The Gimli Art Club is celebrating another year of growth and community connection, recently supporting two local initiatives with donations totalling $2,000.
Evergreen Basic Needs executive director Karen Bowman accepts a $1,000 donation from Gimli Art Club president Don Fletcher to support the Christmas Hampers Program
Club president Don Fletcher, who stepped into the role just over two years ago, said he has watched membership rise to nearly 100 artists — an impressive number for a non-profit, co-operative gallery setting. The club continues to gain recognition for showcasing Interlake talent and welcoming visitors from across Canada and around the world to its iconic red building along the Gimli marina.
“I’m super proud of the talents our members continuously show in their progression,” Fletcher said. “The work created here is remarkable — pieces are not only enjoyed locally but travel to new homes with tourists and collectors from far beyond the Interlake.”
Fletcher said the club’s commitment to giving back is deeply personal for him. Raised in the first government-subsidized housing project in Winnipeg’s North End alongside five brothers, he said he understands hardship and the importance of community support.
“Giving back to the less fortunate really hits home for me,” he said. “I’ve volunteered with numerous causes and charities throughout my life while being a business owner and artist for more than 40 years. As president of the Gimli Art Club, it’s a perfect co-operative fit to bring that mindset to a community that may need a little help.”
Alongside its artistic presence, Fletcher noted the Gimli Art Club & Gallery has long maintained a strong outreach focus. Potential causes are identified through suggestions from members and the broader community, reviewed by the executive and then voted on to determine both need and donation amount.
At the end of 2025, the club donated $1,000 toward the restoration of the original cockpit windows for the Gimli Glider Exhibit and $1,000 to Evergreen Basic Needs for its Christmas Hampers Program.
With growing membership and continued public support, Fletcher said he hopes the club will keep expanding its charitable reach.
“I want to thank all of our artists and members who have helped make a difference — both for families who may be struggling and for the preservation of our local history,” he said. “This community means a lot to us, and we’re proud to give back.”
