A Son's Legacy - Alex Schmidt Memorial Fund

How does a family deal with the loss of a family member?

In 2007, Mike and Suzanna tragically lost their 15 year old son Alex. In an effort to manage their grief and honour their son's memory, Alex's parents, and his brother Jordan, decided to set up a memorial fund at The KWCF.

"Helping others, particularly the youth in our community, is one way we cope with losing Alex," says Alex's mother Suzanna. "Establishing a Donor Advised Fund at The KWCF gave us flexibility and the time we needed to decide how best to use the funds in the community to honour Alex."

First learning about the Pathways to Education program at the 2008 KWCF Annual Town Hall Meeting, the family was inspired to get involved.  Pathways is an innovative program that reaches out to students from at-risk and/or economically disadvantaged communities. It encourages high school students to achieve their full potential by getting to school, staying in school, graduating, and moving on to post-secondary programs.  

With help from friends and colleagues, Alex's family hosted the Alex Schmidt Memorial Fund 5 Km Fun Run/Walk on October 4, 2008.  Proceeds from the Run/Walk were used to build the fund and support the Pathways program.

The second annual run is set to be held on October 3, 2009. Get involved! Download the PLEDGE FORM for more information.

In addition to financial support, Suzanna is now volunteering as a Pathways tutor.

With the establishment of the Alex Schmidt Memorial Fund, Alex's family can make a difference in the causes they care about most and The KWCF handles all the administration - something the family really appreciates.

Adds Suzanna, "There will always be a hole in my heart because of losing Alex, but I have found that opening my heart to others makes that hole seem a little smaller.  The KWCF has helped me to help others in my community."

Tech Sector Making an Impact - The University of Waterloo Research + Technology Park Activities Committee Fund

The tenants from the University of Waterloo Research + Technology Park have banded together to make a difference in their community now and for the future.

The UW Research + Technology Park Activities Committee (R+T PAC) - consisting of representatives from 43 companies, totaling 1,300 employees was formed in 2007 to help plan events for the Park's tenants.  Some of the tenants approached Carol Stewart, Business Development Manager of the UW Research Park, to run a golf tournament two summers ago stating that they wanted the proceeds to go to charity.

Several of the tenants already had favourite organizations they liked to support so it made sense for them to start a fund at The KWCF where they could support all of their charities of choice.  Early in 2008, The University of Waterloo Research + Technology Park Activities Committee Fund was established at The KWCF and the tenants are now using the fund as a target for all of their long-term fundraising.

"After a thorough and inclusive process, I am really proud of the journey we took as a committee to create our own KWCF fund which represents all the tenants of the Research Park," says Carol.

The tenants host various events such as golf tournaments, barbecues, and Christmas parties throughout the year to add to their fund.  "Establishing the fund has been a good way to pool resources," says committee member Jeff Ohlhausen, Team Lead at Open Text.

R+T PAC hopes to inspire other corporate communities to collectively get involved in philanthropy.  Adds committee member Debora Ritchie "Setting up the fund has encouraged the tenants on the North Campus to get to know each other; it has fostered a real sense of neighbourhood."

 Our Community's Secret Admirers... - Hughraine Fund

Increasingly, philanthropists are choosing to provide their charitable donations anonymously so that they can concentrate on the effects of assisting others without making themselves the focal point.

The newly established Hughraine Fund was set up to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. 

These anonymous donors researched their options and were referred to The KWCF through Amnesty International.  After speaking with a number of foundations, the donors felt that The KWCF was the logical choice based on a feeling of security, The Foundation's investment return track record, and the responsible and friendly guidance provided by staff.

"Establishing this fund has given us a tremendous amount of satisfaction as well as a considerable tax savings," say the donors. "It will give us an opportunity to learn more about our community, yet continue to support local and international charities."

The donors also opted to set up a sizeable bequest by donating assets from a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) to The KWCF. 

"We have made provisions for our family to be well taken care of after we're gone," share the donors. "If left to our children, funds from our RRIF would be fully taxable, but if left to a charity such as The KWCF, the donation would be much larger and tax free. This enables us to increase our support of the causes we care about most."

