Philanthropists Andrew and Lisa Paterson recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Region
Kenora– The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation is very pleased to recognize the continued outstanding contributions of philanthropists Andrew and Lisa Paterson, to the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Region. Over the last eleven years, Mr. and Mrs. Paterson have been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the region’s Community Foundation as well as being its major donors with a $500,000 endowment donation for an apprenticeship program for First Nation’s Youth. Mr. Paterson became a Director Emeritus of the Community Foundation in 2011.
Mr. and Mrs. Paterson and their 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 they 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 twenty five students who 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 and Lisa Paterson and family have led the way with growing the Community Foundation for the region. They recognized the need for the Foundation and made it happen. This is their way of giving back to the community” adds MacGillivray. The family has also played a central role in building the $4.3 million we currently have in endowments. These are permanent funds that will distribute grants to this region in perpetuity” notes MacGillivray. Since 2004, the Community Foundation has distributed grants of $1.4 Million 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
