Students gather to share success in community philanthropic projects

July 7th, 2004

STEINBACH, MB – Students from Steinbach, Niverville, Landmark, Ste. Anne and Grunthal gathered in Steinbach today to celebrate their learning and accomplishments in the field of philanthropy.

A luncheon was held to allow students who participated in this year’s Philanthropy 101 course offered at their schools an opportunity to speak about the grants they made and why they made them.

The Philanthropy 101 course, sponsored by the Loewen Foundation, provided each of the five participating high schools with $2,000 to grant to charitable organizations of their choice. The course, led by the Loewen Foundation, provided the students with tools to evaluate charitable organizations and make good decisions about why and how to make grants.

Grant recipients chosen by this year’s students included Agape House, the Marion Centre, SPADE, Ste. Anne Parish, Niverville Youth Drop-in Centre, Grace Haven Pregnancy Distress Centre, Backstage, the Grunthal Lion’s Club and Grunthal Fire Department. While each group chose their own focus, they were all motivated to improve their own communities.

Ken E. Friesen, Loewen Foundation Executive Director, said, “The youth involved were usually leaders in their own schools. By also being leaders in philanthropy, they are great role models for other students who will be tomorrow’s volunteers and philanthropists. They have a keen perception of the issues this world is facing – and of some of the things that can be done.”

“Students spend a lot of time learning skills and knowledge that will help them to be successful and make money,” added John Loewen, Loewen Foundation Chair. “We believe it is just as important that students learn to carefully invest money in organizations that help improve our world. This is an effective way for the Loewen Foundation to invest its funds and to nurture future leaders.”

The Loewen Foundation will be offering Philanthropy 101 again in the 2004-2005 school year to high schools in southeastern Manitoba.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Lindsay Hildebrandt, Marketing Communications Coordinator – Media Specialist
P: 800.563.9367 ext. 688
F: 800.563.9361
E: