Foundation Scholarship/Granting activity for 2023. (See Separate article below for Grant Activity in 2023).
Enes Muheljic nomination:
September 5, 1995, was an important day for the town of Wawanesa. That was the day that Enes Muheljic, his wife Fata, and their children Edvina and Sebira arrived to begin their new lives in Manitoba. As refugees from the war in the Balkans, they arrived with limited possessions and very little English but an abundance of energy and a spirit to make the best life for their families.
It would be undoubtedly admirable if the Muheljics simply went forth and created a prosperous and rewarding life for themselves, which they certainly have done, but they have done much more than that as they have given back to the community that welcomed them in.
Enes soon joined the volunteer ambulance and fire services, mastering the training courses taught in his second language. Taking 360 hours of training in his second language, Enes attained his level one and two firefighting training and became an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). With this training, he became one of the most active firefighters and EMTs in the community, all while carving out a new life in a new town in a new country. Meanwhile, Fata worked diligently cleaning at the hospital, church and other public places. When Marguerite Cory became incapacitated with ALS, Enes and Fata provided many meals and so much support to Marguerite and the family at such a difficult time.
Besides his fire and EMT service, Enes also has left a legacy of his masonry skills for community projects like the old school cairn, the Sipiweske museum, stone pillars for the Wawanesa sign and more recently, the benches he has built to honour his dear Fata, who was taken from Enes and the rest of the community far too early.
We were delighted to have Dean Boyd, one of the original Board members who assisted Mick in establishing the Community Foundation back in 1993, recount the early days of the Foundation and the wonderful support from our community. Dean was Chair of the Community Foundation Board for a good number of those early years!!
From modest beginnings the Wawanesa Community Foundation Inc. now manages total assets of $670,000 for our year end 2022. Recent major grants were made to the Reno the Rink project with $30,000 over three years. Our Foundation in recent years also purchased the mini-boards at the arena – our first solo community project, and in 2021 we were proud to distribute over $100,000 back to the community assisting in the Covid relief programs.
MARGUERITE CORY COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERISM AWARD
The Marguerite Cory Community Volunteerism Award is presented annually recognizing outstanding contributions to our community. Marguerite, who passed away in late 2018, was a tireless and dedicated volunteer in many aspects of our Oakland-Wawanesa community, uniting rural and village in many common community causes. Marguerite Cory exemplified the selfless community giving which the spirit of this award recognizes.
The lookout benches have quickly become a favourite spot for residents and tourists alike!
The Board Chair added to this nomination: “Nothing makes me prouder than coming down the curve into town and the first thing a visitor would see is a very beautiful home proudly flying the Canadian flag in both the front and back yard! I love that feeling and sight as we come back home to our little community.”
Through his fire and EMT work, Enes took care of his community when it was in great need. His professional development in the area allowed ambulance services to continue as long as possible. They are the best of us.
Shaun and Gene Cory were on hand to help present the 2023 Marguerite Cory Volunteerism Award to recognize Enes and Fata Muheljic.
Thank you to Shaun/Gene, and the Muheljic family. Volunteers in our Community continue to play a vital part in ensuring our community remains vibrant. We are so fortunate to have so many committed people working very hard, often out of the limelight, to get things done for the betterment of our community.
On behalf of the Board, Chair Glenn McGregor expressed appreciation for the fantastic community support our Wawanesa Community Foundation receives and invited all to enjoy the Santa Claus parade immediately following the BBQ!
Challenge Complete Wawanesa Community!!
Thank you for supporting the Wawanesa Community Foundation during the Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge. This year’s challenge was a great success for community foundations across the province. Gifts stay here in Wawanesa in our undesignated “Community Forever” Fund and are stretched by The Winnipeg Foundation and the Province of Manitoba.
This year, similar to 2022, our first $5,000 of donations were also stretched by the great support of three of our local businesses, including Shur-Gro Wawanesa, Guild Insurance Group, and Ellis Seeds. Through their commitment, we were able to provide 100% matching dollars, so the first $5,000 became $10,000!
With the generosity of our Wawanesa community, past and present residents, along with the great corporate support from local businesses, we were able to achieve a new record amount for our annual Giving Challenge week!! When the final numbers came in from Endow Manitoba, the total amount of giving for 2023, including the matching donation dollars, totalled $19,170 for the week,k smashing last year’s record of just over $15,000. Fantastic results and leaves an enticing target of exceeding $20,000 in 2024!
