The Community Foundation relies on the generousity and commitment from our community for the continued viability of the Foundation. We work with donors to help them realize their philanthropic goals by matching their interests and concerns with community needs. We help them find innovative and responsible ways to give their investments lasting impact.
Meet some of our donors:
In 2021, the Community Foundation was the recipient of an estate gift from the late Bernard Murphy. Through a bequest in his Will, and in memory of his parents, the Cyril, Anne and Bernard Murphy Scholarship Fund has been created to support graduating students attending one of the two Cobourg high schools – Cobourg Collegiate Institute and St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School.
His gift will continue to provide generous support of the educational endeavors of local students and will be a lasting legacy.
In 1998 the Municipality of Trent Hills received a donation in memory of Ed Fone, to provide funding support for youth sport improvements in Campbellford/Seymour. At that time the Municipality did not have a suitable project to contribute it to, and as it had been sitting idle for a number of years the municipality received permission from Ed's wife, Ann, in 2004, to transfer the funds to the Community Foundation's OECYR Fund.
Ann said "Ed was very interested in youth and coached both soccer and hockey in Campbellford. Ed enjoyed and played all sports and I felt that the Ontario Endowment for Children and Youth in Recreation Fund was a good fit." "Children should have an opportunity to play sports."
Many factors contributed to the decision to disband the Northumberland Arts & Crafts Association. In 2006, after 28 years of supporting arts and culture, it was a very difficult decision, but now the association's legacy will continue in perpetuity. This was the first named Endowment Fund created with a donation from another organization.
In 1975 Marion Seguire and Gwen Carlaw started teaching gymnastics through the Recreation Department and in 1983 formed the Campbellford Gymnastics Club. After 30 years of coaching, Marion Seguire, Bev Meyers and Sharon Vanden Tillaart decided to retire from the club. Due to a lack of coaching staff, the Club could not continue and sold their equipment. In 2008 they donated the proceeds of $4,500 to the Revitalization of Kennedy Park project.
"It has been a local home grown program for 33 years" said Marion Seguire, "which will now assist a new recreation project in our community." Bev Meyers added "by leveraging our donation with matching grants, the Revitalization of Kennedy Park will be a win, win situation for the youth and a legacy for the Campbellford Gymnastics Club".
Read more about the Revitalization of Kennedy Park Project>>
In 2008 the RAV ONtario Representatives donated the remaining funds from the Rural Agri-Ventures Ontario Fund to the Community Foundation's Environmental Fund. The organization hadn't been active since 2002. They wanted the grants from the Fund to fund projects that met their original objectives:
In 2008 retired business woman, Kathy Herrold, and her husband, Doug Calver, made the decision to donate the boat of their dreams to the Community Foundation. Kathy said "It was no easy decision to give it up, until we realized we could GIFT it up. Once we got past the emotion of it all, we also realized that it made good business sense. We were just sitting on a depreciating asset." "We didn't lose anything, as we received the full tax benefit of the appraised value." The community foundation arranged the appraisals and the on-line auction, and the realized funds were used by the community foundation for operating expenses.
Kathy continued "Most people think they don't have anything to give. But they do - boats, cars, jewelry, artwork, all of it can be used to help. Many people, like us, are just sitting on assets, waiting to leave them to their children. People don't realize they can leave a legacy by donating to the many needs in the community."
The Glover family, Steven and Patty, who reside in Canmore, Alberta, and their son, Russill, who resides in Burnaby, BC, set up this fund in 2021, through a gift of securities, to provide annual grants to organizations and initiatives that support social service groups in Trent Hills.
In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Paul and Wendy Stewart gifted a very collectible 1937 Jaguar “SS100” kit car to the Community Foundation. This extraordinary donation underscores their commitment to supporting the community foundation’s vision of a strong, healthy, connected, inclusive and caring community.
The Jaguar SS100 kit car is a stunning re-creation of the iconic 1930s sports car. Built in 1985, this dark green two-door convertible replica, with a tan convertible top and tan interior was appraised by Jim Hoy, Antique & Classic Auto Appraisal, as being in very good condition. The car’s elegant lines and vintage charm evoke the spirit of the original SS100, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
The vehicle sported a rear trunk box, a bright metal reproduction grille, faux radiator cap and hood ornament, as well as round stainless-steel headlamps, a classic instrument panel of round gauges, and a wood grain custom sport steering wheel. Paul said “Donating my car was more than just parting with a vehicle; it was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Knowing that my old car would help support a cause I deeply care about gave me a sense of fulfillment. It’s not just about the car; it’s about creating positive change in our community.”
