Several local organizations benefited from the Grandview and District Community Foundation's spring grants.
Through the Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund, the ice plant project at the GACC and curling rink received $22,264.10. Thomas Sill was a chartered accountant with several offices in Manitoba. The Foundation began in 1987 when he passed away, and became one of Manitoba’s largest private charitable organizations.
When it closed in 2023, the assets of the Thomas Sill Foundation were provided to the Winnipeg Foundation to create funds that would carry on Sill’s legacy of giving.
Each community foundation in Manitoba receives a grant every year to carry on Sill’s good work.
Chicks with Sticks, which is a women's hockey team featuring players from Gilbert Plains and Grandview, received $1,917.20.
In total, the foundation gave out more than $40,000.
"Well, it's pretty amazing actually. Everything stays locally, so we continue to see growth within our community," said Renee Minshull. "Organizations build on things they already have or need."
In its fourth year, the foundation hosts a community BBQ at Wilson Park. It's always very well attended. This year, an incredible $6,438.95 was raised.
The funds were donated to Tiny Treasures Children's Centre. The funds will help purchase infant-safe outdoor play equipment.
Minshull thanks everyone for coming out to the BBQ and being so generous.
"Every year, our community surpasses the previous year," she added. "This year was the highest amount that we collected during that BBQ."
$4,000 was given to the Grandview Swimming Pool. The funds were used to purchase Boga Boards.
The Grandview & District Resource Council received $2,632.00 to be used towards the purchase of new lifeline units.
The Grandview Hospital received $6,000, while the Grandview Personal Care Home Activity Department received $1,119.85. The funds will be used to purchase outdoor umbrellas and stands.
The Foundation looks forward to seeing the Personal Care Home's residents outside enjoying our beautiful Manitoba summers.
"That one was nice to see," ended Minshull. "Something a bit different than things inside the building that they required."
Dalayna Tomlinson was the winner of the post-secondary bursary. She received $1,000, which was then matched with $1,000 to the swimming pool in Grandview.
Since the Grandview & District Community Foundation was founded, they've provided more than $500,000 in donations to community organizations.
That's community spirit at its best. That's an organization that prides itself on giving back to organizations that keep the community thriving and a place to call home.
