All Legacy Impact Stories ~
- All
- Leaving a Legacy Stories
- Stories of Hope
- Truth and Reconciliation
Cultural Reconnection — 2023 Truth and Reconciliation Grant Recipient
With the support of this grant and one received through Sask Culture we were able to offer over 40 cultural activities that served nearly 500 participant interactions. The funds provided through SSCF Truth and Reconciliation Fund supported the salary costs…
Indigenous Artists in Residence — 2023 Truth and Reconciliation Grant Recipient
This was a hugely impactful, successful project. Through exposure to three different artists; more than 600 people were impacted by the program; either as participants in the classroom program, members of the public who participated in the art activities, or the…
Regina Early Learning Centre: The Anne Luke Legacy Fund
The Anne Luke Legacy Fund was established in 2022 in honour of the Regina Early Learning Centre’s founder, Anne Luke. This Fund helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization while continuing the values that the Early Learning Centre was built upon.
North Central Family Centre: Hopes and Dreams Fund
The North Central Family Centre established the Hopes and Dreams Fund at the Community Foundation to work as the back end of their campaign to raise $4 million to establish and sustain the new Orange Buffalo Lodge 30-unit intergenerational living complex and community hub.
The Johnsons and the Regina Spirit
The Lorne and Evelyn Johnson Foundation was established in 1962 with the objective of furthering the religious, educational and cultural life of Regina and the Province of Saskatchewan. The Johnsons saw the foundation as a way for them to continue to support those activities in which they had participated, and for so long enjoyed.
The DEK All Nations' Healing Hospital Foundation Fund
When the All Nations’ Healing Hospital received a significant donation and needed to figure out what to do with it, they partnered with the South Sask Community Foundation to establish their own Charity Legacy Fund and have that donation grow and give back to their operational needs now and in the future.
The Bob Perry Legacy Fund Story
“Through my time with the Foundation I realized that they did a really good job of assessing the merits of all the organizations that they’re donating to. That gave me the confidence that I could do this and it would be handled well”
– Bob Perry, Legacy Fundholder at the South Sask Community Foundation
National Philanthropy Day: Regina Paramedics with Heart
The non-profit Regina Paramedics with Heart (PwH) is run by local paramedics “to enhance paramedics’ quality of life through professional and community collaboration.” Their volunteer members educate and promote their profession in initiatives at schools, senior living, local events, festivals, and other public initiatives, taking requests from the public to attend charity events.
An Anonymous Donor Supports Phoenix Residential Society HOMES Program
For over 40 years, Phoenix Residential Society has provided residential and case management services to individuals in a variety of different programs. They serve individuals with major mental illness, substance use disorders, cognitive and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and those experiencing chronic homelessness.
Forbes Foundation Fund Supports Carmichael Outreach
During spring of 2023, SSCF launched its Giving Catalogue as a way for charities to reach out to potential donors with their most prominent and pressing needs. Carmichael Outreach reached out to the community through the Giving Catalogue to seek financial support for urgent building maintenance.
MNP Community Fund Supporting Food Banks Throughout COVID
The MNP Community Fund was established at SSCF in 2017 by MNP partners based in Regina, Estevan, and Weyburn to support community programs and initiatives in those communities. In 2020, the Fund prioritized sending aid to those impacted by COVID-19 in the communities they support.
Desiree Hutton The Bright Legacy of a Life
Desirée Hutton (née Steele) was known as a friend, volunteer, loving partner, sister, daughter, and leader. Her incredibly bright life embodied a giving spirit. As a young woman, she was a driven, humble, and empathetic member of her communities and family. From supporting Servant Partners to participating in student governance, engaging in volunteerism was a significant part of her life.
Doug and Gloria Archer Leaving the Community Better Than They Found It
Doug and Gloria Archer have had a long life of community service. In planning for their legacy, it was vital for them to build a fund that could continue supporting their values generations into the future. As rare partners in life and business, Doug and Gloria are united in their dedication to the people of Saskatchewan.
