Funds

The Youth United Student Leadership Award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism, and a commitment to building stronger communities. Presented through a partnership between United Way of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, the award celebrates young people who lead by example through civic engagement, compassion, and involvement in school and community initiatives. Recipients reflect the values of Youth United by using their time, energy, and leadership to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the wellbeing of their community.

This award is made possible through the generosity of the following donors: Digital Engineering, Bonnie Moore, Synergy North, Douglas Semple, and the Board/Staff United Way of Thunder Bay.

Mr. Pritam Lamba created this scholarship in memory of his wife Veena, as a remembrance of her love of art, her love of life and her joy in her family. The award will assist a student to find their passion in art as Veena did.

The Uncommon Woman is an empowerment platform lifting the voices and visions of women as they rise into their personal power, embrace their gifts and make a difference in the world. In this time of great growth and an ever changing socioeconomic climate for women, it has never been more vital that women leaders of the future find easeful and supported entrance into what has historically been the male dominated industries of STEM.

‘The Uncommon Woman Leadership in STEM Scholarship’ is a way of supporting our future women leaders so they can focus more on fulfilling their dreams and less on trying to find their way.

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation supports existing programs and services and new and innovative programs or other charitable works in the District of Thunder Bay. Each year the Foundation awards grants to charitable organizations for projects in areas including, but not limited to arts, heritage, youth, recreation, capital projects, alleviating human suffering, health and welfare and community innovation.

With the encouragement of their parents, who were strong believers in the value of higher education, Terry and Janice both graduated from university and went on to become Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA). Janice grew up in Current River and later lived in Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver before returning to Thunder Bay, where she married lifelong resident Terry Redden.

Following their retirement, Terry and Janice established the Terry and Janice Redden Endowed Fund to provide Bursary and help students from the Thunder Bay region pursue post-secondary education at Lakehead University or Confederation College.

Volunteers are the strength and backbone of every charitable organization and the success and effectiveness of the charity is a direct relation of their knowledgeable commitment. Volunteer recruitment, training and recognition is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of all charities.

This fund will assist charities in sustaining their volunteers and address their ever-changing needs and opportunities in our community now and forever. From Board and Committee to grassroots roots training in developing individuals skills to preform day to day hands on support and fundraising this fund will financially support those training initiatives.

The Tere and Marie McDonald Fund will give consideration to requests for funds to provide for all types of training and education, strategic planning, community engagement and capacity building.

When the Thunder Bay Community Foundation was established in 1971, Sue Cochran Simonsen was one of its founding members. As a retired educator, Sue believed deeply in the transformative power of education and the opportunities it creates for young people. After attending a graduation ceremony at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, she gained a profound appreciation for Indigenous culture and recognized the need to bridge the gap between Indigenous and mainstream Canadian communities through education and understanding.

Inspired by this experience, Sue established the Susan Cochran Simonsen Bursary for Indigenous Students to help ensure Indigenous graduates have the same opportunities to pursue post-secondary education as their peers.

Leslie Vance served as a Primary Care Paramedic with Superior North EMS from 1992 until her passing on August 1, 2010, at the age of 38. She was an avid reader who loved to travel, stay active, spend time with her family and pets, and volunteer with the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society. Known for her unique sense of humour and compassionate spirit, Leslie touched the lives of many through her dedication to helping others.

The Superior North EMS Leslie Vance Award was established in her memory to honour her legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to her community by supporting students pursuing post-secondary education.

The Shirley H. and Meredith O. Nelson Fund was established in 2006 by their daughter, Archdeacon Deborah Kraft, to honour her parents’ legacy of education, service, and community involvement.

Shirley Shrum Nelson was born in 1923 on her family farm in Gainsborough Township, Ontario, and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Mack Training School in St. Catharines. Meredith O. (“MO”) Nelson was born in 1921 and raised on a farm near Smithville, Ontario. He earned a degree in Industrial Engineering through the General Motors Co-op Engineering Program (Kettering University) and went on to a distinguished international career, retiring as Group President, Newsprint, Pulp and Forest Products for Kimberly-Clark Corporation in North America.

After retiring to Thunder Bay in 1984, Shirley and MO became deeply involved in community service. Shirley passed away in 2007, while MO lived to the age of 100, passing in 2021 after a lifetime of active community involvement. Together, they volunteered with numerous local organizations, including the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Rotary Club of Port Arthur, and the Thunder Bay Naval Association. Their legacy of dedication, generosity, hard work, faith, and service continues through the Fund, supporting students and strengthening charitable organizations throughout the community.