GIVING CHALLENGE DONORS LIST 2023
Shur-Gro Wawanesa Ellis Seeds Guild Insurance Group
Dan & Marlene Gullett Alma Wallis Jeff & Sheila Elder
Lorna McKibbon Shirley McBurney Del & Joyce McDougall
Keith & Marilynne Elder Courtney Feldman Jim & Verna Cullen
Wilma & Andy Boulanger Margaret Brown Karen & Warren Ellis
Donald & Margaret Martin Alan Goddard Doug & Mary-Ann Baron
Leonard & Luella Plett Laurie Cline Glenn & Arlene McGregor
Bob & Jan McDonald Mark & Lisa Plett Bradley & Katie Missinne
Brock & Amanda Fisher Mavis & Jim Brown Blake & Racille North
A Generous Donor (2) David McNish Guild Jeans Day-Wawanesa
Perry & Cheryl Gullett Shirley Patterson Laurie & Lorraine Rutherford
Meadowview Autobody Susan Hore Wendy & Walter Cullen
Ron & Brenda Seafoot Loretta Hauser Wayne & Valerie Gullett
Mike & Maureen Fisher Wanda Brine Keith & Grace Murray
Wawanesa & Area Donors Choice
Thank you, Wawanesa community!
Our Wawanesa School Kindergarten class of 2023 was treated to a visit to Garden View Drive-In Restaurant for ice cream treats courtesy of the Wawanesa Community Foundation!
Congratulations to our future community leaders!
Kyle O’Connor recipient of the Ag Society Scholarship Award of $500. Kyle has enrolled at Assiniboine Community College in the AgriBusiness program of studies.
Gracen Wiebe recipient of the Hampton Family Scholarship Award of $500. Gracen has entered a four year course of studies in the Bachelor Science Program at Brandon University.
Jenelle Heinrichs recipient of the Jim/Marj Cory Family Scholarship Award of $500. Jenelle is a student at the University of Lethbridge in the Bachelor of Fine Arts-Digital Audio Arts program of studies.
Congratulations to all of our 2023 Wawanesa School graduates!!
Our Youth in Philanthropy Group awarded $250 each to the Lions Children’s Fair; the Pound, Pail, and Paddle weekend; the Wawanesa Wee Care Pave the Way to Play project; and the Wawanesa & District Community Hall to support the Accessible Door Opening System at the hall. Our Youth in Philanthropy group supports a broad cross-section of community projects.
Wawanesa Community Foundation Announces 2023 Grants/Scholarships
Wawanesa Community Foundation Inc. is delighted to announce our 2023 community granting activity.
Wawanesa Community Foundation Scholarships for 2023:
Wawanesa Community Foundation Inc. is delighted to announce our 2023 community granting activity.
Cory Sisters Church Fund-Foundation Chair Glenn McGregor and Vice-Chair Amanda Ellis presented a cheque to Bonnie Turner in the amount of $3,927. with the earnings generated from this Fund.
Trevor McKenzie Recreation Fund – Carla Jefferies and Dustin Brown were presented with the “Big Cheque,” celebrating the completion of a three-year commitment of $30,000. to the Reno the Rink project from the Community Foundation and our Youth in Philanthropy Group.
Sipiweske Museum Heritage Fund—Foundation Chair Glenn McGregor with Museum Chair Melanie Lane-The Museum Heritage Fund earned $2,202. to support the museum operations.
Decock Waterpark Fund - Foundation Vice-Chair Amanda Ellis presented a cheque for $1,500. to Souris River Recreation representative Carla Jefferies to support our Waterpark.
Foundation Treasurer Leonard Plett presented a cheque for $5,590. to Hall Board members Sandra Reimer and Bob Daymond for painting the interior of the Wawanesa & District Community Hall.
Historical News
Christmas Community BBQ December 2022
The Wawanesa Community Foundation Inc. hosted a Christmas Community Barbeque and 2022 Foundation Grant Announcements Sunday December 18th before a very full house at the New Horizons Center. A HUGE THANK YOU to Jason Cullen and the Wawanesa Heritage Coop who donated most of the BBQ supplies/food/refreshments in support of the Firefighters and the Community Foundation!! In conjunction with the Souris River Recreation Community Christmas Skate at the Arena, our Community Foundation Chair Glenn McGregor announced the following Grants and Awards for 2022:
Wawanesa Community Foundation Scholarships 2022
The $500 Agricultural Society Scholarship Award to Brooke Heinrichs attending Assiniboine Community College.
The $500 Hampton Family Scholarship to Gabrielle Dex Shirley studying in the General Studies program at Brandon University.
