The Winnipeg Foundation celebrates successful Centennial River Trail, announces five-year title sponsorship of this important winter tradition

Thanks to generous Winnipeggers, $35,000 distributed to local charities through Centennial River Trail Contest

For immediate release: For 61 days this winter, Winnipeggers enjoyed our winter city by skating, biking, walking, rolling, running, skiing, and snowshoeing on The Winnipeg Foundation Centennial River Trail. In celebration of its 100^th birthday in 2021, The Winnipeg Foundation was pleased to support this important outdoor community space at The Forks. The Foundation is thrilled to announce it will extend its title sponsorship for five more years, ensuring continued community access to this important amenity. 

“In a year when people were clamouring for safe outdoor recreational activities, Winnipeggers flocked to The Winnipeg Foundation Centennial River Trail at The Forks,” says Doneta Brotchie, Board Chair, The Winnipeg Foundation. “By sponsoring the River Trail and ensuring access to this highly anticipated winter tradition, The Winnipeg Foundation is upholding its vision of creating ‘a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.’ We are thrilled to extend this lead sponsorship by five more years.”

“In a year like no other, The Winnipeg Foundation’s support for the River Trail enabled us to collectively do more for our city, offering a free public amenity for everyone,” says Clare MacKay, VP, Strategic Initiatives, The Forks. “Their mission, to strengthen community well-being, and ours, to create a meeting place, open and accessible to all, align perfectly. We couldn’t imagine a better partnership for this cherished winter playground and are thrilled to welcome them as the title sponsor of the trail for the next five years.”

To celebrate its centennial, The Foundation held a special contest where people could share a selfie for a chance to win a $1,000 grant for their favourite local charity. More than 200 people participated, nominating 85 local charities. Thanks to Winnipeggers’ generosity, $35,000 was distributed to a diverse group of 35 local charities. See the complete list in the backgrounder – Media Release with backgrounder [PDF].

“Many things were different in our community when we were established 100 years ago. However, one thing that has remained the same is the concept that we can achieve more when we work together. This continues to guide our work to this day,” says Richard L. Frost, CEO, The Winnipeg Foundation. “We are proud to be Canada’s first community foundation, and to be a leader in the community foundation movement.”

Additional centennial celebrations are planned throughout the year, dependent on gathering restrictions. Details will be available at wpgfdn.org/100. Stories of The Foundation’s activities during the past 100 years are available on a special website, wpgfdn.org/100.

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Centennial River Trail Contest Entries

Thank you to everyone who entered. We received more than 200 entries. These are some of the photos we received.

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