Through the Fund, Scholarships support students raised on working farms who are pursuing post-secondary studies in health care or engineering, while annual Grants are provided to charitable organizations throughout Thunder Bay.

Ruth Black had a deep love for Thunder Bay and left a generous bequest to the Thunder Bay Community Foundation to ensure her passion for the community would continue in perpetuity. She served as Assistant Administrator at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital for 38 years, a remarkable achievement for her time, and was known for her compassion and dedication to those living with mental illness. Ruth was also the driving force behind the creation of the hospital’s library, establishing a thriving reference facility in 1973 that supported staff and the thousands of patients receiving mental health, geriatric, psychogeriatric, and crisis intervention services.

Ruth’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and service lives on through the Ruth Black Fund, which provides Grants to support mental health charities and programs that assist individuals living with mental health needs.

In 2006, Mr. Roy S. Rogers established the Roy Seymour & Geraldine Ruth Rogers Fund to provide a Scholarship in honour of his late cousin, Ms. Geraldine Ruth Rogers. Geraldine was born and raised in Espanola, Ontario, and moved to Fort William in 1951. She attended Toronto Teachers’ College and later received her Bachelor of Arts from Lakehead University.

The Scholarship is awarded to students from the District of Thunder Bay who are seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, supporting them in their pursuit of higher education.

Former Hammarskjold High School teacher Mr. Wilson established the Ross A. Wilson Education Fund to support students from Hammarskjold High School who demonstrate a particular interest in the Sciences and are pursuing post-secondary education at a Canadian university. Through these Scholarships, Mr. Wilson continues to encourage and support students in their academic pursuits and future careers in the sciences.

The Dr. R. K. Dewar Fund was established in 1987 by Ms. Helen Dewar in honour of her brother, Dr. Robert Kerr Dewar, and his life’s work. Dr. Dewar had great faith in the future and progress of medical science and maintained a keen interest in the cutting-edge research of his time. He was particularly passionate about the fields of Neuro-Regeneration and Molecular Biology.

The Fund provides the Dr. R. K. Dewar Medical Research Grant, supporting initiatives that advance medical research and continue Dr. Dewar’s commitment to scientific discovery and progress.

The OECYR Fund was developed in partnership with the Province of Ontario, with these funds matched through generous donations from our community. Grants from the OECYR Fund support registered charities that provide recreation programs for individuals under 18 years of age.

Eligible community recreation programs may include sport, recreation, fitness, youth leadership, camping, outdoor education, playgroups, arts, and cultural activities, helping to create meaningful opportunities for children and youth throughout the community.

The Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop established this Fund in 2024 to give our awards dedicated to encouraging and supporting the next generation of writers. Valued at $500, the Award is available to graduating high school students from the Thunder Bay District who plan to pursue a career in writing.

Liliana Ciddio graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the late 1990’s at Lakehead University. After finishing teacher’s college, she started supply teaching across the city. Within a short time, she acquired a position at Hammarskjold high school. She set up an inspiring and welcoming art room where she mentored and nurtured her students. During her break period, her classroom was an inviting and friendly place where her students could have lunch or just hang out with Mrs. C.

Liliana was an extraordinary multi-medium artist. Her artworks had meaning, told stories, and were a view into the mind of a complex, brilliant and caring human being. Her works included all styles of oil and watercolour paintings, sculptures, plaster, collages, sketches, prints, dioramas, embroidery and multi­medium installations.

Her last position was at Westgate CVI where she headed the culinary program. Over those few years she more than doubled the enrollment due to her engaging nature, caring and teaching skills. During this period Liliana became ill and was forced to leave her work. She missed her students and coworkers and had full intention to return. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in October 2024.

Liliana had the ability to bond with her students and embrace friendships with her peers and coworkers. She saw the inherent good in everyone she met or knew. The Liliana Ciddio Memorial Bursary is a testament to her kind and loving nature.

Lesley and Rod believe in the importance of giving back to the Thunder Bay community. They created their Fund to support organizations focussing on providing assistance in regard to homelessness, food insecurity, mental health and addictions and accessibility for those disabled.

The Laurie and Joanne Tulloch Family Fund was created in 2022 following the passing of Laurence (Laurie) Tulloch. Joanne, along with their children Laurence and Nancy, wanted to ensure Laurie’s legacy of civic engagement continued through supporting youth in the Thunder Bay community who are pursuing a career in education.