Regina & Area Sexual Assault Centre's "Prevent It" Program Receives $2.5K
In 2022, Regina & Area Sexual Assault Centre (RSAC) was granted $2,500 through the South Saskatchewan Vital Community Fund for their “Prevent It” program.
The centre aims to reduce and eliminate the impacts of sexual violence in the communities they serve through education, support and advocacy…
$250K Donated Towards the Regina Humane Society Almost Home Campaign
An anonymous donor through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) has provided a generous donation of $250,000 to Regina Humane Society towards the Almost Home Capital Campaign. This campaign’s goal is to construct a new Animal Community Centre to serve as the new home for the Regina Humane Society.
Featured Donor Profile ~ Claire Kramer
Claire Kramer describes herself as a Prairie child. Her love of reading and her education in a one room school led her to establish the Glengarry Book Award in 2021.
“I was one of those fortunate children who learned to read before I began my formal education. Many of the titles remain with me still: Beautiful Joe, Black Beauty, Little Women, Emily of New Moon, Old Fashioned Girl, and a bundle of others.
The Glengarry Book Award
SSCF and the Saskatchewan Foundation For the Arts (SFFA) have established a partnership in perpetuity to support the annual Glengarry Book Award prize.
Donna Ziegler, SSCF’s Executive Director, explains, “Arts are important to all ages of people in society and can inspire, educate, entertain and enrich our experiences in life. SSCF is honoured to hold an endowed fund in trust for the Glengarry Book Award.
George Butt Supporting the Heart of Arcola
In 2008, George Butt created an endowed Fund through SSCF to benefit his hometown of Arcola for generations to come. Each year, the George Butt Foundation Fund provides support to Prairie Place Hall, Arcola Curling Club, St. Andrews United Church, and Arcola Cemetery.
Phoenix Residential Society Receives $7.5K to Enhance Indigenous Programming
February is Indigenous Storytelling Month. We’d like to take a moment to appreciate a recent grant recipient working to enhance Indigenous culture in our community.
In 2021, Phoenix Residential Society received $7,500 from the G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation Fund for their Cultural Enhancement Program.
SCEP CENTRE Receives $2K Towards Truth and Reconciliation
February is Indigenous Storytelling Month. We’d like to take a moment to appreciate a recent grant recipient working to enhance Indigenous culture for young children in our community.
SCEP CENTRE – Early Intervention & Training Services received $2,000 in 2021 from the Smart & Caring Fund. SCEP CENTRE is a preschool program that helps the development of vulnerable young children…
Hope’s Home Receives $35K from the MNP Community Fund
The MNP Community Fund was established at SSCF in 2017 by MNP partners based in Regina, Estevan and Weyburn to support community programs and initiatives in those communities. MNP is giving $35,000 to Hope’s Home to use in 2022 towards their initiatives to support children.
Author Dianne Warren is the Inaugural Recipient of the $20K Glengarry Book Award Prize
SSCF congratulates author Dianne Warren, the inaugural recipient of the $20,000 Glengarry Book Award prize for her novel ‘The Diamond House’. The Fund for the Glengarry Book Award was established at SSCF in 2021 through an endowment by Claire Kramer.
SSCF Anonymous Donor Steps Forward to Assist Carmichael Outreach
An anonymous donor through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) has generously provided $14,000 to Carmichael Outreach Inc. to help the organization with its ongoing programming and recovery from its losses during a recent break–in.
Remembering Murray Grant
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Robert “Murray” Grant who recently passed away. Murray was fundamental to the creation and growth of South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) as one of its founding leaders. He was there at the beginning, in 1968, and helped plant the seed of around $60,000 to establish SSCF and create better and stronger communities across south Saskatchewan.
Bill and Helen Davidson Foundation Fund Community Impact in 2020
The Bill and Helen Davidson Fund (BHDF) started in 2008 and administered by a local committee. It is a strong example of community impact in southern Saskatchewan.
The eight-member committee works together as they identify where this endowed, donor-advised fund can make the most significant difference.
