On May 4 at the Princess Lodge, the Virden Area Foundation presented 14 different organizations with grants, totaling over $67,000. The foundation has donated over one million dollars to local organizations since 1993.
Jeff McConnell and Diane Gardiner were present to accept $10,000 for The Town of Virden. The funds will assist with this year’s Canada Day Celebrations, including the fireworks display.
For Reston & District Library’s, Jane Pringle attended to accept $1,300 which will be used to replace flooring and paint at the Library.
Mary Ann Lamy and Sandy Heaman representing the Border Regional Library received $1,300 to be used to replace the wooden shelving in the library with metal shelving.
Melissa Peters accepted a grant for $500 on behalf of Camp Bridges; which is a Bereavement Camp for children at no cost to the children.
Seniors Access to Independent Living representatives, Carolyn Grant and Marlyn Nugent accepted $20,000 towards renovations at the Princess Lodge’s kitchen.
Jay Kinnaird and Barry Hayward representing the Virden Curling Rink, accepted $6, to purchase and install an ice camera system at the curling rink.
Representing the VJH and VCI Band, Jayenna Draper and Dane Leslie accepted $6,631 for the purchase of a new tuba.
Ryan Canart representing the Upper Assiniboine River Conservation District accepted $1,000 towards a new geographic information system.
Virden Pioneer Home Museum will update and create new display areas, as well as repair and replace old flooring and windows with the $2,000 grant accepted by Susan Ivey.
The Elkhorn Elks Community Fund will purchase and install seven new windows with the $3,500 grant accepted by representatives Kevin Tutthill, Jim Shackell, and Gerry Gatey.
Garth Mitchell, representing the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 58, accepted a $1,000 grant to purchase tables and chairs for the hall.
The Elkhorn & Area Handivan, represented by Roberta Kyle and Jill Canart, accepted a $1,500 grant to purchase two sets of wheelchair tie down straps.
Kyle Martens, Adam Pringle, and Bob Heaman attended for the Virden Youth For Christ and accepted a $6,000 grant, to be used towards building an outdoor recreational area for playing street hockey and basketball.
Virden Wellview Golf Course representative Jason Rutledge, accepted a grant for $6,500 to replace the air-conditioning unit in the clubhouse.
The evening concluded with coffee, tea, and snacks for the many who attended the Grant Night.