Laurie and Joanne were educators in the elementary and secondary school systems with the Lakehead Public School Board. Born, raised, and educated in Port Arthur, Laurie and Joanne were strong advocates for educators being role models, active volunteers, and mentors within the community. Together, they believed that engaged youth develop into community-oriented adults.

Both of them encouraged youth involvement in sport, recreation, and music by supporting young people in these activities and volunteering themselves. They spent many hours coaching, serving on not-for-profit boards, fundraising, and advocating for numerous sport, health, and community-based organizations.

The Keri Chase Foundation was formed in 2002 in memory of Keri Coleen Chase, who passed away in a tragic auto accident. Keri had a deep compassion for animals and dedicated much of her time to helping injured and stray animals and birds, finding them loving homes or returning them to the wild where they belonged.

In 2013, the Keri Chase Foundation established the Keri Chase Memorial Animal Welfare Fund at the Thunder Bay Community Foundation to continue Keri’s legacy of care and compassion for animals.

Through the Fund, Grants support animal welfare charities for specific projects, including but not limited to spay and neuter programs, shelters, medical care, food, and the general care and well-being of animals.

In 2026, the Keri Chase Foundation established the Keri Chase Memorial Veterinary Scholarship to further honour Keri’s lifelong commitment to animal welfare. The Scholarship supports a resident of Thunder Bay who is enrolled in the Lakehead University Veterinary Program and shares Keri’s passion for helping animals in need. Through this Scholarship, Ken and Diane Chase hope to inspire future veterinarians to lead with compassion, service, and dedication, continuing Keri’s legacy of kindness toward all living creatures.

The Keri Chase Foundation was formed in 2002 in memory of Keri Coleen Chase, who passed away in a tragic auto accident. Keri had a deep compassion for animals and dedicated much of her time to helping injured and stray animals and birds, finding them loving homes or returning them to the wild where they belonged.

In 2013, the Keri Chase Foundation established the Keri Chase Memorial Animal Welfare Fund at the Thunder Bay Community Foundation to continue Keri’s legacy of care and compassion for animals.

Through the Fund, Grants support animal welfare charities for specific projects, including but not limited to spay and neuter programs, shelters, medical care, food, and the general care and well-being of animals.

In 2026, the Keri Chase Foundation established the Keri Chase Memorial Veterinary Scholarship to further honour Keri’s lifelong commitment to animal welfare. The Scholarship supports a resident of Thunder Bay who is enrolled in the Lakehead University Veterinary Program and shares Keri’s passion for helping animals in need. Through this Scholarship, Ken and Diane Chase hope to inspire future veterinarians to lead with compassion, service, and dedication, continuing Keri’s legacy of kindness toward all living creatures.

Ken Moffatt was an original Board Member of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation when it was established in 1971 and understands the importance of creating a legacy that will benefit generations to come. He established the Ken Moffatt Family Fund in memory of his late wife, June Moffatt, and his daughter, Susan (Moffatt) Estey, who were both dedicated nurses and graduates of the Grace Hospital School of Nursing in Winnipeg.

In 2024, the Ken Moffatt Family Bursary was established through the Fund to honour June and Susan’s legacy of compassion and service. The Bursary supports students pursuing post-secondary education, carrying forward the family’s commitment to education.

The Kelly and George Badanai Family Fund reflects the Badanai family’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the community. As owners of Badanai Motors, Kelly and George have embraced the company’s mission of “remaining a socially responsible member of the community” by investing in causes that are meaningful to their family and make a lasting difference.

Justice Ronald B. Lester was deeply committed to serving his community, with a particular passion for supporting youth. For many years, he served as President of Harbour Youth Services, dedicating his time to helping young people succeed. Following his passing in 2000, Harbour Youth Services renamed its post-secondary bursary in his honour.

In 2005, the Lester family assumed administration of the bursary and established the Justice Ronald B. Lester Memorial Youth Foundation. Through the Foundation, the Justice Ronald B. Lester Bursary supports local graduating high school students who have demonstrated financial need and outstanding community service, helping create educational opportunities for those who may otherwise be unable to attend college or university due to financial barriers. Today, it remains one of the largest privately funded family bursaries awarded in the Thunder Bay region.

Justice Ronald B. Lester was deeply committed to serving his community, with a particular passion for supporting youth. For many years, he served as President of Harbour Youth Services, dedicating his time to helping young people succeed. Following his passing in 2000, Harbour Youth Services renamed its post-secondary bursary in his honour.

