The numbers are in from last month’s 24-hour giving challenge, and Virden area givers opened their wallets wide this year.
The Virden Area Foundation (VAF) had appealed to its supporters to beat last year’s single gift of $100, and they did.
On Saturday, Nov. 18, the day of the Challenge, 29 donations were made to the VAF totaling $4,620.
That amount grows to $6,468 when you add the 40 per cent stretch funding given by the Winnipeg Foundation and the Province of Manitoba.
From $100 to $6,468
Board member Alex Renard said, “Considering that during last year’s challenge we only received one gift for $100 we are very pleased with the growth in the number of donations we received. Our plan for next year is to start promoting the challenge earlier and potentially organize an event surrounding it.”
VAF’s Community Relations Manager Teresa Makarchuk said, “I think the board is extremely happy with the donations received on Nov. 18 and they are looking forward to increasing them next year.
“The board would like to thank everyone for their generous donations to both the foundation and the community.”
The money will be added to the Foundation’s capital fund of over $1.9 million. Interest earned on the capital is distributed to worthy community projects and scholarships.
The Bigger Picture
Community foundations across Manitoba raised $893,448.89 during the Giving Challenge. This province has 54 foundations – the most per capita in the country – 52 of which participated in this year’s fundraiser.
“We are thrilled with the results of this year’s 24-Hour Giving Challenge,” said Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation.
“This was the biggest stretch ever offered and clearly Manitobans responded, raising nearly $400,000 more than last year. This support helps Manitoba communities flourish forever.”