Leading with Hope: Don Black and Ted Welter
Exceptional community leaders Don Black and Ted Welter were quick to spearhead Leading with Hope within SSCF’s Emergency Response Fund during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Their focused efforts linked more than 32 donors and resulted in more than $223,000 being raised in less then four weeks.
Victoria Naismith First Recipient of the Second Lieutenant Andrew Naismith Benevolent Fund Bursary
Second Lieutenant Andrew Naismith left behind his wife and three young children after his tragic and unexpected passing in 2003, when he was struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. Shortly after, a fund was created in his name at SSCF. The fund is designed to provide bursaries to his children. Afterwards, it will assist other children of Canadian Armed Forces members who have faced similar circumstances.
Gary Hyland From Dream to Reality
Throughout his life Gary Hyland was a firm believer in giving and sharing his many talents as a high school teacher, mentor, and writer. He volunteered for many arts-related pursuits in his home city of Moose Jaw, which included the creation of writers’ retreats and festivals, and establishing a cultural centre.
Ritenburg Family Planting the Seeds of a Heartfelt Home
Along with brothers, David and Jim, the Ritenburg family’s commitment to philanthropy was channeled in formative years when parents, Isabel and Lorne, instilled the importance of sowing community seeds to help ‘pay it forward’. They raised their family in the growing city of Regina and nurtured a sense of being good neighbours and friends.
Regina Work Prep Centre Upgrades the LEJF Computer Resource Centre
The Regina Work Prep Centre recently needed funding to upgrade computers and monitors in the Lorne and Evelyn Johnson Foundation (LEJF) Computer Resource Centre and Computer Classroom (CRC). The LEJF expanded their commitment to Work Prep’s cause and provided $15,000 in upgrades to the CRC.
Cowessess Ventures Ltd. Launches Website with Support of The Investment Readiness Program
Cowessess Ventures Ltd. (CVL) launched their website this February at www.cowessessventures.com with the support of the the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP). CVL received an investment of $10,000 in 2020 through the IRP to complete the project.
SSCF's Emergency Response Fund for Community Needs
Almost immediately after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SSCF Board and staff moved swiftly to establish the Emergency Response Fund for Community Need (ERF). This initiative was intended to address urgent community needs resulting from the pandemic.
More than $1 million, which included funding from the estate of a generous SSCF founding member and…
Hunger in Moose Jaw Adapts During COVID-19
Hunger in Moose Jaw received funding from the Moffat Family Fund in 2020 for their Child Nutrition Milk Program, which delivers lunches daily to children in 18 schools in Moose Jaw.
When schools closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19, Hunger In Moose Jaw adapted their program within two weeks to continue to get nutritional food into the hands of children who need it.
Nation Builder Youth Group with Treaty Education Alliance in Fort Qu’Appelle
South Saskatchewan Community Foundation and RBC Foundation are providing a grant of $15,000 to support a group of Nation Builder Youth Leaders from Treaty Education Alliance affiliated schools, who will plan and execute a series of podcasts and/or vodcasts on topics related to land conservation and traditional knowledge preservation.
Prairie Valley School Division in Indian Head
South Saskatchewan Community Foundation and RBC Foundation are providing a grant of $15,000 to support Prairie Valley School Division with a project to engage Indigenous knowledge keepers in hands-on, land-based learning experiences. This project, based in Indian Head, will culminate in a “Week of Walking…
Stoughton Central School in Stoughton
South Saskatchewan Community Foundation and RBC Foundation are providing a grant of $15,000 to support youth-led Community Cooking Classes at the Stoughton Central School. The project at Stoughton Central School is Community Cooking Classes. The grant will help to provide free cooking classes twice a week for students and community members. Ocean Man First Nation students and community members will be a part of the classes, thus bringing the two communities together and sharing ideas throughout.
