After a lengthy time not being able to gather the community together, the Dauphin and District Community Foundation hosted a special luncheon, Dec. 15, to announce grant recipients from its fall intake and the Philanthropist of the Year.
Jason Beyette was honoured as Philanthropist of the Year, in part for his work in spearheading a grow project which saw 160 acres of canola planted with proceeds headed for the Dauphin and District Community Foundation when the crop is eventually sold. Beyette arranged donations of seed and other inputs through Dauphin Consumers Co-op for the crop, as well as agronomy services from 360 Ag Consulting.
Reit-Syd Equipment looked after all the custom spraying, as well as donating two combines to harvest the crop, which was hauled to the elevator by the Michaleski family.
In accepting the award, Beyette said philanthropy does not always have to involve big splashy sums of money, it can be small donations or simple deeds that cumulatively improve the lives of others. And there are a lot of people in the community making a difference, he said.
“We all have a part to contribute to the success of the community,” Beyette said. “I thank everyone for doing their part.”
The foundation also handed out $68,738 in grants to projects identified through their fall intake of applications.
Announced as grant recipients were:
• 2024 Manitoba Summer Games - $15,000 for DRCSS track repairs;
• Creative Common - $10,000 for renovations;
• Citizens On Patrol Program - $2,600 for operations;
• Dauphin Derailleurs Cycle Club - $2,500 for maintenance equipment;
• Dauphin and District Community Food Bank - $1,620 for storage solutions;
• First Baptist Church - $5,000 for meals on food bank intake days.
• Friends of Dauphin Lake - $15,000 towards purchase of weed harvesting boat;
• Henderson School - $8,918 for climbing wall and Buddy Benches;
• Parkland Humane Society - $1,600 for operations;
• Dauphin Rotary Club - $1,500 for signage; and
• Dauphin Recreation Services - $5,000 as the first installment in a $30,000 grant paid over three years.
