Four worthy organizations and initiatives were awaiting a portion of the proceeds from the annual Power of the Purse project.
The aim is to engage women of all generations in community philanthropy, and the brunch April 5 at St. Pauls United Church helped build visibility for Morden’s charitable sector while bringing local women together to learn about the needs of the community and to support Morden’s residents by their donor directed grants.
It started 10 years ago as the Women’s Giving Circle under the umbrella of the Morden Area Foundation with the goal to raise and grant $10,000 from 100 women who have donated $100, but it was a little extra special this year to mark the milestone with four projects rather than three making their pitch.
A breakdown of how much money was donated to each project was not available at press time.
The first presentation was for support for the Chance 2 Camp and Chance 2 Grow programs through the Child and Family Services Foundation.
“It is solely funded through grants and donors,” noted Sara Martens, community support co-ordinator, who asked for up to $10,000 to subsidize youth summer camps and activities.
She emphasized the support is vital and noted the programs last year were able to send 111 children to camp and another 134 to various other activities.
“Recreation and opportunity promote a sense of belonging and well-being,” said Martens. “It is our mission to make camp and activities a reality to all.”
She added how it can go a long way to help build confidence, develop skills and build new friendships.
“These programs aren’t just about keeping kids busy. They’re about giving them the foundation they need to thrive.”
Jennifer Smirl, gallery director with the Pembina Hills Arts Council, then requested up to $6,600 to support an open art studio project. The aim is to offer two free weekly drop-in sessions with one for youth and another for teens and adults, and the support would help cover the cost of art supplies and fees for at least six months.
She touched on the challenges often faced in getting into the arts and nurturing the creative skills when a common axiom for some may be there is no value or money in art.
“Imagine this place where dreams and inspiration are welcome, a place where your talents are exactly what you’re there to explore, rediscover and reclaim,” said Smirl.
“We want to be the creative support you never had,” she concluded.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Pembina Valley sought up to $5,570 for a Grow Youth workshop with Grow being short for ‘guidance, resilience, opportunity and wellness’.
Executive director Janelle Neufeld asked people to think back to that special person who took the time to be there for you and to support and encourage you, and that is what they want this program to provide for 15 young girls aged perhaps nine to 12 with the hope of offering something similar in the future for young boys.
“Imagine if they have the tools, the confidence and the mentorship to guide them,” she said. “Mentoring them isn’t just about today’s challenges. It’s about shaping the future of our community.
“The impact is life changing. Girls leave our workshop feeling confident … ready to take on life’s challenges.”
Finally, Carl Friesen, chairperson of the Douglas Kuhl School of Music, asked for up to $5,000 to help provide their string orchestra programs for students.
He touched on the power and value of music and emphasized how their programs that are inter-generational and affordable. They offer four string orchestras, and he emphasized the need for such an opportunity in rural Manitoba.
“We believe that no one should be denied the opportunity to experience the power of music simply because of where they live,” he said.
“It changes the fabric of our communities,” he said, noting they hosted eight local music events here last year. “It’s also about making our local communities here rich and joyful places to live,” he added. “Music isn’t just a nice thing to have … music transforms lives.”
Foundation chairperson Sue Nelson, in an earlier interview, noted how the event is always inspiring.
“There’s certainly a core group of ladies who come out every year and enjoy it and for a number of reasons. Not only are they supporting local organizations and local charities and things that are impactful in the community, it’s also an opportunity to get together and have a nice time.”