National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Legacy Award to Don & Claire Kramer
The South Saskatchewan Community Foundation is proud to announce that Don and Claire Kramer have been presented with the inaugural Outstanding Legacy Philanthropist Award during this years National Philanthropy Day Awards. Every year the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Regina Chapter) seeks to recognize extraordinary individuals who actively partake in endeavors that give back to those within our community…
Thank You Thursday – New Fund Donates Inaugural Grant
To celebrate “Thank You Thursday” after a successful Giving Tuesday in Canada, the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) wanted to share the news of a new SSCF fund and the important work it is doing to conserve Saskatchewan’s environment.
The first generous grant from the Joyce Gemmell Jessen Habitat Conservation Fund at…
Bill and Helen Davidson Foundation Fund Donates Piano
In celebration of Giving Tuesday, the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) wanted to share a story about one of our generous donors, the gift of music they offered throughout their lives, and how their Foundation Fund at SSCF ensures that this legacy can continue in perpetuity.
Recently, SSCF travelled to Weyburn to celebrate a piano installation at the Tatagwa View nursing home…
Celebrating National Philanthropy Day – Clark and Anne Lewis Charitable Fund at SSCF
In celebration of National Philanthropy Day®, the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) would like to tell the story of the Clark and Anne Lewis Charitable Fund at the SSCF and the amazing legacy that they have left.
Clark and Anne Lewis married in 1961 and took over the family farm. Throughout their lives they were active volunteers.
Robert Perry Wins National Philanthropy Day Award
The South Saskatchewan Community Foundation (SSCF) is proud to announce that SSCF’s long-serving Board member and former Treasurer Robert Perry has won an award in the category of Outstanding Individual Volunteer.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Regina Chapter awarded Perry the honour during…
Donald E. Kramer ~ In Memoriam
In 2018, the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation lost one of its most dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and committed champions — Donald E. Kramer.
Donald served multiple terms on the Board of the Foundation over the decades, including terms as President, and also later served on the Advisory Board to the Foundation for many years…
Building Smart & Caring Communities
The South Saskatchewan Community Foundation’s Smart & Caring Communities campaign operates within our existing overarching fund structure: an invested endowment fund that ensures long term growth, where the capital is never touched, but a portion of the investment income is disbursed into the community through Smart & Caring Community Fund grants every year…
Leaving a Lasting Legacy ~ Astonished! and St. Paul's Cathedral
Since 1982, when disability rights were included in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, young adults with complex physical disAbilities have been pioneers in education and social inclusion. However, in our community, research and personal experience demonstrate that there is a lack of personalized and meaningful employment, education, and recreation opportunities for young adults with complex…
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day (RAK) was started in 2008 by the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation to bring communities together by engaging citizens in small acts of kindness and generosity. On November 7, 2014, the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation partnered with Davis-Ward Centre for People Excellence to bring Regina its first Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Remembering Jack Ambler
One day in mid-September of 1944, a 21-year-old Yorkshire lad took off with a flight crew on a DC-3 towing a glider with British soldiers in a massive effort to push the German army back from Holland. The effort, dramatized in the movie “A Bridge Too Far”, itself was not a success but Germany was defeated a few months later and Jack Ambler continued to pilot DC-3 aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in southeast Asia.
Scholarships for Post-Secondary Education ~ Wilson Scholarships
The Larry Scholarship Program had been in place since 2006. After his contribution to the restoration of the Capitol Theatre in Moose Jaw (renamed the Mae Wilson Theatre in honour of his mother), Larry Wilson wanted his five siblings – Dorothy, Gerald, Kathleen, Silvia and Marlene – to be remembered as well. As such, he created a scholarship for each of their names and one in his own…
Celebrating the Arts
The Regina Symphony Orchestra is grateful to the Bill & Helen Davidson Foundation for the $15,000 grant which enabled the 2013-2014 Music on the Road, an RSO Education & Outreach initiative.
Music on the Road brings orchestral music and music education to Saskatchewan communities outside of Regina. This program helps to fill the increasing demand for cultural and educational…
Supporting Learning for All Ages
For more than 100 years, the College Avenue campus has brought together people for the local community, across the province, and around the world in pursuit of learning. Today, the University of Regina is bringing back this historic jewel, renewing it, preserving its spirit and re-affirming its place at the heart of teaching and learning in Regina.
This revitalized campus will be known as…
Helping to Provide Critical Care
STARS offers time, hope and life-saving transport to critically ill and injured patients, often on the worst day of their life. In 2013, STARS received a generous donation of $10,891.00 from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation. STARS operates on a model of combined funding from the government and community partners. Support from organizations like the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation…
Supporting Research and Care for Disease
In 2013, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Regina received an incredible $20,000 of funding through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, donated by the Lloyd and Duna Barber Family Foundation. This generous gift is going a long way to support JDRF and its goal to ultimately turn Type 1 Diabetes into Type none.
Helping Those in Need
The eight core emergency services Souls Harbour Rescue Mission provides to the City of Regina, area, and province — Soup Kitchen, Women’s Emergency Shelter, Free Clothing Store, Shayil Home (a one year residency-based women’s addiction program for women and their children), Little Souls Daycare (a 60 space subsidized facility), Dean Smith Youth Centre, and Harbour House…
Caring for Animal Welfare
The Regina Humane Society (RHS) is dedicated to improving the welfare of animals through programs and services in sheltering, education, protection and advocacy. Each year we assist over 4,400 lost, neglected, abandoned and abused animals in Regina and we are the fortunate beneficiary of funds from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation.
Therapeutic Recreation
Camp Easter Seal is a residential camping program for individuals from age six to eighty-five. It is completely barrier free and is the only camp of its kind in Saskatchewan. Camp Easter Seal hosts campers with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Each camp session is 6 days long and is designed for a different age group and level of disability, with physical activity programming designed specifically for those individuals. In the summer of 2013…
Providing Disaster Relief
The Canadian Red Cross responds to disasters here in Saskatchewan and throughout the world. Thanks to generous donations, like the $97,000 donation from the G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation, the Canadian Red Cross was able to respond immediately to those affected by the flooding in the Philippines and continues to help families as they recover from the devastation.
Well-being for Individuals and Families
Ranch Ehrlo Society’s Ehrlo Counselling received a $50,000 grant from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation last year to be allocated for pro bono counselling services. These funds help fill gaps in services within the community and aims to provide the necessary and utmost care to all of their clients regardless of socioeconomic status.
Supporting Healthcare
The generosity of Derril McLeod and his family continues helping kidney dialysis patients across southern Saskatchewan.
Last year, the Derril McLeod Family Foundation made a gift of $20,000 in support of the Renal Unit in the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. The Renal Unit solves a critical healthcare challenge — the demand for hemodialysis services.
Supporting Children and Early Education
Regina’s Early Learning Centre is a child and family development centre working co-operatively with low income families to provide programs which foster healthy development of children from prenatal to five years of age.
Thanks to a generous donation from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, in the..
Investing in Youth
Thanks to support from the Moffat Family Fund in 2012, Joe’s Place in Moose Jaw, was able to take numerous low income and at-risk youth to various camps, retreats, day trips and outings. Several youth who are recent immigrants to Canada were able to go horseback riding and knee-boarding for the first time. Other youth who were terrified of heights were able to overcome their fears as they climbed Castle Butte…
Celebrating Art and Culture
The $50,000 grant we received in 2012 from the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation was absolutely intrinsic to us moving forward with our vision of improving our building and making office purchases that we otherwise would not be able to do.
The grants we currently apply for are for operating purposes and go towards salaries…
Building Community
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation for their extremely generous donation to the Triple C Centre project through the Bill and Helen Davidson Foundation. This community project has been long in the making but with your $100,000 commitment to this fantastic vision, our idea is becoming a reality. We are so excited that the Choral Room, one of…
Helping to Eliminate Hunger
Thank you for putting hope on the table. At a time of provincial economic prosperity it seems out of place that the role of food banks remains critical to ensuring for security for an average of 9,000 people each month. The effects of rising costs in a growing economy, particularly housing, impact those on fixed or low income disproportionately.