Supporting upwards of 10 different charities including the CNIB, K-W Access-Ability, K-W Symphony, the United Church, women in crisis, Street Kids International, Leprosy Mission International, and UNICEF's Children's Fund, the Hughraine Fund will touch the lives of many in our community in perpetuity.

Amy Hallman Snyder Award - KW Arts Awards

The K-W Arts Awards announced a new category for 2008 - the Amy Hallman Snyder Award for textile, fibre and quilting arts.

The Amy Hallman Snyder Award Fund held at The KWCF was originally earmarked for the Waterloo County and Area Quilt Festival, which is no longer operational. "The award is in memory of our mother, who like many women of her time used crafts as a form of recreation. These women were artists but were never recognized as such. They were women who did beautiful work in knitting, crocheting and quilt making." said Marion Martin, founder of the fund. Marion and her family are excited that the fund will now recognize artists in the Region through this new award category.

Help celebrate the creative people that help enrich our community by nominating them in this or any other arts awards category. Check out the K-W Arts Awards website at www.kwartsawards.ca for a nomination form.

Carrying On a Legacy, the Sharon and Paul Good Fund

Both Paul and Sharon Good were inspired at an early age to give back to their community. "It feels good to carry on the legacy of giving that was taught to us by our parents," says Sharon. 

With that thought in mind, the Goods were ready to establish the Sharon and Paul Good Fund to help address the needs of their community. "There comes a time in your life when you're in a position to give back, and for us, that time is now," says Paul. "We are very fortunate that we have the means and opportunity to contribute to our community."

They chose to make that difference through The KWCF. They already knew that The KWCF helps improve the lifestyles of local citizens and that the granting done by The Foundation makes a significant impact in the community.

Establishing the fund has given the Goods a purpose to reach into their community and will help build a tradition of philanthropy with their own children.

Paul and Sharon encourage others to join in philanthropy. "The little bit we give might not be a lot, but if others get in contributing to the community, we can make a real difference."

Tradition of Giving, the David Clare and Susan Ferne Bender Family Fund

Helping others less fortunate has always been a passion for David and Susan Bender. So much so, that even when their own children were small, each member of the Bender family sponsored a child from a third world country. That tradition of giving is still alive and well today.

Although originally from communities outside of Waterloo Region, both David and Susan wanted to root themselves deeper in Kitchener-Waterloo. Their first thought was to establish a private foundation. However, after doing some research and asking around, the Benders determined that it was not a cost-effective way to make the impact they wanted.

After "Googling" The KWCF on the internet, David realized that he recognized members involved with The Foundation, and having the utmost respect for them, knew they would not be involved unless the cause was just and good. Soon afterward, the David Clare and Susan Ferne Bender Family Fund was born.

"We wanted to give back to the community that has been home to us for 40 years," says Susan. "But we also wanted to continue supporting the causes in which we were already involved."

The Benders liked the simple and easy process of establishing a fund at The KWCF and they look forward to learning more about the community. "We know The KWCF has a deep understanding of local issues and because of this, our own funding patterns may change," says David.

It's about more than just community building, it's also about family values and culture. The Benders believe that the tradition of giving has helped to "develop a caring and giving spirit within their family." David and Susan have advised their children about their fund and hope to, in time, have them take part in providing direction for the fund.

The Bender's feel very grateful that they are able to give to the causes that matter and can help organizations realize their long-term visions. Adds Susan, "To help improve a family's, a child's, an adult's life - that is the reward."

BMO Harris Private Banking/Community Foundations of Canada - Supporting Your Community

Just over four years ago, BMO Harris Private Banking and Community Foundations of Canada launched Supporting Your Community, the first philanthropic collaboration between a major Canadian financial institution and community foundations.

Since that time, Supporting Your Community (which includes the BMO Nesbitt Burns® Charitable Giving Program) has helped Canadians establish donor-advised funds with their BMO Financial Group investment professionals - all with the charitable giving expertise of a community foundation at their fingertips.

"The alliance between BMO Financial Group® and the community foundations has helped to raise the profile of philanthropy and build strong ties to the community," says Ann Marie Ford, Product Manager of BMO Nesbitt Burns® Wealth Group.

