Virden Area Foundation (VAF) donated $23,292 this spring, surpassing the $1 million donation mark by as much.
On Thursday May 21, nine non-profit organizations received donations ranging from $500 to $10,000.
VAF has existed for 23 years, springing from one major donation, many years ago. Shelby Rampton, President of the Board of Directors for VAF, explained the history of
the Foundation, on the evening the grants were given out.
Murray and Jean Thomas were residents of Virden who, over the years, were successful in business and active in the community.
Murray passed away in 1974 and Jean passed in 1988. They had no children and upon Mrs. Thomas' death, the Town of Virden was advised that she had bequeathed her substantial estate of about $600,000 to the Town of Virden. The fund was to be used for a suitable community project or purpose of a lasting nature, to be designated “as a memorial to [her] late husband (Murray F. Thomas) as
the Council of the Town shall decide.”
The Thomas Fund Board was created which, in 1992, evolved into the Virden Area Foundation. Clearly, the founding of the VAF with the Thomas Estate funds has resulted in a long-lasting memorial
to Murray and Jean Thomas. The generous bequest to the community is held by the Foundation, for the purpose of generating funds to meet community needs in perpetuity.
The interest earned on the capital funds is donated yearly to non-profit organizations that apply and meet the guidelines for a grant.
To date, the capital funds held are approximately $1.5 million and VAF has granted $1.023 million over the 23 years.
Currently the Board of Directors consists of Shelby Rampton, Don Angus, Sheila Byers, Garth Johnston, Jacy Whyte, Doug Heritage, Ray Cochrane and Fran Bayliss. Teresa Markarchuk is the administrator. Board members can sit for up to two terms of three years (six years total). Some directors are nearing their end of tenure, so the Foundation is always looking for new board members.
When a name is submitted for consideration, the selection committee is as follows: the MLA, Reeve of Wallace-Woodworth, Mayor of Virden, Superintendant of FLBSD and Virden Community Chamber of Commerce President.
Virden Area Foundation continues to receive donations, often from estates, but not necessarily. These monies keep the capital fund growing.
2015 recipients
Costume Closet
“The costume closet will be 25 years young in 2016,” Christa Milne explained. The organization will use the donation to purchase some new animal body suit costumes and to repair others.
Handi-van
Keith Wadham accepted a grant to the Sherwood Handi-Van. Wadham said the van does not belong to the Sherwood Nursing Home; it is utilized by residents throughout the municipalities of Wallace-Woodworth, Pipestone, and the Town of Virden. It is used continuously for the adult day program, ACL, people needing to go for medical appointments, as well as pleasure outings.
The organization plans to replace this van with a vehicle with air ride, for the comfort of passengers. “To take somebody to Brandon, in a wheelchair in the back – it’s not very comfortable,” explained Wadham.
Canadian Diabetes Association
Looking around the room, John LoRegio stated, “If you go by the statistics, three of you have diabetes... we are at the epidemic stage in some places.” With this donation, LoRegio
plans to have an information session in one of the schools in Virden, as well a session for the general public.
Child & Family Serivces Western Manitoba
Susan Cable, Education Coordinator for CFS, introduced Jill Nesbitt, the CFS worker in the Virden area. Cable explained the grant money will be used for family strengthening programs in the Virden area. A new program is called Positive Discipline.
Ongoing programs include: Parenting on Purpose (different parenting styles), Strategies on Siblings, Parenting Teens, and Mothers and Daughters In Touch (for mothers with daughters nine to 14 years).
Elkhorn Museum Restoration Club
The president of the restoration club, Allen Greig explained the funds will be used to complete the security fence around the Manitoba Antique Auto Museum.
Elkview Lodge Tenants Association
Last year, outdoor benches were purchased, but the seats are hard. The grant will provide for outdoor rain-proof cushions. The president, Margaret Ruddick, said, “I thank you, the residents thank you.”
Virden Junior High
Allison Price announced that an FM Sound System (for the hearing impaired) will be purchased for one of the VJH classrooms.
Virden Area Wildlife Association
Howard Norek outlined the beauty and uses of Eternal Springs trout pond, located 10 kms east of Virden. In the 1960s, four businessmen, and a farmer (who donated the land), from Virden area were responsible for the establishment of the dam and ponds. Volunteers clean, mow and maintain the site. With 96 acres, there are two stocked trout ponds and many walking trails as well as bridges. Records are kept of how many fish are caught. “We need to upgrade the washroom facilities, and some of the picnic assets to make it more desirable for families,” Norek explained.
Strays That Can’t Pay
The pet rescue (mostly dogs) organization based out of Elkhorn is going to use their donation to buy and erect a storage shed for the supplies that are donated to the charity.