The Jim and Marj Cory Family Scholarship award to Dylan Brown in the Accounting program of studies at Assiniboine Community College.
Congratulations to all the Graduates and future community leaders, and thank you to the Families and Organizations that provide these scholarships through the Community Foundation.
In addition, all Wawanesa Collegiate Graduates were gifted an engraved Beverage container as a lasting memory of their Wawanesa school days!
The Foundation also treated the Graduating kindergarten class with free ice cream at our local ice cream parlour!! Congrats to those future leaders as well!
Wawanesa Community Foundation
Grants for 2022
Sipiweske Museum Heritage Fund - $1473.
Cory Sisters United Church Fund - $3466.
Wawanesa School Electronic Signage - $2500.
Wawanesa Recreation – Playground Upgrades - $2500.
Wawanesa Waterpark – Waterslide Step Repairs - $2500.
Wawanesa Arena - $30,000. over 3 years to the Ice Plant Replacement Project (working in partnership with our Youth In Philanthropy Group.)
This type of support for our Community organizations would not be possible without the widespread support of our Community for the Wawanesa Foundation. Our total Assets Under Management continues to grow surpassing the half million mark at the end of 2019, and now approaching the $700,000. level. An example of this great support was our recent Giving Challenge Week. With great corporate support from Ellis Seeds, Guild Insurance Group, and Shur-Gro of Wawanesa we were able to offer a 100% matching support for the first $5000. of donations. Together with the Winnipeg Foundation and Manitoba Government the Wawanesa community, village and rural, past and present citizens, WE, TOGETHER, set a new record for our COMMUNITY with a grand total of $15,040. For that we are grateful to our ENTIRE Community for their great support.
The Chair commended the Youth in Philanthropy group (a number were also in attendance) for their work in the Community-granting $500. to the electric signage for the school, and $1,000. to the Ice Plant Replacement Project. The last six years the Youth in Philanthropy Group has been funded jointly by the Wawanesa Community Foundation and the Thomas Sill Group. The Foundation announced that the Board have agreed to create a permanent Youth in Philanthropy Fund with an initial investment of over $10,000. to create a permanent Endowment Fund. This Fund will ensure current and future generations will be able to continue the Youth in Philanthropy movement to do good things for our community!
Dennis Gullett, Chief of Oakland-Wawanesa Fire Department, provided good detail to the Community on the new Emergency Medical Service our Fire Department volunteers hope to offer starting in the New Year. Donations in support of this initiative were received during the BBQ and our Community responded with over $4000. to help kickstart this new Emergency Medical Response service.
All the volunteer ambulance attendants and all volunteer firefighters in attendance, from the past or present, were asked to stand, and were warmly recognized by the crowd! Their dedication, commitment and professionalism are absolutely top shelf!! Our Community is so fortunate!!
Thank You to Our Community Ambulance Attendants!!
Enes Muheljic Darcy Wilton Mike Fisher
Gilbert Hofer Dennis Gullett
Past Ambulance Attendants
Nick Abell Shane Wilton Rob Brown
Gene Cory Claire Ferris Glen Couling
Jim Cory Marlene Cory Allan Raison
Luanne Gibb Karen Ellis Gord Mooney
Bill Hammond Del Mooney Jodi Peterson
Steve Cassidy Val Karton Charles Westburnham
Grant Everard Nancy Everard Len Waldner
Peter Waldner Dustin Johnson Sheila Elder
Randy Waldner Jason Hofer
Leonard Plett Paul Waldner
Chair Glenn McGregor announced the Marguerite Cory Volunteerism Award for 2022 to Haylee and Brett Hargreaves. (See full story in Volunteerism Article). Shaun Cory, Marguerite’s son, was on hand to present this Award to Haylee and Brett Hargreaves and congratulations expressed by all in attendance. Volunteers in our Community continue to play a vital part in ensuring our community remains vibrant We are so fortunate to have so many committed people working very hard, often out of the limelight, to get things done for the betterment of our community.
The Foundation BBQ ended with a final salute from all in attendance for our Volunteer Ambulance crew over many, many years!!l And the crowd hit the streets for the Santa Claus Parade!!!
The Marguerite Cory Volunteerism Award is presented annually recognizing outstanding contributions to our community. Marguerite, who passed away in late 2018, was a tireless and dedicated volunteer in many aspects of our Oakland-Wawanesa community, uniting rural and village in many common community causes. Marguerite Cory exemplified the selfless community giving which the spirit of this award recognizes.
