Sissons Family Fund in Memory of Nola Jane
Some people lead by example and Eva Sissons is one of those individuals. Being well informed, she knows when to take action. Recent changes allow public traded securities to be donated directly to a charity with no income tax payable on the capital gains realized by the donor. This was the perfect opportunity to transfer some shares to the Community Foundation and create a family fund in memory of their daughter Nola Jane.
In 1870 the Sissons farm was established and in 1992 earned the honour of being a Centennial Farm. For the first 11 years the Thomas Sissons family lived in a log cabin and in 1882 the present house was built. The home which has been renovated and redecorated many times has been the hub of life for six generations. Eva and Frank had five children; one of whom, Nola Jane, passed away in 1961 at the age of 10 following a lengthy illness. The Sissons are very proud of their family which has grown to include seven grandchildren and two great grand children. Frank and Eva moved into Portage in 1987.
The Sissons have always been active members of the community. Frank farmed all his life and served 15 years as a Director of Manitoba Pool Elevators. During that time Frank and Eva entertained delegates from countries such as China, Argentina, Vietnam and Japan. Besides taking an active role in the farm business, Eva has been very involved in her church and community life.
Understanding the benefits of having a community foundation for the Portage area, they showed their support by joining the Founders’ Club in 1994. They continued that support and now are creating their family fund. Eva says, “We are establishing the fund with the Foundation because we have lived all our lives in the district and want to give something back to the community that has been so good to us."