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2025 Scholarship and Bursary Recipients

2025 Scholarship and Bursary Recipients – Congratulations

The Lac du Bonnet Foundation is privileged to manage three scholarships and bursaries which are given out each year to deserving graduates.

Mitch Walker, Kobie McMurren, Marline Wruck, Noah Bacchus

The Winnipeg River Bursary Fund was created by former board member and donor Gus Wruck and is awarded annually to a deserving student(s) based on need and possible relevance or benefit to the Lac du Bonnet region. This year, two bursaries of $2,000 each were awarded to Kobie McMurran and Noah Bacchus and were presented to them on June 27 by Marline Wruck. (Please click on the following video link to see Marline Wruck’s presentation.)

Winnipeg River Bursary Fund Presentation Video

Noah is currently attending the University of Winnipeg where he is in the Education program majoring in English and psychology. After obtaining his degree, he hopes to become a high school teacher in Lac du Bonnet Senior School, where he was inspired by many of his teachers.

Kobie is planning to attend the University of Manitoba where she will be studying Kinesiology with a future goal of working with a professional sports team.

The Chuck Reynolds Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Chuck Reynolds, a former high school teacher at LDBSS and Sunrise School Division Board member, by the Reynold’s family to support Lac Du Bonnet Senior School graduates in their attempts to pursue their passions at the post secondary level. The donor committee looks for applicants who are fueled by a combination of passion, talent, intellect, achievement and determination.

This year’s recipient of the $1,000 scholarship went to Jack Reynolds. Jack will be attending the University of Noth Dakota where he will be pursuing his education in the field of accountancy.

The Russ Reid Memorial Bursary was recently created in memory of Russ Reid, who was also a former high school teacher at LDBSS and Sunrise School Division Board member. The Bursary will be awarded annually to a Lac du Bonnet Senior School student(s) who will be pursuing further studies at an accredited university or collage is actively involved in sports, school activities and exhibits other positive attributes.

This year there were two recipients, Myles Rosnow and Jack Reynolds, each of whom was awarded $500. Myles will be pursuing his education in the field of accounting at the University of Manitoba.  Jack will be the University of North Dakota in the field of accountancy.

The Foundation Board Members would like to extend their congratulations to each of this year’s award recipients and to all local graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

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LAC DU BONNET FOUNDATION Spring 2025 Grant Recipients

LDB Foundation Distributes Spring Grant Funding

(Rick McGregor, Lac du Bonnet Clipper, Vol. 34, No. 25, June 19, 2025)

The Lac du Bonnet and District Charitable Foundation was able to provide grant funding to a record number of deserving recipients on May 30.

Overall, the Foundation, along with their Youth in Philanthropy Program (YIP) was able to provide a record of 17 grants, totalling a new high of $59,725.  Part of this was through a generous donation of just over $22,900 to the Foundation from the Thomas Sil Foundation to support community initiatives.

The Foundation exists to improve the quality of life in the Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet and Ward 4 in the RM of Alexander. The Foundation creates and manages funds gifted in perpetuity and distributes the earnings generated from these funds to local charitable organizations.

CENTENNIAL SCHOOL: Foundation board member Laurette Greenlay, Principal Dave Ogren and grade 4 student Landon Monaster.

Centennial School received a total of four grants: one for $1,125 towards the purchase of an iPad and specialized apps designed to augment the communications skills of an eight-year-old autistic student; one for $3,000 for further development of their Regulation Room with a crash pad and light wall; one for $2,000 towards the purchase of two iPads with the same specialized apps for special needs students and one for $4,000 towards the purchase of nine classroom iPads.

The RM of Lac du Bonnet’s Recreation Department received a grant of $1,000 for the purchase of soccer equipment for their Youth Soccer Program.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 Lac du Bonnet was awarded $3,000 towards the purchase of replacement lounge doors for the Legion.

Next up, $5,000 was awarded to the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association to go towards their Outdoor Education Centre flooring project.

L – R: Laurette Greenlay, Janice Leroux, Jennifer Hudson-Stewart, Joan Einarson – 2025 A/C Replacement

The Lac du Bonnet Library was up next receiving $6,000 towards the replacement of their heating and cooling system with a new energy efficient unit.

Lee River Snow Riders accepted a grant for $1,200 towards the purchase of two battery powered pole saws for trail maintenance.

The Pioneer Club received $4,000 towards the replacement of two electric furnaces.

The Lac du Bonnet Food Bank received $7,000 towards the purchase of a storage shed and accessories including shelving, packaging materials and a weigh scale.

