A Gimli resident who has lived in the community for over 100 years is ensuring students pursing post-secondary education will have an opportunity to tap into some financial support along their educational journey.
Anna Stevens, who will be turning 101 in a month, established a lasting legacy for students needing some financial support when they enroll in university or college.
Stevens set up the Anna Stevens & Family Scholarship Fund 2024 through the Westshore Community Foundation, which disperses a number of scholarship funds for students. The new fund will be available to applicants this year.
“I thought it was very important to provide a scholarship for a needy student,” said Stevens.
Westshore Community Foundation vice president Teri Nicholson said the foundation had the privilege of working with Stevens and her family to establish the new fund, and also provided a statement of Stevens’ involvement in and service to the community.
“Anna is a believer that if you devote your life to a cause, you can make a difference in your community, and people’s lives,” says the statement. “Education and community service are dear to Anna’s heart.”
Stevens has a love for music and singing and formed the Icelandic Children’s Choir in her earlier years. She is an honorary life member of the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society, an active member of the Icelandic National League and for 80 years was a member of the Gimli Lutheran Church.
“Anna still loves to teach and sing the traditional songs with her family and grandchildren,” says the statement. “This stems from her being activities director at Betel Home for many years.”
Stevens also served as Fjallkona of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba for 2020 and 2021. In October 2020, she officially opened the Fjallkona Walkway at Viking Park.
Stevens inspires others to look on the bright side of life, and enjoys the support of a large family.
“The love of family is so important. I have five wonderful children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren,” she said. “There’s a lot of love in our family and I feel very blessed. I’ve had good health, I’m happy with everything and I have no complaints.”
The Westshore Community Foundation was established in 1998 is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. The foundation is a charitable organization that provides grants through endowments and other funds to not-for-profit organizations in communities in its catchment area of Riverton, Gimli, Fraserwood, Winnipeg Beach and Dunnottar. It also provides scholarships to students.
