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Philanthropist Andrew Paterson recognized as Director Emeritus for his outstanding contributions to the Kenora Region

Kenora– The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation is very pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions of noted philanthropist Andrew B. Paterson to the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Region. Mr. Paterson has been appointed a Director Emeritus of the Community Foundation. Over the last seven years, Mr. Paterson has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the region’s Community Foundation as well as being its major donor with a $500,000 endowment donation for an apprenticeship program for First Nation’s Youth. Through Mr. Paterson’s leadership, the Paterson Foundation in Thunder Bay has also contributed $1 million to the Paterson Medical Centre, serving the Kenora Region and First Nations Communities. Mr. Paterson is President and CEO of Paterson GlobalFoods Inc., a conglomerate of international Agri-Food and related businesses, with annual revenues of $1 billion. He is a Director Emeritus of the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation, having served as Board Chairman for ten years and is currently the Vice-President of the Paterson Foundation.

Mr. Paterson and his family have been residents on Lake of the Woods for five generations and are keenly aware of the needs of the local community. It is for that reason that he chose to establish a program benefiting local first nation’s youth and helping them gain valuable job skills. “Young people need an opportunity to prove to others that they can do it on their own. Everyone needs their first big break and this program will give them that

opportunity.” says Andrew Paterson. “Everyone will benefit from this program; the recipients, local business and the citizens of our community.” says Paterson. “You can’t downplay the improvement to the lives of the fourteen students that have gone through the program so far.” says the Foundation’s executive director Darlene MacGillivray. “Several of the students have told us that without the Paterson program, they would be sitting at home.” she says.

“There’s no doubt that Andrew Paterson has led the way with getting the Community Foundation going for the region. Andrew recognized the need for the Foundation and made it happen. This is his way of giving back to the community” says Don Parfitt, president of the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Region. “As chairman of the Asset Development Committee, Andrew has also played a central role in building the $2.3 million we currently have in endowments. These are permanent funds that will distribute grants to this region in perpetuity” says Parfitt. Since 2004, the Community Foundation has distributed grants of $804,000 to more than fifty registered charities.

The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation is a volunteer driven, public foundation, which accepts donations and builds endowment funds – creating a nest egg that will always be there for the community. The investment income earned on the funds is granted to local registered charities that enhance the quality of life, in line with the donors’ wishes. Our catchment area includes the City of Kenora and the neighbouring communities of Reddit, Minaki, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, the First Nations Territories and the unincorporated territories surrounding Lake of the Woods. Because the Community Foundation supports all kinds of charities-not just one sector or issue area – we are well positioned to bring diverse voices together to address local issues. Together we build networks, we collaborate; we build community: Building Forever…Together.

For more information, please contact:

Darlene MacGillivray, Executive Director, Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation 467- 4427- info@klwcf.ca www.klwcf.ca

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