The Manitoba Metis Federation Lac du Bonnet Local was awarded $2,000 towards Phase 1 of their Red River Cart Project.

LDB ARENA: Foundation board members Kim Laurans and Cheryl Lidfors Karklin, Arena board member Tracy Neurenberg, and YIP members Ainsley Van-Lindon, Saffiya Rosnow and River Lansard.

The Lac du Bonnet Arena received two grants: the first for $10,000 towards the purchase of replacement tempered glass and aluminum stanchions with the second for $2,000 towards the same project through the Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy Program. YIP is a leadership program based out of Lac du Bonnet Senior School designed to introduce young people to philanthropy and community development.

YIP also provided $400 to Two Rivers Seniors towards the purchase of warming mats and coffee carafes for the Let’s Do Lunch Congregate Meal Program.

Two on-site presentations were held a couple of days later. The first of these was for $5,000 for the Great Falls and District Recreation Association to go towards a replacement dishwasher for their kitchen renovation project.

The final $3,000 was presented to Mellissa Bourgois, the founder of Kids Snowflake Bazaar, towards the purchase of tablecloths for their annual event.

2025 Spring Grant Recipients.

To view the photos taken of each grant presentation, please visit the Foundation’s Photo Gallery page here!

Thank You! – 2024 Giving Challenge

The Lac du Bonnet Foundation would like to thank all donors for generously supporting this year’s Giving Challenge.

LAC DU BONNET FOUNDATION Fall 2024 Grant Recipients

The Lac du Bonnet Foundation is pleased to announce that a total of $19,069 in funds was granted to the following eight organizations during this year’s Fall Granting session.

$1000 to the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby towards identification vests for the various volunteer groups working the event. (Laurette Greenlay, Kim Laurans, and LDB Fish Derby Manager General Manager Darlene Lamoureux).

$2,000 to the Lee River Snow Riders towards the purchase of two quality chainsaws for maintenance work. (Laurette Greenlay, Mitch Walker, Derrick Roy).

$819 to the Lac du Bonnet & Area Food Bank for the purchase of garden fencing to prevent wildlife damage to plants. (Lillian Wall, Mitch Walker).

$2,000 to the Lac du Bonnet & District Historical Society towards the relocation of the St. Anthony Petchersky Ukrainian Catholic Church to Halliday Park. (Kim Laurans, Laurette Greenlay, Grant Hein, Heather Hein).

$1,250 to the Two Rivers Seniors Resource Council for the purchase of a new upright energy efficient freezer for the Let’s Do Lunch program. (Kim Laurans, Rick McGregor, Dianne Babiak, Laurette Greenlay).

$2,000 to the Eastman SnoPals towards the purchase of a club snowmobile for maintenance work. (Rick Waltham, Dennis Soloway, Laurette Greenlay, Kim Laurans).


$5,000 to the Lac du Bonnet Community Garden towards the purchase of a 12’x16′ garden shed for storage. (Rick McGregor, Mitch Walker, Lionel Vincent, Elaine Vincent, Pete Lovering, and Leslie Wakeman).

   

$5,000 to the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre towards the purchase and replacement of a new double sided 4’x8’ LED electronic message centre board sign. (Kim Laurans, Mitch Walker, Sharalyn Reitlo, Laurette Greenlay).


In addition to the $19,069 in grants awarded this fall, $14,350 was distributed to local organizations during the Spring granting session and $4,800 was awarded in scholarships and bursaries at this year’s Graduation Ceremony at Lac du Bonnet Senior School.

This brings the total amount of funds distributed by the LDB Foundation in the way of grants, scholarships and bursaries in 2024 to $38,219.

Please visit the Grant Recipient page on this website to see a detailed list of all Grant Recipients since the LDB Foundation’s first started awarding grants in 2010. Grant Recipients – Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation

Read more about the Fall Grant Announcements in the November 21 edition of the Lac du Bonnet Clipper. Lac du Bonnet Clipper

Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge November 12 – 17, 2024

Donations made to the Lac du Bonnet Foundation have the potential to stretch substantially thanks to matching funds from our local Challenge Group Fund and top-ups from the Winnipeg Foundation and Province of Manitoba.

There has never been a better time to help our community flourish forever! The Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation encourages residents from Lac du Bonnet and surrounding area to make a gift to the LDB Foundation as part of the Endow Manitoba’s Giving Challenge, from November 12 to 17.

The Giving Challenge is a major fund-raiser for the Lac du Bonnet & District Community Foundation. All donations received during this event go directly to the LDB Foundation to help build the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. The interest generated from the fund is used to support local community projects that help make Lac du Bonnet and area a more caring and vibrant community today and well into the future.

