President’s Message

 

 

 

 

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Nicholas Y. Chubenko

Past-President

 

I am proud to submit my final report as President of the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba.  I am fortunate to have been associated with such a unique and skilled group of colleagues, both past and present.  These individuals have truly epitomized the true meaning of what it is to be devoted volunteers in the Catholic Church community throughout Manitoba.  Their unique skills and contributions have contributed to sustaining the mission and vision of our Foundation during very challenging and demanding times over the past five years while I served in the role of Foundation President.  Moreover, these relationships I formed at the Foundation can best be described as "life-giving" for me in promoting and strengthening my own Catholic faith and values.  For this experience, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every colleague.

The Catholic Foundation continues the mission of supporting organizations and causes that promote and strengthen the Catholic community throughout Manitoba.  This year's dispersal of grants to worthy recipients and a summary of our capital fund balances and financials are highlighted in the AGM report.   I express the greatest confidence in following a plan of responsible practice in fiscal management and stewardship of funds in 2023 and credit goes out to our experienced and knowledgeable Financial Treasurer, Mr. Elwood Haas.

The traditional Caritas Banquet celebration,as coordinated by a creative and hardworking group of committee members lead by Mrs. Julie Turenne-Maynard, continues to drive the Foundation's focus on recognizing individuals and organizations representing outstanding contributions to Catholic and Christian values in all four dioceses in Manitoba . This year, we look forward to celebrating "Catholic Youth" and to those who provide support, encouragement and opportunities for mentorship and involvement of our youth.

I am particularly proud of the action taken by the Foundation to pursue and build partnerships with our northern and more remote regions of Manitoba.  We have successfully recruited new members to be part of the CFM Board and we look forward to their contributions on the various committees.  From a governance perspective, this is a necessary priority if the Foundation is to adapt to diversity and remain relevant today and in the future.

The Foundation remains grateful to the Archbishops, Metropolitan and Auxiliary Bishop, Parishes, Schools, Health Care Facilities, Social Service Agencies, Businesses, Knights of Columbus,Catholic Women's League and Ukrainian Catholic Women's League for their ongoing support of the Catholic Foundation.  We thank our donors and organizations who continue to nourish Catholic values in supporting education, religious and humanitarian services to our youth, elderly, vulnerable and needy.

In closing, my appreciation goes out to to my Board colleagues for their dedication of time and energies in representing the interests of the Foundation as well as to our administrative secretary, Suzanne Molinski, for her exemplary service and skills. I wish our new incoming Foundation President, Janet Brunger, and all returning and new Board members the very best in their endeavours.  I will remain available to assist in whatever way possible.  

We ask for God's blessings for those who are suffering from the effects of  health issues, addictions, poverty and war.  More than ever, let us be sustained in our faith in one another.