The Altona Community Foundation (ACF) recently marked 30 years of service to the community, celebrating its journey from humble beginnings to a thriving cornerstone of local support.
Dozens of past and present board members, donors, and community leaders celebrated this milestone at The Community Exchange last week.
ACF granting committee member Al Friesen welcomed guests on behalf of the board, noting that three things became evident as they planned the event: gratitude to the original steering committee members who became the very first board of directors for the foundation, inspiration from the organizations and community leaders whose projects and improvements they were able to financially support and who have continued to grow the community, and, finally, anticipation in what lies ahead for the organization and town and their role in helping facilitate those aspirations.
“As has been said many times, for today’s needs and tomorrow’s dreams,” Friesen said.
Robert Martens, a founding member of ACF, reflected on the organization’s evolution since its establishment in 1994, and expressed pride in what they have achieved.
“When you start these things, you just don’t know if they will sustain themselves,” he shared. “But to see what it has become is truly gratifying.” It’s great to see that those who were very young when the foundation began are now involved in leading it.”
Martens reflected on how in its early days, the ACF secured $200,000 in initial funding and a $100,000 matching grant from the Thomas Sill Foundation, a testament to the community’s commitment to the cause.
Today, the ACF manages nearly $2.6 million in assets across 11 funds, including scholarships, memorial awards, and specialized grants.
These funds have collectively contributed over $1 million to Altona and surrounding areas since inception. Martens said the scale of growth exceeded their early expectations. “
“We can see now that it has flourished and continued to grow.”
With a new generation joining the board, Martens said, “It’s great to see that those who were very young when the foundation began are now involved in leading it.”
One of these leaders is current board president, Haydon Friesen.
“Thirty years ago, a group of visionaries came together, with a shared passion for our community,” he said. “Their dream blended with the generosity of our community, providing the framework for establishing the foundation we have today. It’s an honour to continue the legacy.
“We’re building on the incredible work of those who brought us here and striving to carry that momentum forward. Programs like Youth in Philanthropy (YIP), involving students from W.C. Miller Collegiate, also plays a crucial role in fostering this next generation of stewards.”
The past year has been especially noteworthy for ACF. In 2023, the foundation approved its largest-ever single grant: $50,000 over five years for the Kiddie Sunshine Center expansion project.
Additionally, the Thomas Sill Foundation contributed $750,000, the largest single donation in ACF’s history, pushing the foundation’s total assets past $2.5 million.
These milestones have ensured that grant funding will continue to grow, supporting even more local projects in the years ahead.
“This success is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteer boards, and the passion of grant recipients who drive our mission to enhance the community as a whole,” Friesen said.
“Our community faces new challenges and opportunities. Our foundation is committed to being a catalyst for positive change. Let’s honour the legacy of our past, by committing ourselves to a bright future. Together we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The celebration concluded with granting committee member Vic Loewen announcing the ACF’s fall grant recipients, with a total $31,500 supporting local organizations, including:
• Gretna Stars Rec. Hockey: $1,250 for a skate sharpener.
• Altona Minor Baseball: $2,750 for diamond clay and bricks.
• Gardens on Tenth: $3,500 for an industrial dishwasher.
• Kiddie Sunshine Centre: $2,200 for cleaning equipment and a laptop in the main building, and $600 for a vacuum cleaner in the Centre Ave. site.
• Youth for Christ: $1,750 for sports equipment.
• Pembina Counselling Centre: $1,750 for new computers.
• Altona Angels Softball: $4,500 for dugout roofs.
• Altona Community Healthcare Board: $1,700 for office renovations.
• Access Field: $2,900 for digital video boards.
Friesen concluded the event by saying, “We’re always looking to grow the assets and the ability to support the needs and dreams of our town. It’s not by accident that we chose the week of the Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge to host the event.”
He encouraged guests to contribute.
“This crowd, the people who have been with us since day one, we thank you for what you have done and what you continue to do.”
