Spring is finally in the air (less the out-of-season blizzard, of course), and with the changing of the seasons comes a familiar time of construction, farmers on the field, as well as moving vans bringing new people to live in our community.

Caring for newcomers, helping them get settled and plugged into town life, has historically been one of the things the church has been great at doing. In Matthew 25:35 we read Jesus spell out the need of doing just this, so caring for newcomers should be thought of as a part of the church’s DNA. However, during this time of Covid, with its frequent lockdowns, safety restrictions, and the general anxiety that has accompanied it, this mandate of ours has been much harder to live out! But just because this is the case, doesn’t mean MEMC cannot continue to help every way it can!

To this end, I am starting a new series that will be running on and off over the months to come. In it, I will be interviewing various local institutions that are valuable for newcomers to learn about if you are wanting to get plugged into all that is happening in the area. So if you are new to the area, this series is for you! Also, if you know someone who is new to the area, make sure to share this series with them as it comes out. And as always, if you are new to the area you can also feel free to contact me and ask whatever questions that you may have. I’ll help as I can!

For our first entry into this series, I have an organization that members of our church are quite connected with. It is a foundation that does outstanding work improving the lives of the people throughout our region. Below I interview MEMC member Ron Sawatzky of the North Norfolk Foundation about the work this community staple does throughout the region.

-Pastor Russell

Tell me the history of the North Norfolk Foundation (NNF). When did it start?

The NNF had its beginnings 25 years ago in 1996. There were $16,000 in funds left over from the 1981 MacGregor Centennial celebration and so it was decided that a foundation to benefit the community should be started. It has since grown to $1,250,000 in its general fund through individual donations. The NNF also oversees the distribution of proceeds of an additional $2,000,000 of various targeted funds within the community. These funds include things like the district cemetery funds, student bursaries, various funds within the Agricultural Museum, etc. 

What is the area the NNF serves?

It serves everywhere within the borders of the North Norfolk Municipality, although there are a few cases where we have expanded beyond that as well.

What is the mission of the NNF?

To preserve and advance the quality of life in the community.

That is a great mission for a community organization. What does the NNF all do to achieve this mission?

With the funds that have been generously contributed to the Foundation through the years, the NNF manages and oversees the distribution of approximately $60,000 annually to community projects to enhance and ensure the quality of life in our community. Of course, as our Foundation continues to grow through your donations, our annual disbursement into this community will grow along with it. The NNF will also often participate with other granting programs offered by various government initiatives or private corporations that grant dollars as matching funds. 

Are there any ongoing projects that may be of interest to the people reading?

We don't so much initiate projects but deal with helping to fund projects as we receive requests. I should mention that we mostly fund tangible projects and not general operating expenses. You can find a list of the projects we currently have on the go on our website.

That is cool that people with projects in mind can approach the foundation like that. Are there any new projects that you are excited about?

There are many projects that I have been excited about! I want to take this opportunity to say that two para-church organizations in the community have been recipients on more than one occasion of grants from the NNF. Valleyview Bible Camp has received numerous grants through the years and our local YFC drop-in as well for the good work they do in the area with our young people.

As for new projects, there is a brand new basketball court that has been built just behind the MacGregor Collegiate for anyone to use (of course not when school is in session). And with summer quickly approaching, you may notice that our local campground will have new bathroom facilities available to the general public. Also, Bittersweet Trails, a popular cross-country ski area, is looking to become a four-season recreation area with plans to develop and maintain hiking and biking trails. The NNF will be helping with proper signage. I am excited anytime that the NNF can help to draw people to our community and enhance their quality of life!

I also heard that the local Kinettes Club has set up an emergency fund for people in the area that have sudden and unexpected hard-to-cover expenses, like in the case of fires or health emergencies, that runs through the NNF as well. You guys are doing good work. Who serves on the North Norfolk Foundations Board?

North Norfolk residents. The board typically consists of seven directors, all from within the municipality. 

How were they selected? 

They are elected by our general membership at the Annual General Meeting. Anyone in the community can let their name stand but usually current directors "shoulder tap" someone who they feel would bring value to the board if there are vacancies. I like to think that's the reason how I got involved and I know that is how MEMC’s very own Tammy Kruse became involved.

Why do you serve on the North Norfolk Foundation?

Honestly, it had a lot to do with my dad. He instilled in me the understanding that as Christians we are called not just to church involvement but also to community involvement. He was actually one of the founding directors of the NNF and when I was asked several years ago by a director that was stepping down, I didn't have to think too long and hard to accept the invitation!

Your father is a wise man. Tell me a fun story that you have from your time on the Foundation.  

It was, I believe, in my first year on the Board that our church took up a Thanksgiving offering and donated half of the collection to the NNF. This donation was acknowledged at the next NNF meeting and I'd say the general sentiment among the board members was astonishment at the generosity of the church. I don't remember the amount of the donation but I did not think it was anything out of the ordinary that our church had contributed to other years' Thanksgiving collections. This made me feel that we as a church community have a lot to offer with our generosity and it's something we should practise often. I am happy the NNF has been a part of that.

How has Covid impacted the Foundation over the past year?

There are the obvious difficulties that come along with not being able to meet in person and promote the organization. Surprisingly, I'd say the requests for funding have dropped off as well. Community organizations are perhaps not as active as they were pre-Covid and so they are not looking at adding new capital projects right now. This is a bit concerning because the needs are still there. I suppose the requests may really ramp up when this pandemic abates.

How can new people get involved/give to the foundation?

The easiest way would be to come talk to either Tammy or myself [Pastor note: If you are new to the area and haven’t met these two, if contact me I can easily get you in touch]. We also have a website that can direct you as to how to give. Just visit northnorfolkfoundation.org/donate, and follow the directions. You will get redirected to another site when you hit donate, but trust me, it's legit and managed by the Winnipeg Foundation. They will see that your donation gets put into the Foundation.