The LDB Foundation is pleased to announce that once again, a very generous group of local philanthropists have come forward to finance a Challenge Group Fund.  This fund will be used during the Giving Challenge week to encourage donations by matching them dollar for dollar. In 2023, the stretch from this group added an additional $16,000.00 to our fund-raising efforts.

In addition, The Winnipeg Foundation and the Manitoba government are committed to the growth of community foundations across Manitoba, by providing a combined 5:2 stretch on the first $10,000 raised. That means a $10.00 donation could potentially be stretched to $14.00.

“This is a great opportunity to support the Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation,” says Gary Rollins, President of the LDB Foundation. “Of course, we welcome gifts at any time, but giving between Nov. 12 – 17 means extra support. We’re so excited to see what our community can accomplish!”

There are many ways that donations can be made during the Giving Challenge. Online gifts can be made securely on the Lac du Bonnet Foundation website at www.lacdubonnetfoundation.ca by clicking “Donate Now”. In person donations can be made by visiting the LDB Foundation booth at the LDB Christmas Craft Sale on November 16.

Donations can also be mailed to the Lac du Bonnet and District Charitable Foundation at Box 744, Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba R0E 1A0. All cheques should be made out to the Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation and dated between November 12-17.

The Lac du Bonnet Foundation Board would like to thank donors for their very generous support in past years and are looking forward to a successful campaign that will benefit the community of Lac du Bonnet and surrounding area now and well into the future.

Please contact Gary Rollins, President of the Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation, at info@lacdubonnetfoundation.ca should you have any questions.

$1,000,000 Milestone – Pork Giveaway

LDB Foundation Reaches $1 Million Mark

(Rick McGregor, Lac du Bonnet Clipper, Vol. 33, No.38, Sept 26, 2024) This summer, the Lac du Bonnet and District Charitable Foundation achieved a very significant milestone.

Cheryl Lidfors-Karklin (left), Gary Rollins and Davide Johnson served up pork on a bun at a barbecue held at the Lac du Bonnet Farmers’s Market.

The LdB Foundation has surpassed $1 million dollars in endowed funds. Begun in 2008, the LdB Foundation reached the $500,000 mark in their first 10 years. Just six years later, they have doubled that figure. The earnings from these funds are used to support local charities through grants, scholarships, and bursaries.

“Reaching $1 million represents a very substantial milestone for a small community foundation like ours to have raised,” said board chair David Johson. “At the same time, we have awarded funds in excess of $186,000 to local, deserving groups. As well, another $70,000 received from third parties as a result of our membership in Community Foundations of Canada and Endow Manitoba have also been given out.”

To celebrate this achievement and thank the many generous donors and recognize the valuable community support, a free pork-on-a-bun barbecue event was held at the Lac du Bonnet Farmers’ Market. Over 350 delicious buns and drinks were handed out and $214 in cash donations were received. The leftover pork was donated to the local Lunch on Us Program who were happy to have the meat for their soup kitchen.

The LdB Foundation’s goal is to build significant capital, the earnings from which are used to provide funds to groups and organizations that are working to improve the quality of life in our community.

For information, visit lacdubonnetfoundation.ca

2024 Scholarship and Bursary Recipients

2024 Scholarship and Bursary Recipients – Congratulations

The Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation board members would like to congratulate this year’s recipients of the Winnipeg River Bursary and Chuck Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, both of which are administered by the LDB Foundation.

The awards were presented at the Lac du Bonnet Senior School’s Graduation Celebration which was held at the end of June.

This year, the following four students were award $1,000 each from the Winnipeg River Bursary Fund:

  • Vada Andrelunas received a bursary to pursue a career in Medical Radiologic Technology at the University of Winnipeg.
  • Makenna Nilsson will be pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Degree at the University of Manitoba,
  • Haley Stevenson will be going the University of Manitoba to pursue a career as a Clinical Psychologist,
  • And Makenna Tyles will be pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing Degree specializing in Mental Health at the University of Manitoba.

The Chuck Reynolds Memorial Scholarship went to Jaedys Dancyt, who received $800 to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Manitoba.

The Foundation Board would like to congratulate as all of this year’s graduates and wish them every success as they begin this new and exciting chapter of their lives.

LAC DU BONNET FOUNDATION Spring 2024 Grant Recipients

The Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the Spring 2024 Granting Session.  A total of $13,350 in grants was awarded to six service organizations for seven community enhancing projects at the LDB Foundation’s Annual Public Meeting and Celebration of Giving.