To date, two such funds have been established at The KWCF. The donors of the Good Earth Fund and the donors of the more recent Serendipity Fund (both named as such because the donors wish to remain anonymous) have formalized their giving practices and are interested in contributing to their community in an informed and meaningful way.

"Donors want to play a direct role in their charitable giving and BMO Financial Group® has helped to provide one more way for philanthropists to step forward and make a vital difference in their community," says Rosemary Smith, CEO of The KWCF. "We are very interested in building more professional alliances like this one to help bring focus to important issues and opportunities." 

The Unsung Heroes Fund

Thirty-six years ago, Horace Coelho bought a one-way ticket from India to Montreal to seek a better life.  Unfortunately, Canada was facing a major recession in 1972 and he had a difficult time finding employment and accomodations. Luckily Horace was introduced to "Hazel" - a poor widow living in the suburbs. She welcomed Horace into her home, providing him with food, shelter and much needed support.

"Hazel gave me the encouragement, hope, courage, and confidence I needed," says Horace. "In just three weeks, I was able to secure a job - one that has led me into a very successful 30-year career."

Horace and his wife Rita have met many "Hazels" in their life - those humble people who have made a significant impact on the day-to-day lives of others and have no expectation of recognition or reward.

It has been the Coelho's fondest wish that they establish a fund where they, and others, can pay tribute to the often forgotten group of people who quietly make a difference behind the scenes.  "We didn't have a lot to start Unsung Heroes, but we hope that others will share in our vision and join us in adding to the fund," says Rita.

"Small gifts can start a dream," adds Rosemary Smith, CEO of the KWCF.  "When pooled together, you can build something of importance and meaning."

Committing to the Community with BF Goodrich

BF Goodrich Foremen's Club: Committing to the Community

In 1976, the charter members of the BF Goodrich Foremen's Club made a commitment to their community.

Thirty years later, as the Foremen's Club closed in July 2006, the remaining members delivered on that commitment with a $280,000 gift to the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation.

This unrestricted gift to the Community Fund, generated by the sale of the clubhouse and seventeen acres of land, will continue to help local charities and community initiatives for generations to come. “We were attracted to the Foundation because they understand community issues,” said club president Don Poole. "And with the funds as part of the Community Fund, the money can be granted where it's needed most."

The donation was the largest contribution to the Community Fund in 2006. It has made a lasting difference in the Region by funding grants to organizations such as KidsAbility, Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre, House of Friendship, and many more.

John R. Robins Fund

John Robins: A Legacy of Music

For fifty years, John Robins dedicated himself to Waterloo Region's marching band community.

He was deeply involved in several local corps such as the The Flying Dutchmen Senior and Junior Drum & Bugle Corps, The NorthStar from Kitchener-Waterloo, The DutchBoy Cadets, and The DutchBoy Drum and Bugle Corps. He also played a founding role in other regional groups such as The Kiwanis Kavaliers and The Ventures.

Over the years, John mentored thousands of young musicians, inspired them to pursue their talents, and helped them to realize their dreams. After his passing in March 2005, the John R. Robins Fund was established at The KWCF to ensure that John's work in youth music lives on.

The annual scholarships and bursaries from the newly created fund will help students involved in local musical groups such as drum and bugle corps, marching bands, and junior symphonies with the costs of university education. For years to come, young musicians will have opportunities to pursue their studies, thanks to the legacy of John Robbins.

Visit the Dutch Boy Drum and Bugle Corps website

Leaving a Legacy, Hilde English Memorial Fund

When Hilde English passed away on June 29, 2006, she left a legacy.

The bright, articulate lawyer joined The KWCF Board in 1998 and served until her death. But Hilde was also involved with many other community organizations. She received the 1999 Oktoberfest Woman of the Year award in the professional category, was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, and last year, with her husband John, received the Shamrock Charities Tim Fitzpatrick Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Hilde English Memorial Fund honours and recognizes the long-term support Hilde provided to her community. Over 225 gifts have been donated to her fund. Rosemary Smith , CEO of The KWCF, says, “They weren't all large amounts; some were only $30. Collectively, they will make a difference to the community that Hilde loved so very much.” John and son Jonathan intend to build on those donations.

