Inaugural Luncheon to Support Inner-City and New Canadian Sports Programs

Dr. Lloyd Axworthy speaking to crowd at the Axworthy Community Charter Fund Luncheon, ©Kevin Chief

The University of Winnipeg Foundation and Axworthy Health and RecPlex are pleased to announce the inaugural Axworthy Community Charter Fund Luncheon a great success. Organized by Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, Clarion Hotel, Boom Done Next, and Dr. Axworthy’s family and friends, the Luncheon took place at the Clarion Hotel on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30. p.m. Dr. Axworthy, who served as UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor for a decade (2004-2014), spoke at this event as well as MLA Kevin Chief. The event was emceed by Assistant Deputy Minister to The Province of Manitoba, Jennifer Rattray.

Proceeds of this Luncheon were in support of The Axworthy Health and RecPlex Community Charter. 

UWinnipeg’s Director of Athletic and Wellness Facilities, Dean Melvie says, “The Community Charter is an important piece of Dr. Axworthy’s legacy as our former President and we are grateful for the dedication Dr. Axworthy, his friends and his family have shown us. Thanks to their support the Charter will continue to create pathways to education for our participants now and into the future.”

Our Community Charter at the Axworthy Health and RecPlex entrenches UWinnipeg's partnership in the community. The facility's schedule incorporates three key groups who are promised one-third access: community groups (access at no cost to groups); UWinnipeg groups (students, Wesmen athletes, faculty and staff); and rental groups (primarily amateur sports organizations). By reserving one-third of our facility's availability to the community at no cost, we are ensuring high quality programing where it is otherwise unavailable or unaffordable. Gifts directed to this fund will support the costs incurred by The University of Winnipeg through the RecPlex Community Charter.

An average of 1853 community members uses the RecPlex each week. While the bulk of our participants are aged 10 to 19, age groups can range from infants to seniors. Activities which would be supported by the Community Charter include, but are not limited to: soccer; basketball; pow wow and hoop dancing; track and field; ultimate frisbee; summer camps; and flag football.

The July 12th Luncheon attendees had the honour to hear directly from new Canadians who have benefitted from the opportunities provided by participating in sports through outreach programs.

“UWinnipeg is honoured to provide a safe and welcoming place for neighbourhood youth and families to learn and play,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “This Luncheon allows programs inside the RecPlex ranging from soccer to hoop dancing to continue to thrive, and we thank Dr. Axworthy for his deep commitment to community access.”

Programs that benefit from the RecPlex Community Charter include: Wii Chiiwaakanak Centre Centre; Aurora Family Services; Spence Neighbourhood Association; Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg; Rainbow Resource Centre; Community Education Development Association; Winnipeg Police Service; Canadian Palestinian Association; and Islamic Social Services Association; among others.

Want to support the Axworthy Community Charter? Please follow these instructions: 

HOW TO DONATE:

Online

Visit our secure online donation page (https://donate.uwinnipeg.ca/) and select “Axworthy RecPlex Community Charter” under the "A Faculty/Department, Project or Scholarship/Bursary" option as shown below:



By cheque