In 2005, the Lester family assumed administration of the bursary and established the Justice Ronald B. Lester Memorial Youth Foundation. Through the Foundation, the Justice Ronald B. Lester Bursary supports local graduating high school students who have demonstrated financial need and outstanding community service, helping create educational opportunities for those who may otherwise be unable to attend college or university due to financial barriers. Today, it remains one of the largest privately funded family bursaries awarded in the Thunder Bay region.

June Morgan MacDonald was born in Fort William in 1926. Before retiring, she served as Head of the Art Department at Lakeview High School, where she spent much of her career inspiring generations of students to discover and embrace the arts. June had an exceptional gift for teaching, and her life was enriched by a passion for painting, sculpture, tapestry, music, ballet, theatre, and literature.

In recognition of the importance of arts education, June established a Bursary to support students with financial need who are pursuing university studies in the arts,.

The J P Hudolin Family Fund was established by Jack and Maria Hudolin as a tribute to Jack’s parents, John and Phyllis Hudolin, who lived and worked in Thunder Bay throughout their 66 years of marriage.

The Fund provides Grants to community programs and services that promote accessibility and inclusivity for individuals living with disabilities or limited mobility.

Mrs. Edith Dyke was a graduate of Victoria College and the University of Toronto and was one of the first women to practice law in the District of Thunder Bay. Through her estate, she established a Scholarship in honour of her father, the late Rev. Joshua Dyke, reflecting her commitment to education and student success.

The Joshua Dyke Family Scholarship supports graduating South Ward high school students who are seeking full-time admission to a Canadian university, helping them pursue their post-secondary education and future aspirations.

The Josa Daliro Family Fund was established in 2020 with the purpose of giving back to the community through Grants that support outdoor experiences throughout the District of Thunder Bay.

The Fund supports outdoor group-based recreational and educational activities that are non-competitive and non-motorized, taking place in natural outdoor settings. These initiatives are intended to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being while encouraging people to connect with nature and the outdoors.

The John Alexander McLean Fund was established by Jean Elizabeth McLean in honour of her husband. Through the Fund, Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students who are enrolling in their first year of the Bachelor of Education or Concurrent Education program at Lakehead University, supporting the next generation of educators in pursuing their academic and professional goals.

Local philanthropists Shirley and James Symington established their own Family Fund to support the community through the funding of local initiatives that are important to them. Jim grew up in Hurkett and Port Arthur, Ontario, while Shirley grew up in London, Ontario. Both pursued post-secondary education, with Jim earning his Bachelor of Commerce and Shirley earning her Bachelor of Nursing. In 1976, they moved to Thunder Bay and have been an integral part of the community ever since.

In 2015, Grants through this Fund become available for projects that support longer-term goals rather than fulfilling immediate crisis-type needs. These include building or equipment projects, as well as projects that help people better themselves. Projects that provide enjoyment or create a better quality of life for the general public are also of interest.

The Fund supports initiatives such as helping children have experiences they may not otherwise have access to, including opportunities like summer camps, as well as projects that help individuals overcome barriers. Projects related to the preservation of the natural environment, such as hiking trails and park improvements, historical preservation, and animal welfare are also supported.

In 2018, Jim and Shirley established a Bursary through the Fund with the goal of helping young people pursue post-secondary education while reducing financial barriers. Having both benefited from bursaries during their own educational journeys, they were inspired to create the Bursary to support students who may otherwise face challenges in accessing post-secondary education and achieving their academic goals.

Helen Lilodah Dewar was born in Calcutta, India. Her family moved to Canada when she was eight years old, and in 1920, they settled in Fort William. Helen was a dedicated music supervisor and teacher with the Port Arthur Public School Board for many years, sharing her passion for education and the arts with generations of students.

Helen passed away in December 1989, and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation became one of the main beneficiaries of her estate. In recognition of her generosity and lasting contributions to the community, the Foundation established the Helen L. Dewar Scholarship in 1991 to provide Scholarships to deserving students in the City of Thunder Bay and District.

The Hanna & Victor Stevenson Fund was established by the estate of Mr. Stevenson in 2010 to partially support education and arts development. In his will, Mr. Stevenson intentionally left the broadest possible interpretation of education and arts development, so that the Community Foundation could direct the income from his Fund to the most pressing needs of the City. As these needs change, the Hannah and Victor Stevenson Fund will remain flexible enough to change with them. The purpose of the Fund is for Arts Development in the City of Thunder Bay.

Cliff Friesen and Susan Jones Friesen created the Friesen Jones Family Bursary in memory of Susan’s godmother, Mary Balanchuk, a former Lakehead educator and retired Professor at Queen’s University.