Smith says, “Hilde fought passionately for her clients and the community. She was an excellent community builder and leader. People like Hilde inspire others to step up and make gifts to their communities, which pays incredible tribute to their leadership and giving nature.”

Chamber of Commerce Corporate Challenge for Charity

The first K-W Chamber Corporate Challenge took place in 1984. It became a regional and charitable event in 1996 when the Chambers of Commerce of Cambridge and Elmira/Woolwich joined in the fun.

Annual proceeds are donated to the Community Foundations of Kitchener and Waterloo, and Cambridge and North Dumfries. The Chambers believe that a partnership with the Community Foundations gives the Corporate Challenge the most "bang" for its charitable buck. It's the perfect vehicle because the Corporate Challenge is such a long-running event and donations can be maximized through an endowment fund that builds year after year allowing the Chambers to give more to the community. The wide variety of charities supported by the Community Foundations, allows the charitable dollars to be stretched further to help even more worthy causes.

Jack Middlemass' Baseball Legacy

Jack Middlemass loved baseball. He was a player, a coach, an umpire and a mentor. Jack was a leader who knew the value of teamwork and good sportsmanship. "Jack adored the kids he worked with and adored the game," says Bev Middlemass, Jack's wife. "He loved to help the kids and watch them grow."

The R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship continues Jack's legacy. The scholarship is awarded to an enthusiastic baseball player requiring financial assistance for post-secondary education. " This scholarship lets me attend college, play Junior Division I baseball and pursue my dreams of playing professional ball," notes Brock Kjeldgaard, the first R. Jack Middlemass Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Mrs. Middlemass approached the KWCF with the scholarship idea, "I thought what I wanted to do was too small, but the Foundation helped with all the things I needed." Now, Jack's scholarship will help young athletes excel in the game of baseball and in life.

How to apply for this scholarship

Victoria D'Agostino Children's Benefit Fund

Victoria D'Agostino was admired by everyone whose lives she touched. Her kindness and generosity towards others, combined with her enthusiasm for life, her athletic accomplishments, and her academic achievements were inspirations to all who knew her. Tragically, all of this promise for an exceptional future was brought to a sudden end when eight-year-old Victoria met an untimely death in December of 2002.

Turning tragedy into comfort was the goal of the Victoria D'Agostino Children's Benefit Fund. Friends of the D'Agostinos decided to encourage those qualities that Victoria had displayed during her own short life - in the lives of others.

The Fund will help to build a better community, now and for generations to come, by providing special awards to elementary students in our community. The awards will be given to young people who exhibit a loving and generous spirit towards others, demonstrate sportsmanship and athletic accomplishment, academic excellence, and good citizenship.

The Ken Murray Fund

Ken Murray has been an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation for many years. He was a member of the committee that established the Foundation in 1984, its President from 1985-88 and a member of the Board for several years.

With his lifelong interest in music and theatre, Ken has set up the Ken Murray Fund to support young people who are working in new directions and moving the boundaries in these areas. "By establishing an endowment like this, I can see the benefits accrue to my areas of interest, in my lifetime," says Ken. "I also have the satisfaction of knowing that this support will continue in perpetuity."

In 2004, the Ken Murray Fund provided over $16,000 in grants to charitable organizations in our community.

Anonymous Giving

Spinnaker Fund

The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation helps people make anonymous donations. An example is the newly created Spinnaker Fund.

A “spinnaker” (a sail that assists the primary sails) balances the boat or provides additional sail power. The Spinnaker Fund is aptly named. It will provide additional financial power to help meet the health and education needs of the KW community.

The donors chose to establish a fund that allows them to participate in grant-making. In their words, “endowing a donor-advised fund made sense for us. By establishing a permanent endowment fund, we could provide for new and changing charitable needs over time while engaging and educating other family members in the advisory process.”

According to Rosemary Smith , the Spinnaker Fund donors can choose organizations they want to support and draw on The Foundation's expertise. “We can, on behalf of the donor, do research and bring ideas forward, while preserving their anonymity. Donors can be very active, making recommendations while we work behind the scenes – handling investments, dealing with legal and administrative tasks, and creating income tax reports.”

