Local Community Foundations want to stretch your donations during the 24-Hour Giving Challenge on Saturday, Nov. 18.

Not only will every $5 donation be stretched by an additional $1 from the Winnipeg Foundation (up to a maximum of $2,000), but the Province of Manitoba has also committed to stretch each $5 donation by $1 (up to a maximum of $2,000).

If $10,000 is donated on this day, the Winnipeg Foundation will contribute an additional $2,000, and the Province of Manitoba will also contribute $2,000 for a total of $4,000 in stretch dollars. The Winkler Community Foundation has also partnered with a number of local businesses who have committed to stretching donations.

Altona Community Foundation (ACF) board members will be at the Altona Mall receiving cheque and credit card donations from 11am to 2pm that day.

The Plum Coulee Community Foundation will be holding a soup and pie supper from 5-7pm at the Plum Coulee School, which is open to all.

Winkler Community Foundation (WCF) board members will also be accepting donations at the Winkler Co-op between 10am and 2pm.

"We'll have a table set up there to talk to people about what the Community Foundation is about, what we are doing in the community and how we're impacting the community, " said WCF Executive Director Myra Peters

All cheques must be made out to The Winnipeg Foundation.

For those unable to stop by the Co-op, Peters said cheques can also be dropped off at the Winkler Community Foundation. In order to be stretched that day the cheques need to be dated for Nov. 18.  

"Our goal is to maximize the Winnipeg Foundation and Province of Manitoba contributions, so our goal is to raise $10,000," said ACF President Bill Penner.

Last year $18,900 was donated to the Altona Community Fund, with an additional $2,000 contributed by the Winnipeg Foundation, the maximum amount possible.

Donations to a community foundation are pooled and permanently invested. Gifts are never spent and the money will always stay in the community. Every year investments generate money, which is distributed to support local charities.

Online gifts via credit card can be made securely through endowmanitoba at any time on Nov. 18 to be stretched by the Winnipeg Foundation and Province of Manitoba.

Donations can also be made over the phone by calling toll-free 1-877-974-3631 on Nov. 18 only from 9am to 3pm.