Library unveils plaque dedicated to generous Winnipeggers

Winnipeg Public Library will unveil a plaque tomorrow dedicated to the memories of Margaret M. and John C. Webster, who supported the Library through a bequest. The event begins at 10:30 am, April 22nd, at Millennium Library’s Children’s Services department on the main floor. Media are invited to attend.

“We’re pleased to honour the Websters with a plaque in their memory,” says Rick Walker, Manager of Library Services. “Because of their commitment to our community, we’re able to significantly expand our children’s collection. Their gift will have tangible impact on books and educational resources available to kids in our city for years to come.”

Following her death in 2007, a gift in Margaret Webster’s will established the Margaret M. Webster Memorial Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation. The permanently endowed fund generates income to support causes close to her heart, including Winnipeg Public Library. The Fund provides annual payments to the Library, specifically to purchase books and educational materials for children in French and English. The first payment, made last December, was more than $20,000.

“Because Mrs. Webster chose to create an endowment fund, her gift will have impact in our community forever,” says Richard Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation. “We’re happy to play a role in ensuring her wishes are realized. This gift also shows the power and potential of making a charitable gift in a Will.”

The event precedes Will Week, an annual campaign to encourage all Winnipeggers to have an up-to-date Will and consider making a charitable gift in that Will. Will Week is a series of free public seminars, presented in by the Foundation, the Office of the Public Trustee and the Manitoba Bar Association. (For more information, visit www.winnipegwill.com)

The first community foundation in Canada, The Winnipeg Foundation has served our community since 1921. The Foundation pools and permanently invests gifts from donors of all walks of life. Through its spending formula the Foundation make grants to charitable agencies in the areas of: community service, education, health, arts and culture, heritage, environment and recreation. During its 89 years, the Foundation has granted more than $240 million.

Winnipeg Public Library’s mission is to enrich the lives of all Winnipeg citizens and their communities by providing high quality, responsive and innovative library services. The Library is comprised of 20 locations and has an online presence at www.winnipeg.ca/library.

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For more information, contact:

Susan Hagemeister, Director of Finance
The Winnipeg Foundation
P: 944.9474 E: Susan Hagemeister

Rick Walker, Manager of Library Services
Winnipeg Public Library
P: 986.6472 E: Rick Walker