Susan established the Bursary to support individuals who have graduated or are graduating from high school and pursuing post-secondary education opportunities. As a longtime educator and advocate for child welfare, Susan has always been committed to protecting and enhancing the lives of youth through education and opportunity.

Together, Susan and her philanthropic husband Cliff established this Bursary in partnership with the Thunder Bay Community Foundation to help support students in achieving their educational goals and building a brighter future.

The Fort William Columbus Club was established in 1951 in the city of Fort William. Five visionaries from Fort William and Port Arthur envisioned a Social and Athletic Club that would advance the cultural and social interest of the members and others through athletic games, recreation and sports. This was their way of giving back to their community.

Doreen grew up in Peel County, graduated from The Mack School of Nursing in St. Catharines and received her Diploma in Public Health from the University of Western Ontario. She practiced public health nursing with the VON in Windsor and Toronto, and then public health in Dufferin County before joining the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

Doreen has been an active member of the community as a Girl Guide leader, board member of the Canadian Red Cross, founding member of the Thunder Bay Quilter’s Guild, member of the provincial Psychiatric Review Board, volunteer at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, St. Paul’s United Church, and the founder of the Caring Community Quilters Group. Doreen values education and the importance of making a positive contribution to your community.

Bill grew up in Chatham, Ontario, graduated from the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto and had a successful career in education having taught secondary school in St. Catharines before entering school administration. He was principal at both Lakeview High School and Hammarskjold High School in Thunder Bay before being appointed Superintendent of Curriculum with the Lakehead Board of Education. Bill was appointed the Returning Officer for the federal electoral district of Thunder Bay Superior North in 2000, a position he held until the spring of 2018.

Bill has had extensive community involvement including being a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Thunder Bay (Port Arthur), Magnus Theatre Board of Directors, St. Paul’s United Church Board, and the local federal and provincial Liberal Riding Associations. He served as chair of the city of Thunder Bay’s Committee of Adjustment, is an active member of the Thunder Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group, is a Patient Family Advocate at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, and currently sits on a number of local boards and committees.

Doreen and Bill established this Fund because they both value the importance of education and making a positive contribution to the community. Through the Bursary provided by the Fund, they hope to support students in pursuing their educational goals and help create opportunities for the next generation.

In 2003, Dr. S. Penny Petrone established a named Fund to provide Grants to agencies that support persons with disabilities, especially individuals who are blind.

In her directions for this Fund, Dr. Petrone wrote: “I truly believe that the able-bodied should be responsible for their own welfare. My concern is for those, who through no fault of their own, are born disabled or have become so. Thereby, I hope to make their lives a little better.”

In 2012, the estate of Lucy Frances Ritza established the Donny Ritza Fund to “assist in the skills development of people who are mentally challenged.” The Fund was created in honour of Lucy’s son, Donny, and recognizes his achievements by supporting individuals with disabilities in the community.

The Donny Ritza Fund provides Grants to local charitable organizations that support people with disabilities and advance opportunities for skill development and inclusion.

The Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation is an Anishinabek-led charitable organization established in 2009. The mandate is to support the educational, recreational, cultural and community needs of Anishinabek children and youth in North western Ontario. Mazinaajim works with over 6000 children and families who face many social and economic challenges. The need for help is great, yet many services that are vital to the health and well-being of children and families are not funded. The Mazinaajim Children’s Foundation can meet the changing needs of children and youth with support from donors.

Danny was born in Flagogna, Friuli, Italy, on August 24th, 1944. Like so many, he was born into a time of chaos and conflict, and like so many, he ended up traveling half a world away to build a new life in a new country.

Danny was a firm believer in the Community, supporting numerous local charities and organizations. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Da Vinci Centre, where he was part of the founding building committee and later served as President, as well as his efforts and support towards the construction of St. Dominic’s Church.

The Danny Clara Legacy Fund was established in his honour to continue his commitment to giving back to the community. The Fund provides Bursaries and Grants to deserving students and charitable organizations throughout the City of Thunder Bay and District, helping create opportunities and support initiatives that strengthen the community he cared deeply about.

The Chrusz/Savitsky Non-Endowed Fund was established in 2024 to support students from Thunder Bay pursuing post-secondary education in Engineering, Business, Trades, and Technology programs at Lakehead University and Confederation College.

