George Waters’ Community Building Fund supports all the causes he cares about. Supplied photo.
George Waters was supporting more than 70 local charities annually when he decided to simplify his giving by starting the George Waters Fund, a Community Building Fund that contributes to the full range of The Winnipeg Foundation’s granting activities.
“When I set this up, I had been for years writing cheques. At 95, I got to the point where I just couldn’t do all that paperwork,” Mr. Waters says. “In setting it up under the Foundation, the fund supports all of the charities I was dealing with.”
Born in 1919, Mr. Waters would have been two years old when The Winnipeg Foundation was established. And his family may well have been helped by some of its earliest grants. Raised by his mother following his father’s untimely death, Mr. Waters experienced poverty that would inspire his future community service and philanthropy.
Although an exceptionally bright student, he started working at an early age to support his family and did not have the opportunity to go to university.
In 1941, he enlisted with the RCAF and served through WWII, earning medals for exemplary service and the eye of his future wife, Constance.
The Waters returned to Winnipeg where they raised six children.
Mr. Waters’ career included many years as Personnel Director for Deer Lodge Hospital. As a long-time Trustee in St. James-Assiniboia School Division, he championed opportunities for students.
Together, George and Constance Waters spearheaded employment and education programs, including those for the intellectually challenged.
Mr. Waters has also established two scholarships and received numerous awards for his remarkable community service.
