Gordon and Laura Hutchinson Fund
Gordon Hutchinson returned to Portage with his bride, Laura (Garriock) in 1946. For the first 50 years, their lives revolved around each other and home.
During these years, Gordon was probably best known in Portage as co-owner of Darragh's Shoe Store. He also served the community as a board member of the Children's Aid Society and as Treasurer of the Portage Businessmen's Association. Laura was involved in the community through their church, St. Mary's Anglican, and by her interest in recreational bowling.
Laura's health was always a concern during their life together. As a result, they prepared themselves financially to ensure that Laura would always receive whatever care she would require as the years passed.
Following Laura's untimely death in 1996, Gordon decided to redirect these resources. To commemorate his life with Laura, he has established the Gordon and Laura Hutchinson Fund within the general fund of the Community Foundation of Portage and District. The fund was established with an initial contribution of $5,000 to which Gordon has added further gifts. The fund has grown to $10,000.
For the long term, Gordon has made arrangements in his will so that there will be bequests to support a number of charities and worthy causes in Portage. Gordon sums up his generosity in a few words, "I've lived all my life in Portage and District. When I'm gone, my assets will go back to Portage. I figure I owe that much."