
Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation, announces endowment fund established by Winnipeg Police Service.
Youth at risk in Winnipeg will get a fighting chance to improve their lives thanks to a new endowment fund created by the Winnipeg Police Service through The Winnipeg Foundation.
The WPS Endowment Fund will assist at-risk youth and their families through various initiatives that will be subsidized by the fund.
“The grants provided through this fund will make a real difference in the lives of at-risk youth and families, and ultimately benefit the entire city,” said Mayor Sam Katz.
Winnipeg Police Chief Devon Clunis challenged everyone on hand for today’s announcement to help get the fund to $1 million this year.
“As Police Service members, we have a unique perspective on our community and some of its greatest needs,” said Chief Clunis. “Aside from enforcement, however, we are somewhat limited in our ability to address these gaps.”
“This fund will provide a means to contribute to recognized community projects that support the Service’s vision of creating a culture of safety,” added Clunis.
Ron MacLean from the One Heart Foundation, who was in attendance for the announcement of the WPS Endowment Fund, pledged a gift of $20,000 to the new fund.
“For more than 90 years, The Winnipeg Foundation has been working together with community groups and agencies, just like WPS, to make our city a better place to live, work and play,” said Rick Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation. “This is another exemplary effort on a long term investment in our youth.”
Donations to the fund can be made on the Winnipeg Police Service Endowment Fund page of The Winnipeg Foundation’s website.
The first call for grant applications will begin in January, 2015 with awards being presented that same spring.
Photos by LuAnn Lovlin