Incorporated in 1998, the WESTSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION received its seed monies of $223,000 in May 1999 from the old Johnson Memorial Hospital District when it was replaced by the new Interlake Regional Health Authority. The formation of a community foundation was considered a good vehicle by which these funds could be used to benefit the communities in which these monies had been raised rather than have them absorbed into the new Regional Authority. Accordingly, the geographical boundaries of the new foundation mirrored those of the old hospital district. These boundaries encompass an area along the west shore of Lake Winnipeg (hence our name “Westshore”) from Dunnottar and Winnipeg Beach in the south, including Gimli in the centre, Riverton in the north and as far west as Fraserwood. The Westshore Community Foundation Inc. is an enduring charitable organization created to build a permanent capital fund which supports registered charities and individuals. The Board of volunteers has continued to strive to build permanent endowments and other funds to support community projects. In just fourteen years the Foundation has reached $1,600,000 which in turn has provided sufficient interest to grant back into our communities. Scholarships awarded from 2007 - 2013 is $59,321.00 and Grants awarded from 2007 - 2014 is $222.963.54. Granting will never stop, but rather, will continue in perpetuity. It is our desire to continue increasing the capital fund of which in turn will offer even greater support to the ongoing needs of those groups and individuals who are striving to make our communities better. Philanthropy is alive and well in our areas and your contribution to the Westshore Foundation will provide a lasting legacy.
OUR HISTORY
About the Westshore Community Foundation Inc. The Westshore Community Foundation is a Foundation, which is part of a much larger group of Foundations in Canada. The first Foundation was established in Canada in 1921. Today Foundations span the country from Vancouver Island to Prince Edward Island, serving large and small urban centres and rural communities. Their endowment funds are professionally invested in diverse portfolios ensuring that they are managed wisely and profitably. Each Community Foundation is autonomous and governed by a volunteer board of local leaders. They are linked and support by Community Foundations of Canada, a strong national network.
The Westshore Community Foundation Incorporated was founded in 1998. As a result of Provincial Medical Services restructuring, the Community Hospital at Gimli was absorbed into a regional Health Authority. The Gimli Hospital Board had accumulated considerable funds raised from various sources such as the Hospital Auxiliary, hospital fund raising activities, donations and bequests. As the money was raised within the District, it was decided the funds should remain and not be absorbed into the Region. The Hospital Board requested the elected officials of the District; nominate a group of people to form a Foundation to manage the monies.
The Westshore Foundation name is derived from the location of the old Hospital District on the western shores of Lake Winnipeg. The logo depicts a traditional lighthouse on the shoreline. The communities of Riverton, Gimli, Fraserwood, Winnipeg Beach and Matlock are included in the area served by the Foundation.