Donor Stories

Make Your Mark Foundation in Memory of Kayla Chadwick (a field of interest fund) On Friday, March 26th, 2021, a new fund was launched at The Guelph Community Foundation called Make Your Mark Foundation in Memory of Kayla Chadwick. The … In Memory of a Family Member Continue…

William K. Greenaway & Anne C. Bawden Fund (unrestricted named fund) Anne Bawden and Bill Greenaway married in Windsor in 1967. They lived in Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Ontario, but always planned on returning to ‘home territory’. They are among … The Foundation’s First Fund Continue…

Peter Szkotnicki Legacy Fund (donor advised fund)Peter Szkotnicki was a bright, engaging individual, who was loved by family and friends. He was a gifted person that people often wanted to be with due to his keenness for life, his sense … A Family’s Loss, a Young Man’s Legacy Continue…

Wismer Fund for the Arts (Field of Interest Fund) In setting up the Wismer Fund for the Arts at the Guelph Community Foundation, and at the same time making provisions in their wills for a future bequest to that fund, John and … Giving Now and Giving Later Continue…

The Co-operators Fund  (an unrestricted named Community Fund)Did you know that The Co-operators was founded by a group of farmers seeking a local solution to a local problem? Over time, the organization has grown to be one of Canada’s largest insurers, … Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World Continue…

Anne and John Lawrence Memorial Fund (a designated fund) For a lifelong history buff and community-minded individual, leaving an enduring gift might seem like a natural thing to do. Yet, the creation of a significant endowment that will span generations … A Love of History, a Gift for All Time Continue…

Koornstra Family Foundation Fund (donor advised fund) Like all families, the Koornstra’s are busy with school, work and volunteering. On top of that, their deep commitment to community-building and philosophy that “life is more than just going through the daily motions”, inspired … Family Philanthropy Continue…

Thelma Townsend Fund and the Wynne Townsend Christie Fund(both are designated funds)Being active members of the community has been important for Gary and Wynne Christie (photo left). Involved in many charitable organizations through the community, the Christie’s understand the need … Giving Through Generations Continue…

Dr. Glenn D. Peirson Fund for the Arts (donor advised fund) Glenn was a fan of writer and philosopher Soren Kierkegaard who said, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”. A few of Glenn’s favourite things included Bach, … Creating a Lasting Legacy Continue…

Camp Discover Fund (field of interest fund)(Note: the donor’s name has been changed to reflect her wishes for anonymity)Mary had many fond memories of summer camp, from meeting new friends, acquiring a new skill, or just having a ton of fun. … Helping Good People Do Great Things: Camp Discover Fund Continue…

John A. Hourigan Memorial Fund (scholarship fund)(February 2006): John [Jack] Hourigan, was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1911 and his career in finance brought him and his wife Marjorie to Guelph in 1952. Besides being very busy with his career … A Family’s Tribute to Their Father Continue…

Terry Doyle Scholarship Fund (scholarship fund supporting dramatic arts) Over 600 theatre patrons, sponsors, Rotarians, friends and family members gathered at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse on January 28, 2006 to pay tribute to the late Terry Doyle with a spirited celebration … A Tribute to a Dear Friend Continue…

Norman Earl Webb Fund (donor advised fund and unrestricted fund) The Guelph Community Foundation received over $900,000 from the late Norman Earl Webb who passed away in January 2005 at the age of 98. Mr. Webb was very motivated to give … Passionate About His Community: The Legacy of Norman Earl Webb Continue…

Anne Hohenadel Fund (designated fund)  This is a photo of my mom with a “bottle of the best” in 1936. Before Coke renamed their original recipe, my mother was a “classic” all by herself. She passed away this May in her eighty-sixth … A Perfect Christmas Gift for Mom – a donor’s story behind her fund Continue…

Hugh and Lorna Guthrie Fund (donor advised fund) Hugh and Lorna Guthrie were modest and very private people. Having both grown up in Guelph they loved the City and believed deeply in everyone’s responsibility to contribute to the community. Throughout their … Preserving the Past, Nurturing the Present and Anticipating the Future Continue…