Category: 2020

Despite COVID, the Morden Area Foundation had a banner year in granting $106,810 to Morden and area in 2020

The Morden Area Foundation (MAF) is very excited to announce their very successful year of granting. This fall, $20,100 was granted out from the MAF annual interest earned on the MAF community fund $5,170 from the Sport and Recreation Fund, and $30,000 was granted out from Round 2 of the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) offered by the Government of Canada. PLUS earlier in the year, $40,000 was granted out through Round 1 of ECSF monies, $10,540 was granted through the Power of the Purse Brunch event, and $1,000 was granted through the Citizen of Distinction Award program. This year the MAF received community fund grant requests for approximately $378,000.

MAF 2020 Community Fund Grants:

South Central Cancer Resource Project: Computer, software, office chairs $5,600

Pembina Valley Humane Society Project: New dog doors for kennels $4,500

Morden Chamber of Commerce Project: New office equipment $5,000

Katie Cares Project: Blankets for guest beds $3,000

City of Morden Project: Rec hockey program support $5,170

Genesis House Project: 2nd Caring men’s program $2,000

Chairperson Allison Braun says “I always look forward to meeting with the applicant organizations in October as this helps to build relationships and puts a face to a name. I thoroughly enjoy talking to these organizations and learning of all the good projects that are out there targeting the needs of the community. Granting is truly my most favorite time of year. It is very satisfying knowing the Foundation can make a huge difference particularly during this time of uncertainty.” (Quoted from The Winkler Morden Voice, December 17, 2020)

“The Foundation is here to support the good work in the community. By investing with the MAF, no matter if your donation is small or large, you are touching the lives of the current residents, residents that are yet to come to Morden, and those that haven’t even been born yet.” says Lynda Lambert, Endow MB Community Foundations Coordinator, South Central Region. “Your donation today is invested, and with interest earned, will grant out every year, year after year, after year, forever. It is hard to fathom but that is the Foundation’s plan for longevity and sustainability of the community.” (Quoted from The Winkler Morden Voice, December 17, 2020)

MAF Manitoba 150 Partnership Grants:

Morden Fire & Rescue: Hydraulic extrication tool $13,000

Pembina Hills Arts Council: Pottery wheel and stools $2,956

Pembina Hills Arts Council: Flora and fauna art $3,000

City of Morden: Bike share program $4,900

City of Morden: Lake Minnewasta history plaques $2,000

Pembina Valley Child Care: Roof repairs $6,000

Pembina Valley Child Care: Security intercom $14,126

MAF Emergency Community Support Fund Grants – Round 1

Morden Adult Education Centre: Outdoor learning space $13,000

Genesis House: Staff assistance for food preparation $13,000

Many Hands Resource Centre: Farmer’s Market food vouchers $14,000

MAF Emergency Community Support Fund Grants – Round 2

Manitoba Possible: Food security gift cards $5,000

Morden Parent Child Resource Centre: Sanitation equipment $10,000

Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre: Technology upgrades $10,000

South Central Regional Library: Tablets and electronics $5,000

Bill & Colleen Lyne Establish Scholarship Fund with Morden Area Foundation

The Morden Area Foundation is excited to announce the establishment of the William (Bill) and Colleen Lyne Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is awarding $2,000 each to one male and one female student with a language arts disability who must be a Grade 12 graduate from one of vocational, technology, occupational, or academic programs. Interests may include:  automotive, agriculture, plumbing, electrician, aviation, health care, culinary, carpentry, animal care, beauty and cosmetology to name a few.  The student must have a caring, helpful attitude, and a commitment to continuously learning.Bill, retired local businessman, and Colleen, retired educator, established this fund with passion and dedication to support local youth with language arts disabilities pursuing a post-secondary education.

Colleen was hired by the Western School Division as a Resource Teacher and then as a Special Education Coordinator with a Reading Clinician Certificate (1978-1990). Colleen holds four academic degrees from the University of Manitoba, including a Masters of Education, and has taught all levels in the public school system. As an educator, Colleen has worked tirelessly with teachers inspiring and educating them regarding effective ways to teach reading.

As a dedicated professional, Colleen discovered that a number of students had difficulty in learning to read, write, spell, and some to speak, due to dyslexia. None of which affects the student’s general intelligence. As a result of Colleen’s experience, she and her husband Bill wish to support such students reach their goals of a higher education.

Thank you to everyone for rising to the challenge once again this year! The Due to COVID restrictions, the Giving Challenge took place over the span of one week this year from November 9 to 15.

The Morden Area Foundation received $24,620 in gifts, PLUS matching funds of $2,000 from the Government of Manitoba, $2,000 from The Winnipeg Foundation, and $2,000 from local Access Credit Union. Totalling $28,620.00. These monies are deposited to the MAF General Community Fund and will make a great difference to the amount available for granting next year.

Every dollar adds up and collectively the MAF can create impactful grants to Morden and area.

Morden Adult Education Centre (MAEC) received $13,000 through the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) funded by the Government of Canada for a project directly related to COVID restrictions. Due to COVID social distancing and space limitations, the MAEC will add an outdoor learning space to continue to provide essential childecare for students working to attain their Manitoba High School Diploma. The learning centre added is a small building powered with heat and lights as shelter from cold and heat for children while still gaining the developmental benefits of outdoor play in every season. MAEC will provide outdoor clothing for the children whose families usually cannot afford to have quality outdoor gear. Due to sanitation requirements, a washer and dryer are required to clean clothing daily and will be located inside the main centre, Through this project, MAEC will be able to continue to support families mental well being as they seek further education, as well as support their young chidren’s early literacy, numeracy, and developmental needs.Thank you Morden Adult Education Centre for the care and assistance offered to your students and for all the good work you do for the community. @CommFdnsCanada @ESDC_GC #ESCFund#COVID19

L-R MAEC Director Todd Folkett, MAEC CDC Coordinator Karen Wowk, MAF Executive Director Lynda Lambert.