George & Wanda Ryder - Trades Bursary Fund
George and Wanda Ryder have supported the Foundation since its inception by joining the Founders Club in 1994. In November they broke new ground by created our first trades bursary.
The Ryders know and appreciate the value of trades people and their importance to any community, “We are interested in making sure that our hometown will continue to flourish and create opportunities for young people.” The object of the fund is to encourage Portage Collegiate students to pursue commercial trades whether it is carpentry, automotive, hairstyling or other. The $25,000 bursary fund will generate sufficient income to make available a minimum of $1,000 per year for bursaries. CFPD is delighted to administer the fund and pleased the PCI Awards Committee will select students who work hard to establish good work ethics and good marks.
Lifelong residents of Portage la Prairie and district, George and Wanda raised a son, Danny (now deceased) and two daughters, Deborah and Krista. They have four grandchildren.
George spent his working life involved in the automotive and recreational vehicle business – almost half a century with Portage Chrysler, the latter portion included Portage Toyota and Leisure Centre. For many years he was a member of the Chrysler Dealer Advisory Council representing the Prairie Zone. Over the years, he has been involved with the Elk’s Lodge, Lion’s Club and Rotary Club.
Wanda’s interests have been in the arts, she was an early member of Sweet and Low Singers, a founding member of: Brush and Palette Club (now Portage and District Arts Centre), Prairie Players and Prairie Pens. She is a published author and is co-author of Ghost Towns of Manitoba. Wanda is well known for her short story collection From a Distance, novel Prairie Sailor and plays for stage, television and radio.