Saskatoon Community Foundation

Saskatoon Community Foundation Receives $2.9 Million Donation

Saskatoon, Thursday, January 28, 2010: The Saskatoon Community Foundation (Foundation) has been surprised and amazed by the generosity displayed by a new $2.9 million donation to the endowment fund. The donation has been made by Vernon (Vern) O. Welker and Clara Madeline (Clara) Welker (formerly Wilson). The Foundation was notified about the bequest after Clara’s death in 2009. Vern and Clara were both modest individuals, who owned and operated Vern Welker Men’s Wear on 2nd Avenue from 1948 to 1970.

Their bequest creates the Vern and Clara Welker Fund at the Saskatoon Community Foundation. Annual disbursements from the fund will be shared equally to benefit five local charities: Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Saskatoon Community Clinic Foundation, Saint Paul’s Hospital, and the YWCA. Annual disbursements will depend on the amount allocated, but the fund should provide approximately $20,000 every year beginning 2011.

“Saskatoon has a history of people connected to community,” explains Trevor Forrest, Executive Director of the Foundation. “The generosity of this gift and the manner in which it was left reveals the underlying humanitarian thread that stitches the social fabric of this community together. We are honoured that the Welkers recognized our organization’s role in building a strong community.”

Born and raised in the Saskatoon area, Vern and Clara were active members of their community, volunteering their time to such groups as the Lions Club, the Kinsmen Club, and the Chatelaine Club of the YWCA. The Welkers’ lives reflect quiet strength and compassionate character, and their ultimate gift to the community is also their greatest testament to their love of the community we all call home. The leadership embodied in this gift will forever improve the quality of life for the people of Saskatoon.

Saskatoon Community Foundation Announces Granting in 2010!

At its meeting on December 21st, the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon Community Foundation voted unanimously to grant from its endowed funds in 2010. This decision means that all SCF grants programs that rely on endowed funds, including Quality of Life grants, Batting 1000 Endowment for Children and Youth, James P. Mahoney Institute of the Family, and the Verna and Lionel McGillivray Fund for Children in Saskatchewan will resume normal granting activities in the coming year.

Even though it was unable to grant from its endowed funds in 2009, SCF has continued to play its role in the community, thanks to support from its donors, partners, and key benefactors. Thanks to these people and organizations, SCF made Cameco Caring Community grants, Batting 1000 grants via the Muttart Foundation, a Strategic Alliance Award and a Signature Grant to the Friendship Inn.

With a return to granting in 2010, thanks to sound financial management and a gradually improving climate for investments, the Saskatoon Community Foundation looks forward to continuing the legacy of donor stewardship and strategic grantmaking that has allowed it to grant over $7.5 million dollars to the community over the last 40 years!

Our gratitude goes out to all those who helped us achieve our mission in 2009! That’s what makes Saskatoon the best community in which to live!

2008: A Year of Triumphs and Challenges

The Saskatoon Community Foundation released its 2008 Annual Report today. The report details a year full of triumphs and significant challenges deriving from the economic downturn of the latter part of 2008.