Mission & History

Mission

The mission of the Oak Lake and Area Foundation is to  provide a wide range of cultural, educational, health, environment, heritage and community service to the people within our area.

History

Oak Lake and Area Foundation began in 1999 when five community members decided to establish an organization that would reinvest into the future of Oak Lake and surrounding area. This organization became incorporated in 1999 as a non-profit registered charity and received its charitable donation number. Their vision was to create a legacy that would help to meet the upcoming needs of the area and have something for the future. We are forever grateful for their hard work and personal donations that we put in place to start the gifts of giving.

On May 11, 2000, the reins of the foundation were turned over to its first board of directors. The foundation continued to grow and in 2002 the first grants totaling $750.00 were awarded:

Oak Lake District Arena – artificial ice project – $300
Oak Lake and District Museum – $300
Oak Lake Water and Fish enhancement – $150

Over the years, yearly grants have grown to total $17,544.55 in 2018, for a total in excess of $127,000 granted during the 19 years that the foundation has existed. Scholarships totaling $500 have been awarded over the period 2017-2018 to Oak Lake area students of Virden Collegiate Institute to assist with continuing their education.

Oak Lake and Area Foundation is part of the Community Foundations of Canada and has been under the umbrella of the Winnipeg Foundation since 2003 to take advantage of their expertise, knowledge and financial advisement. This has provided a great support system for the volunteer board, as well as a great financial investment.