The Volunteerism Award was presented by the Wawanesa Community Foundation on December 18th during the Foundation Community Barbeque with Shaun Cory presenting the award to Haylee and Brett Hargreaves. Chair Glenn McGregor detailed their volunteer activities. Haylee Hargreaves volunteer activities include the Sours River Recreation Commission, the Wawanesa Preschool Board, the Nesbitt Soccer Program, volunteer for the Curling Clubs of Wawanesa, Co-Chair of the Wawanesa Flea Market, Volunteer for the Nesbitt Community Club and Hall, Committee Member of the Brandon Ladies Bonspiel, Coach for Junior Curling in Wawanesa, as well as managing a number of Wawanesa Minor Sports teams. Meanwhile her husband Brett Hargreaves is presently, and has been a multi-year President of the Wawanesa Curling Club, is an active organizer and committee member of the Ice Plant Replacement Project, volunteer with the Brandon Bonspiel Committee and Riverview Curling Club, and their family donated equipment, labor, and enthusiasm to landscaping of our recreation grounds! Brett too has been a willing coach, assistant, or manager or whatever hat needs wearing when the need arises for Minor Sports! Congratulations Haylee and Brett and thank you from a grateful community!!
Volunteers in our Community continue to play a vital part in ensuring our community remains vibrant We are so fortunate to have so many committed people working very hard, often out of the limelight, to get things done for the betterment of our community.
Marguerite Cory Volunteerism Award 2022
2020 Grant Announcements
Wawanesa Community Foundation Inc. Announces Over $100,000. In Community Support for 2020
Our Community Foundation was proud to play an active role in distributing back into our community over $100,000. in 2020 to various community groups and organizations in support of a wide variety of initiatives. Our regular granting activity supported recreation through our Trevor McKenzie Recreation Fund, and Scholarships provided through the Hampton Family Scholarship, the Jim and Marguerite Cory Family Scholarship, and the Agricultural Society Scholarship for graduating students, as well as support for the Oakland-Wawanesa Fire Department Jaws of Life Project. Sipiweske Museum and United Church support was provided by Dedicated Funds within the Foundation. With COVID impacting normal Graduating events at the Wawanesa School the Foundation provided special commemorative cups to all Graduating Grade 12 students, as well as LaRocque’s Diner ice cream coupons for all the Graduating Kindergarten kids!! Our Community Foundation Youth in Philanthropy Group at the Wawanesa School was also active, granting support to Souris River Recreation Commission projects. COVID also provided the Foundation with a reason to actively seek out groups who were hurting in our Community. These groups were facing the double whammy of increased costs due to COVID, while facing reduced income. Over $5,000. was shared with the Wawanesa Food Bank, the Nesbitt Community Club, the Treesbank Community Club, the Wawanesa Community Hall, the Wawanesa and District New Horizons, the Wawanesa Community Gardeners, and the PMH Personal Care Activities Fund.
Early in the year, the Foundation was proud to team with the Manitoba Build 150 Program to supply brand new mini-boards to the Recreation Centre at a cost of $10,000, to meet the new requirements regarding cross-ice hockey programs. The Foundation also partnered with the Canadian Government and the Canadian Foundations of Canada, working closely with our Municipality to supply various local organizations with over $70,000. in funding to assist our Community in meeting the challenges of operating with the realities of COVID 19. The following groups benefitted from the Emergency Community Support Fund administered by the Wawanesa Community Foundation. Wawanesa Wee Care Daycare, Wawanesa Food Bank, Wawanesa Community Gardeners, Wawanesa New Horizons, Wawanesa Community Hall, Carroll Community Hall, Treesbank Community Club, Nesbitt Community Club, Souris River Recreation Commission (arena/ball diamond/waterpark and camping), and Wawanesa and District New Horizons all received support through the Emergency Community Support Fund. We look forward to continuing to serve our Community into the future, and thank the community for their wonderful support.
Wawanesa Community Foundation Announces Emergency Community Support Fund
We are so pleased to have partnered with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada to deliver the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund program. We awarded a total of $40,000 to 12 organizations in our community who are assisting vulnerable populations during COVID-19. A second round of Community support from this program totaling $30,000. has been awarded to the Wawanesa Community Foundation in part to purchase remote viewing equipment for our Recreation center to allow family and friends to view from home the minor hockey and other activities at the arena where spectators have been restricted under COVID 19 protocols. In addition, a winter recreation area is being developed near the school grounds allowing students and residents of all ages access to safer outdoor activities this winter and into the future.