Over $93,000 was dispersed to local non-profits Thursday through the Winkler Community Foundation (WCF).

One of the largest grants included $26,000 to the Mend the Gap Fund, administered through Central Station Community Centre.

WCF Executive Director Myra Peters explains the fund was kickstarted by an anonymous donor who saw the need to support marginalized individuals and families in the community, partly revealed through the Vital Signs survey.

"Whether it's housing or other needs, the fund looks at all aspects... that's why Central Station fits, they have some programming that definitely works towards mending the gap for the less fortunate."

Peters explains there are many donors contributing to the Mend the Gap fund, but was started by an original individual with a vision for supporting those who fall through the gaps.

Meanwhile, the C.W Wiebe Medical Centre received $7,535 which will help purchase equipment like the Tympanometry and reflect screener and ABI Doppler.

"There are some diagnostic services we want to maintain in the community and keep people here and not have to send them outside the community," Clinic Manager Jim Neufeld explains.

Neufeld adds they've relied on the community foundation for new equipment in the past, "many years we've received very valuable pieces of equipment that have hopefully made experiences better for patients at the clinic."

Gateway Resources was also one of Thursday's 13 recipients, receiving nearly $36,000 for their new roof project. Gateway Resources CEO Kim Nelson explains they don’t receive funding to maintain or improve infrastructure.

"The support of the Winkler Community Foundation is important to us as an agency," she explains. "The funds we receive allow us to continue to maintain and expand the services we offer to the residents in the City of Winkler. Their foundation and funds are the gifts that keep on giving."

However, Peters notes they receive more grant requests than they can respond to. "There are so many great organizations in our community doing amazing things."

"We want to encourage all the organizations that applied to continue doing the work they do for our community," Peters adds. "Making Winkler and area a better place to live, work and play in."

The Discover Nature Sanctuary received $2,500 towards the construction of an outdoor education centre. Pine Ridge School received $2,500 towards the purchase of band equipment and another $2,000 for heart rate monitors.

Regional Connections saw $4,500 for renovations to the newcomers' childcare space. The Winkler Bible Camp received $2,500 for a coffee maker and ice machine. Winkler Festival of the Arts received $500 for a music scholarship. Winkler Heritage Society saw $1,000. The South Central Cancer Resource received nearly $4,000 for a wellness program. Katie Cares received just over $4,000 for operations.

The Pembina Valley Humane Society received just over $500 for their cat room.

Grants are available thanks to the community and designated funds, agency funds as well as donor advised funds held at the foundation.