At the Selkirk and District Community Foundation the words ‘Here for Good’ are more than a tag line, they’re a commitment that board and staff members take seriously.
And one thing they all know for sure is that it’s the kindness and dedication of folks like Jim and Betty Anne Gaynor that ensure ‘Here for Good’ rings true.
The Gaynors, who operated Gaynor Foods in Selkirk for 24 years, have been steadfast in their commitment to giving back to a community they never lived in, but consider a second home.
In 2018, Jim and Betty Anne, along with a silent partner, established the Gaynor Family Education Fund with a $750,000 donation. And last month, which was National Philanthropy Month, they topped it off with another $250,000 to make it a $1 Million fund.
Aaron Martyniw, Chairman of the SDCF, says it’s difficult to find words to express the gratitude he and the Board Members feel for the Gaynor family.
“Jim and Betty Anne have always been great friends of the Foundation and their compassion for this community is limitless,” Martyniw said. “Their latest donation will benefit young learners when the fund pays out in 2022, and will continue to provide opportunities as the years go by, and for that, we cannot thank them enough.”
The fund will assist Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive School graduates with financial support to pursue post secondary education. At least 17 scholarships and bursaries will be awarded. Jim and Betty Anne hold Selkirk near and dear to their hearts and are proud to be able to help young people further their education.
“We’re pleased to be in a position to assist people in the community that has been very kind to us for so many years,” Jim said.“We have a very deep appreciation for the community and the way we were received and supported over many years and we really feel good about the time we spent in business there. I still feel good about the community.”
Betty Anne called Selkirk “a wonderful community with really good people,” and said they’re pleased to be able to help ease the financial burden for students transitioning from high school to post secondary education.“It’s good for students to have funds to enable them to move forward after high school, and nice for them to know that there is funding available,” Betty Anne said.
The fund will pay out to students looking to pursue a wide range of post secondary options, including universities, colleges, academies, seminaries, institutes of technology, vocational schools, trade schools and other career colleges that award academic degrees or professional certifications.
The Gaynor Family Education fund compliments the Gaynor Family Fund, which supports local organizations that deliver youth and child focused programs.
