The EVAN THOMAS MEMORIAL TRUST FUND AND WINKLER MINOR HOCKEY are, jointly, pleased to announce the creation of an Endowment Fund within the Winkler Community Foundation. The intent of this Fund will be to create an annual payout sufficient to cover hockey registration fees for one male and one female athlete annually, in perpetuity.
In 2022 the Winkler Flyers Alumni were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their MJHL championship. Through the generosity of that alumni group, the proceeds of the 50-50 draw were donated to the Evan Thomas Memorial Trust Fund. Evan was the grandson of Betty and Frank Thomas, previous residents of Winkler. Evan was tragically taken in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash of April 6, 2018. The directors of the Evan Thomas Memorial Trust Fund wanted to somehow return that donation, which was supplemented with other funds they raised over the years, to the community of Winkler and help children, specifically, who might be facing tough economic times, get to participate in hockey. Thus, the seed money for this Endowment Fund was created.
By using the investment expertise of the Winkler Community Foundation and their charitable status, we can ensure a maximum return and provide tax receipts for donations made.
Some local businesspeople have already made commitments to donate to the fund, and we would welcome others who might be interested in ensuring children who might not be able to afford the costs of minor hockey registration can by-pass this hinderance to enjoying a game that we love so much.
If you might be interested in joining our group with a contribution of your own, or if you simply want to ask any questions about the fund or our intentions—–Check out the website:
https://evanthomasmemorialtrust.ca/ (Specifically, under the “Evan’s Legacies” section)
OR please contact Frank Thomas at 204-724-5749 or email at frankt@wcgwave.ca.
Alternatively, donations can be made directly to the Winkler Community Foundation –Donations can be made online at https://winklercommunityfoundation.com/donate-now/ or by mail to #2-880L 15th Street Winkler, MB R6W 0H5– any donations over $20.00 will receive a tax receipt. Simply indicate on your donation that you want to donate specifically to the Evan Thomas Memorial Trust Designated Fund.
For the Thomas family, and for Evan, hockey was mostly about the connections we made. Many long-term friendships were developed in an arena or locker room. We certainly want everyone to share that experience and would love to help a few more children feel that connection. Specifically with Winkler, two of Betty and Frank’s sons participated in Winkler Minor Hockey and graduated to play for the Flyers, Frank coached minor hockey for a few years. Since then, all three of their grandchildren (Chris and Sherry Thomas’s kids) also played in the Winkler Minor Hockey program. The Thomas family has many fond memories of times spent at the Winkler arena and the friendships that developed and remain after all these years.
THANKS In advance —