Prosvita Men's Club of Portage Fund
Prosvita means "for enlightment" and the Prosvita Club began in 1916 as a reading hall where volunteers taught English, reading and social culture to new immigrants to Canada, primarily from Eastern Europe.
The Club and hall soon expanded its horizons. It quickly became the focus for weddings, social events and other culture activities that celebrate the members' Ukrainian heritage.
As is common with organizations today, the Prosvita Men's Club was faced with aging and dwindling membership. As well, changes in society and its priorities made recruitment of new members difficult.
After more than eighty years, the decision was made to cease the affairs of the Club. But what to do with the resources then Club had acquired over the years?
The Prosvita Men's Club members decided they wanted to do two things with the disbursement of their funds - they wanted to provide benefits for their members and they wanted to benefit seniors in general in the Portage area.
The Club chose the Community Foundation of Portage and District to work with them in accomplishing their final objectives. To support seniors' projects, activities and organizations in the Portage la Prairie area, a named fund was established with the Portage Foundation - The Prosvita Men's Club of Portage Fund. The previous contributions to the Foundation along with a cheque for $5,000 started the fund off with $16,000. By 2005 the Fund has grow to $36,500.
The Prosvita Men's Club also established a trust fund for the benefit of its members during their lifetime. The Trust Fund is administered by the Portage Foundation on behalf of the Prosvita Club but the Trust Fund is not part of the assets of the Foundation. When it is no longer needed the Trust Fund will be transferred into the Prosvita Men's Club.