According to the donors, The KWCF was a logical choice. “Their excellent reputation and their local focus – supporting the needs and enhancing the quality of life in the Kitchener and Waterloo communities – were key factors in establishing The Spinnaker Fund.”

The Beingessner's Community

Being an active part of the community has always been a priority for Jim and Sandy Beingessner. As members of many charitable organizations throughout the community, the Beingessners understand the need for funding. With the creation of the Jim and Sandy Beingessner and Family Fund, they will be able to help the community in a regular and lasting way. "We wanted to establish an endowment in our community that will assist charities in our lifetime and allow our children to maintain and grow that endowment well into the future," says Jim Beingessner.

With their children born and raised in Kitchener , the Beingessners feel a strong connection to the community. "We are hoping that our endowment encourages others in the community to do the same thing. The only way to keep our community strong is with financial support."

Through the endowment, the Beingessners can now grant funds in response to needs in our area and ensure that the organizations that are important to them receive the funding they deserve.

Marsland Fund

The Marsland family has strong connections in our community. Those connections were made stronger with the establishment of the Florence Louise Marsland Fund at the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.

With her family established and her great-grandchildren in school, Florence felt the need, during her lifetime, to make a special gift that would help others. Her son Larry, suggested the KWCF for her gift. Larry first came in contact with the Foundation through a donation to the KW Art Gallery in the early 1970's, where he was on the Board of Directors. His confidence in the KWCF was further strenghtend with his wife Margaret's experience as part of the Foundation's Board and the Grants Committee. So, when it came time to give, he knew that the KWCF was the perfect option to meet his mother's charitable needs.

Through the fund, Florence will be able to assist in deciding how her generous gift makes a difference in our community and she has the reassurance that her gift will continue to give well into the future.

Fifty Plus Fund

It began when the young daughter of a friend lost her battle with cancer.

John Weber and Ron Swark, who had just turned 50, decided to hold a barbeque to raise funds for the Children's Wish Foundation. That was seven years ago and since then the two friends have held a barbeque every year, raising almost $250,000 to help children who are challenged by disability or disease.

The Fifty Plus team grew to include Gerry Shorn, Dave Smith, Dave Mansell and Walter Nudyk. Two years ago, they began working with the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation to set up an endowment fund. "The Community Foundation does a lot of good in the community and was highly recommended as a way to continue this work into the future," says John.

Moe Norman Memorial Fund

Community Foundation welcomes Moe Norman Memorial Fund

Recently, a group of local community leaders came together to ensure one man’s extraordinary legacy lives on. Best known as one of the greatest ball strikers in the history of golf, Moe Norman was a regular figure at local golf courses. He had a passion for golf and the children of our community. After Moe’s passing a year ago, his trustees saw an opportunity to continue Moe’s legacy through The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation. With support and encouragement from ambassadors for The Foundation, the trustees established the Moe Norman Memorial Fund to support the youth in our community.

“After hearing how easy it was to work with the Foundation, the ease of the process and the ability to build on the Foundation’s local recognition, we as trustees had no difficulty in recommending the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation for the Moe Norman Memorial Fund,” said Gus Maue, who along with his wife Audrey, were the closest personal friends of Moe.

Moe’s love for the game of golf will continue on through the fund’s recipients and those who loved and respected Moe. “The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation is a well-respected organization that is truly local. The money is raised and spent here in our community for the benefit of all in our community,” said Gus Maue.

Local ambassadors, Brian Fisher, Bob Warren and Owen Lackenbauer for The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation, helped educate and share information about The Foundation and its goals with the trustees. Ambassadors come in many forms including volunteers or committee members, donors or community leaders. It’s with their help that we can continue to make a lasting difference in our community.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant

Access to arts and cultural activities is one of the key strengths in any community.

Many organizations providing these activities in our area are struggling due to lack of resources and funding. The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation is now able to make a difference to these organizations through the generosity of The Ontario Trillium Foundation.

As part of a $25,000 grant, the KWCF will look for ways to build and maintain strong arts, culture and heritage organizations for the benefit of our community. We are working with partners in Sudbury, Windsor and Kingston .

Through this collaboration, we'll open the lines of communication within communities and organizations to create a Waterloo Region that thrives on artistic, cultural and heritage-related activities.