RURAL SUPPORT
One of the programs supported by BACF is Youth in Philanthropy, involving three Brandon high schools. “Directed by a leader in the school, teachers and community members work with students to learn about philanthropy and about different charities in the region. Each school receives $7,500 to give to local charities. Students decide where the funds should go,” Chalmers says, adding that a gala is held during which students present the funds to recipients. For Chalmers, the work of the foundation is about being able to meet needs that recipient organiza- tions and communities would not be able to fulfill without the funding. “It’s about putting the funds where they’re needed the most. We only grant off of the interest, not the capital — it’s long-term and sustainable — to contin- ue granting to communities and giving to organiza - tions and projects that need it the most.”
As a community foundation, BACF encompasses a variety of locally supported endeavours and groups, including food security, social services, health care, youth, cultural, recreational and seniors. “It’s amazing to see commu- nity-driven ideas come to life. Meaningful change comes from local people who understand their own needs and opportuni- ties,” Chalmers says.
"It’s rewarding to see a variety of community pillars being supported: youth, health, safe communities, culture, tourism, recreation — it’s all those things. It’s the people that make a community.”
“It’s about really listening to people. Community isn’t just about one thing — there are so many different pillars that make a community. It’s rewarding to see a variety of community pillars being supported: youth, health, safe com- munities, culture, tourism, recreation — it’s all those things. It’s the people that make a community.”
— TANIS CHALMERS
To learn more about Brandon Area Community Foundation, visit bacf.ca.
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For many years, Heather Reichert had an insider’s view of Manitoba’s health-care system through her work. Reichert, who retired in 2017, saw the health system up close in financial positions for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Manitoba Health. She also served on St. Boniface Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2015 to 2020. A Legacy of Stewardship
Her rare point of view helped her and her husband, Dwayne Rutherford, decide in 2023 to leave gifts to the Hospital in their wills, making them part of the Legacy of Hope Society. As a member of the Foundation Board, Reichert saw firsthand how well cared-for donations are at St. Boniface. “That was what prompted us to decide that we would leave something in our wills to the Hospital,” she said.
Discuss your legacy with St. Boniface Hospital Foundation today. Email info@stbhf.org to learn more.
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