Late Winnipegger donates largest individual gift ever made to Canadian charity
A local business owner is being hailed as a quiet philanthropist after donating a gift to the Winnipeg Foundation valued at about $500 million, the largest individual gift ever made to a Canadian charity.
The gift came from the late Miriam Bergen, the former owner and president of Appleton Holdings.
The gift includes 100 per cent of Appleton’s shares, valued at about $500 million. It was left to the Winnipeg Foundation in Bergen’s will.
Appleton Holdings was founded by Bergen’s late parents, Martin and Ruth. It owns and operates residential and commercial buildings in Winnipeg through Edison Properties, many of which are in North Kildonan.
According to the Winnipeg Foundation, the business will continue operating with the existing management structure and independent board, while the properties held by Appleton Holdings will support the Winnipeg Foundation’s work.
Foundation CEO Sky Bridges said Bergen’s gift will affect Winnipeggers in a profound and positive way. However, he notes it could take years for the foundation to incorporate the gift into the rest of its assets.
Winnipeg Foundation CEO Sky Bridges is shown at a news conference announcing an individual gift to the organization valued at $500 million.
“Ultimately, it will go back to into supporting the community. But the part that makes this a little bit different, which is pioneering for us, is that it means that it's 100 per cent ownership of a company,” he said.
“So although this is a bit new, it's not uncommon in that charities do oversee or own companies. In our case, it would be the first time and so it's going to take a little bit of time to set this up in a good way.”
GIFT CONTINUES WINNIPEG FAMILY’S LEGACY OF PHILANTHROPY
Prior to her death, Bergen was a philanthropic leader, supporting many organizations as a donor and through private contributions.
Doris Gietz, Miriam’s cousin, said she is overwhelmed by Miriam’s generosity.
“I always knew that her and her parents gave back to the community in many different ways, but I myself had no idea just how large of an impact they can make in Winnipeg,” she said.
The gift was donated in the will of the late Miriam Bergen, the former owner and president of Appleton Holdings.
Gietz said Miriam’s parents were immigrants from Europe, who came to Canada through sponsorship during the Second World War, eventually launching Appleton Holdings.
She said philanthropy was always important to the family.
“I know that even when my aunt and uncle weren't as successful business-wise - whatever they could give, they did give at that point, as well.”
DONATION TO ADDRESS CITY’S MOST CRITICAL NEEDS
Bridges said proceeds from the gift will go towards the foundation’s community fund, addressing the most critical needs in the city.
The organization will release a research report within the next year examining what these needs are, along with a strategic plan on where money will go.
The foundation announced the donation on Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to encouraging people to give and to act generously.
Bridges said it should serve as an important reminder.
“This comes at a time when often we feel that, maybe there's not much love in the world. But I have to tell you, there is a lot of love in this world.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as explosions and loud noise reportedly heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes over western Iran without explanation early Friday as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic reported 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan. State television acknowledged 'loud noise.'
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.