“We are deeply grateful for this exceptional contribution,” said Martha Murphy, Executive Director. “The proceeds from the sale of the car will greatly assist the community foundation in its operations and allow us to continue to support local initiatives that directly benefit our community. Every donation contributes to positive change. We are immensely grateful to all our donors for their generosity and commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant community.”
The community foundation sold the car through Sullivan Auctioneers, located in Plainfield, Ontario, and would like to thank Scott Stapley, from Stapley Towing in Campbellford, for donating their flatbed service to get the car to the auctioneer.
Making an outright charitable gift to a community foundation can help you turn a valuable asset into community good – assets include art, vacation homes, land, vehicles, and even boats! The community foundation has had two boats donated in the past, which were sold at auction and the proceeds used for community good. A donation receipt is issued for the fair market value as determined by a qualified appraisal, which is usually much more than the auction proceeds, and the benefit to the donor is the satisfaction of seeing their gift at work. Remember, when you donate an asset, you’re not just parting with that asset, you are investing in the well-being of your community!
Philanthropy, at its heart, is about more than just giving—it’s about creating lasting change that reflects personal values and passions. For George and Margaret Gordon, their philanthropic journey through the creation of a Donor Designated Fund was driven by a desire to give back to the organizations that have had a meaningful impact on their lives. By creating a named family fund, the Gordons have found a way to create lasting impact for these organizations.
In January 2025, the Gordons established The Gordon Family Fund by making an initial contribution to the Community Foundation of Campbellford/Seymour and Northumberland. Over time, George and Margaret’s fund will continue to grow, through automatic monthly contributions, as well as through a bequest in their Will, thereby creating a legacy that extends far beyond the initial donation.
The couple provided the Community Foundation with a list of organizations that they have supported in the past, and as the fund grows, the distributions from their Fund will continue to provide long-term, valuable support to these organizations.
George has had a long history with Scouts Canada, and has been a member since 1953, when he started as a Cub Scout. In 1970 he became a leader and is still the Treasurer for the 1st Hastings Scout Group. Scouts Canada’s mission is to help develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world, and because George now recognizes how his long-time involvement in the organization contributed to his success, he is able to give back.
George and Margaret were impressed by Northumberland United Way and their mission to build a strong, healthy, safe community for all. George volunteered on their board for 6 years and knows the positive impact they have had on the lives of people in Northumberland County.
Land conservation and stewardship have always been very important to George and Margaret. George has served on the board for the Northumberland Land Trust for 19 years, and was instrumental in setting up an Agency Fund with the Community Foundation as a permanent source of funding for their organization. Their mission is to preserve nature in Northumberland, forever, and The Gordon Family Fund will also support their important conservation efforts for many, many years.
George is a life member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, and has worked with them since the mid 1960’s. Over the years he has helped with fundraising, and early on he volunteered on the planning committee, which was responsible for acquiring properties once the optimal route along the Niagara escarpment had been laid out. The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, so their commitment to helping preserve this precious ecosystem for future generations is commendable.
George and Margaret’s approach to philanthropy is deeply rooted in their personal values. George says “It feels right to give back, and it brings us joy to support causes we care about.” They became full-time residents of Hastings in 2005 and are very involved in their community; George volunteers for Community Care Northumberland as a driver; delivering clients to appointments as well helping with Meals on Wheels. They take part in the Fall Prevention Program, exercise programs and monthly lunches. Trinity United Church in Hastings also benefits from their volunteer contributions. Marg is no longer able to participate in the Westben Festival Chorus, but enjoyed her time as an amateur singer and stage performer in the other communities they lived in over the years.
The Community Foundation Difference
For George and Margaret, choosing the Community Foundation was essential to realizing their philanthropic vision. The Community Foundation provided the expertise and personal support needed to create their family fund, and they are assured that their fund is being managed with the highest level of care and transparency. This partnership not only helps ensure that their contribution is making a real difference, but also provides peace of mind, knowing that their philanthropic goals are in trusted hands.
We hope their journey serves as an inspiration to others who may be considering how they can make a difference. If you’re inspired by the Gordon’s story and would like to explore how a Named Family Fund can help you achieve your own philanthropic goals, the Community Foundation is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to start your journey toward creating a lasting impact!
