Volunteers are a huge reason many things happen in Portage la Prairie. Some volunteer here and there when it works, while others devote years of their time to different groups, not-for-profits, and one-off or annual events. Jody Fletcher and Anita Janzen-Gemmell are two people who fall into the latter category and both have been volunteering in the community for many years. 

While it is no surprise they both plan to continue helping out elsewhere in different ways, their time with the Community Foundation of Portage and District recently came to an end after 9 years of service following the annual general meeting.

Fletcher says even after almost a decade of service, it still wasn't an easy decision.

"Tough to go. Even after nine years. I think the foundation is the crown jewel of not for profits in Portage.  I've volunteered for many different organizations over the years, but this one absolutely captured my heart. It means a lot to the community."

The foundation grants hundreds of thousands of dollars back into the community every year and Fletcher feels they are all important. One big grant though does stand out.

"The 250 thousand dollar donation that we were able to make to the assisted living project,  just to help put it over the top. That was a big one, and it's great to see the building up now. I feel like it's time for that younger generation to step in. For me, I'll step aside gracefully and let some of these younger people carry on. I'll miss it a lot, but I know there are so many talented people out there that can certainly do more than I've done."

For Janzen-Gemmell, the assisted living donation also stands out, as does another big one.

"It was the 20th anniversary year of the foundation, we ended up handing out a hundred thousand dollars and it went to the Portage school division to finish the track at Yellowquill School. I felt that was really impactful, and personally, because I had kids that were going to be using it, it was really nice to have the track completed"

Gemmell reflects back on her time on the board.

"It's unusual to be on a board where your main focus is to give money away instead of doing fundraising activities. So I did really enjoy that piece of it. It was nice hearing about all the organizations that applied for grants and what they would be doing with the money. It was a nice way to be a part of the community and to really serve and help. Nine years is a long time to be on a board and it is time for some fresh eyes. I was the treasurer for quite a few of those years and Doug Pedden is coming on to do that, he's going to be excellent"

Lucy Kinnear has also moved on after 6 years of service so there will be several new faces joining the Foundation. Those announcements will be coming at a later date.

Jody Fletcherthe always smiling Jody Fletcher being recognized for her dedication by current Foundation chair Ken Brennan