The Lac du Bonnet Library received $2,000 for the development of their outdoor garden space with a gazebo and planters to enhance library programming. Accepting the grant on behalf of the library was Joan Einarson.

Two Rivers Seniors received $500 for the purchase of kitchen pots compatible with the induction stoves and an electric skillet for the Let’s do Lunch congregate meal program. Accepting the grant on behalf of Two Rivers Seniors was Dianne Babiak.

The Lac du Bonnet Legion received $5,000 towards the purchase and installation of a replacement rooftop air conditioner. Accepting the grant on the Legion’s behalf were Bob Hampshire and Dwayne Wickstrom.

The Lac du Bonnet Pioneer Club received $1,500 towards the purchase of replacement floor curling rocks for the Club. Accepting the grant on behalf of the Pioneer club was Heinz Reiser.

The Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association received two grants for two separate projects.  First, $2,775 was granted to the Lac du Bonnet Trout Ponds towards the purchase of dock benches and wheelchair accessible picnic tables.

Second, $1,575 was granted to the Outdoor Education Centre and Shooting Ranges towards the purchase of specialized benches with table backs.  Dennis McGuffin accepted the two grants on behalf of the LDB Wildlife Association.

$1,000 was disbursed to Ronald McDonald House Charities for the fifth and final payment of a five-year commitment towards a $20 million project constructing a new 40-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg.

Applications for the fall 2024 are now available with submission deadline of September 30, 2024.  Please visit the Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation’s Application Page for application forms and information on how to apply.

April 26 proclaimed Community Foundation Day in Manitoba

Press Release - April 22, 2024

MEDIA RELEASE

April 26 proclaimed Community Foundation Day in Manitoba

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Manitoba government has proclaimed April 26 as Community Foundation Day across the province. This proclamation recognizes the vital role that community foundations play in contributing to the well-being of Manitobans, and the generosity of our citizens.

“The Government of Manitoba values the crucial role that community foundations play in our province. Manitoba’s community foundations support a wide range of charitable organizations and projects that enrich the quality of life of people throughout the province,” says Municipal Relations Minister, the Honourable Andrew Smith.

Manitoba is home to 57 community foundations Manitoba – the most community foundations per capita in North America. Each community foundation supports its local community’s unique needs.

Community foundations are public charitable organizations that pool and permanently invest gifts (donations) entrusted to them. The interest earned is granted to local charitable organizations each year. Since the capital is never spent, these gifts support our communities forever.

“In the past ten years, the Lac du Bonnet and District Charitable Foundation has, through its annual granting process, invested a total of $241,435 into our community,” says Gary Rollins, President of the LDB Foundation. “Of that total, $135,985 came from earnings on the Foundation’s endowment funds while $105,450 came from programs the Foundation was able to access for our community as a result of our relationships with the Community Foundations of Canada and Endow Manitoba”

Manitoba is home to Canada’s first community foundation, The Winnipeg Foundation. Endow Manitoba, an initiative of The Winnipeg Foundation, supports our province’s community foundation network so it can have greater community impact.

The Manitoba government has supported the community foundation movement for many years, including through the Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge and Manitoba Heritage Trust Program, as well as by establishing an endowment fund to support the growth of our community foundations.

Our province’s thriving community foundation movement demonstrates the generosity of Manitobans and why the Fraser Institute’s Generosity Index consistently finds our province is the most generous in Canada.

The Lac du Bonnet Foundation wishes to acknowledge the generosity of its supporters and the many valuable initiatives that have been developed as a result of the granting process. A gift to the Foundation is truly an investment in the well-being and betterment of our community today, tomorrow, and always.  For more information on the Lac du Bonnet and District Charitable Foundation, visit their website at www.lacdubonnetfoundation.ca

Celebration of Giving Invitation

Press Release - April 22, 2024

The LDB Foundation Invites the Public to the 2024 APM and Celebration of Giving

The Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation will be holding its Annual Public Meeting and Celebration of Giving on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Notre Dame du Lac Catholic Church Basement.  The event will take place from 7:00pm to 8:00pm with refreshments to follow.

We invite the public to join us as we celebrate the success stories of our 2023 Grant Recipients through a series of brief presentations by these organization. We will also be announcing the results of our Spring 2024 Granting Session.

Come and hear, firsthand, about the worthy projects that the Foundation has funded this past year and the positive impacts they have had on our community.  We are looking forward to the evening as an opportunity to share, celebrate, and network with our friends and community partners.

In the meantime, please enjoy reading our 2023 Annual Report.  It is now published and available on this website in the About Us section filed under Annual Reports.

For more information, please contact us at info.lacdubonnetfoundation.ca