Dr. Lloyd Axworthy addresses attendees at the luncheon on July 12th. Photo (C) Kevin Chief
The University of Winnipeg Foundation and Axworthy Health and RecPlex held the inaugural Axworthy Community Charter Fund Luncheon earlier this week. 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), hosted and spoke at the event.
Proceeds of the luncheon go to support The Axworthy Health and RecPlex Community Charter. Funds raised in support of the Charter to date, including from this week’s event, are over $65,000 and growing.
UWinnipeg’s Director of Athletic and Wellness Facilities, Dean Melvie said, “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 & 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 1,853 community members use the RecPlex each week depending on the time of year. 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.
“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 means that programs inside the RecPlex ranging from soccer to hoop dancing will 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 Chiiwakanak Centre; Aurora Family Services; Spence Neighbourhood Association; Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg; Rainbow Resource Centre; Community Education Development Association; Winnipeg Police Service; Canadian Palestinian Association; and Islamic Social Services Association; among others.