Education has always been highly valued in the Chrusz and Savitsky families. Both Leslie and Gary pursued their own educational journeys at Confederation College and Lakehead University and wanted to create opportunities for students in the community to achieve their academic and career goals. This Fund gives the family the opportunity to extend their encouragement to the youth of our community through financial support.

The Chrusz/Savitsky Endowed Fund was established in 2024 to support students from Thunder Bay pursuing post-secondary education in Engineering, Business, Trades, and Technology programs at Lakehead University and Confederation College.

Education has always been highly valued in the Chrusz and Savitsky families. Both Leslie and Gary pursued their own educational journeys at Confederation College and Lakehead University and wanted to create opportunities for students in the community to achieve their academic and career goals. This Fund gives the family the opportunity to extend their encouragement to the youth of our community through financial support.

Christopher Jean grew up in the construction industry. After earning a Civil Engineering Technologist Diploma from Confederation College in 2001, he began a successful career working alongside his father at MLA Northern Contracting. He married Sheri in 2009. Christopher loved being in the kitchen wearing his chef’s apron preparing meals for his wife and son, Owen, and friends. He also loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing. Christopher loved his community and generously supported many local Thunder Bay charities including Shelter House and the Underground Gym.

The Fund is to be used to carry out activities to promote healthy lifestyles and sportsmanship for children and youth through sports, games and recreation and to “relieve poverty by providing shelter, food, clothing and other amenities to assist people in need” in the City of Thunder Bay.

Bonnie Moore and her husband Jay Eingold have been dedicated supporters of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation since Bonnie joined the Board in 2009. Giving back to the community through the Foundation is a true joy for them. They established a Fund to provide support to various charities serving youth today, while their Legacy Gift in their Will ensures their appreciation for the important work of local charitable organizations continues for generations to come.

“Young people are our future, and by supporting them Jay and I hope to help ease their financial burden,” says Bonnie Moore.

The Fund gives out a Bursary each year named Bonnie Moore and Jay Eingold Boys and Girls Club Bursary which supports a deserving young person who has demonstrated commitment and involvement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay. The award reflects Bonnie and Jay’s belief in investing in youth and helping reduce financial barriers as young people pursue their goals and future aspirations.

Through this Fund, Bonnie Moore also created the Albert Aiello Award, which provides grants to charities seeking support for staff professional development opportunities, such as attending the CFRE Conference. While the award is not intended to cover the full cost of professional development, it helps enhance access to valuable learning opportunities that strengthen charitable organizations and their impact in the community.

Bonnie Moore and her husband Jay Eingold have been dedicated supporters of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation since Bonnie joined the Board in 2009. Giving back to the community through the Foundation is a true joy for them. They established a Fund to provide support to various charities serving youth today, while their Legacy Gift in their Will ensures their appreciation for the important work of local charitable organizations continues for generations to come.

“Young people are our future, and by supporting them Jay and I hope to help ease their financial burden,” says Bonnie Moore.

The Fund gives out a Bursary each year named Bonnie Moore and Jay Eingold Boys and Girls Club Bursary which supports a deserving young person who has demonstrated commitment and involvement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay. The award reflects Bonnie and Jay’s belief in investing in youth and helping reduce financial barriers as young people pursue their goals and future aspirations.

Through this Fund, Bonnie Moore also created the Albert Aiello Award, which provides grants to charities seeking support for staff professional development opportunities, such as attending the CFRE Conference. While the award is not intended to cover the full cost of professional development, it helps enhance access to valuable learning opportunities that strengthen charitable organizations and their impact in the community.

The Arthur Widnall Bursary is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for young people from the Thunder Bay Indigenous community who may otherwise face barriers to attending college or university due to economic limitations. The bursary supports students in pursuing their educational goals, reaching their full potential, and achieving their aspirations.

Beyond financial support, the bursary aims to encourage Indigenous youth to develop leadership skills and become mentors and role models for others in the community. Through education, empowerment, and community involvement, recipients are encouraged to help inspire future generations and contribute to a brighter future for Thunder Bay.

Aileen and Gertrude Lahti were lifelong residents of Thunder Bay whose lives reflected a deep commitment to their careers, community, and the people around them. Aileen dedicated 38 years of service to the Prudential Insurance Company of America before her retirement, while Gertrude spent 31 years with the Canadian Grain Commission.

Both sisters passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind a lasting legacy of dedication and connection to the community they called home. Through their wills, Aileen and Gertrude established Fund at the Thunder Bay Community Foundation to support local students in continuing their education. The award assists graduating high school students from the Thunder Bay and District area who plan to attend a Canadian university.