The Morris Area Foundation (MAF) held its annual general meeting Thursday evening.

President Del Stevenson outlined their financial growth in 2017.

"We had a good year, our endowment found grew from approximately $137,000 dollars to $181,000 so we had a good year," said Stevenson. "Our big push is usually in November, when we participate in the Endow Manitoba Campaign and the 24 Hour Challenge."

He noted in 2017 they raised fifty per cent more than in 2016 through the challenge. Stevenson attributes this to community awareness.

"We had another 20 or so donors come on board, it all helps. People are becoming aware of what we're all about and what we can do for the community."

This is the first year MAF is taking part in the Youth in Philanthropy program (YiP).

The joint YIP group awarding a cheque to the Morris regional library. Left to right: Kelsey Edel (YIP Morris), Kamryn Janke (YIP Morris), Lauren Edel (Morris staff advisor on YIP), Keanna Clark (YIP Morris), Wynn Leflar (YIP Morris), Janine Sabourin (Rosenort staff advisor), Mathia Halsdoter (YIP Rosenort), Claudia Schmidt (library representative), Candy Ogilvie (Morris Staff advisor), Shelley Stupnisky (Morris and Area Foundation)

"Students from both the Morris School and Rosenort School are now on the committee, in their first year of operation they were able to grant out $2,500 dollars," Stevenson said.

YiP is a 6 year program that runs with the help of the Thomas Sill Foundation and the Morris Area Foundation. The combined group will receive $3,500 each year, $2,500 to be given as grants and $1,000 to be used for expenses if needed. Any monies left at the end of the year, along with fundraising funds, will be used to establish a permanent endowment fund for the 2 schools.

This spring YIP considered applications and approved the following grants:
- Rosenort Community Centre $500
- Soft Bones Canada $500
- Valley Regional Library $500
- Davidson Memorial Centre $500
- Morris School $250
- Morris & District Centennial Museum $250

Jannine Sabourin is the spokesperson for the Rosenort School YIP group. She said they also raised money at the Christmas Classic hockey game, sold candy canes at school, and sold raffle tickets at a Twisters game.

Wynn Leflar, Keanna Clark, Kelsey Edel, are Grade 11 and 12 students from Morris School who are part of the youth philanthropy program. They joined the group as a way to make a difference in their communities. The students were able to attend Thursday's meeting and present a check to their local library.

The Morris Area Foundation will grant donations to this year's recipients in October.