Slack Family Fund
The Community Foundation of Portage and District was delighted to receive a generous donation of $100,242 from the Elma Clara Slack estate.
“The Slack family took a keen interest in their community and was always ready to give a helping hand” said executor Jack Love. He felt it was appropriate to set up two new named funds:
one in memory of the family “The Slack Family Memorial Fund” for $90,242
and the other in honour of Elma “The Elma Slack Bursary Fund” for $10,000.
In 1934, William Sylvester “Ves” and Margaret Slack bought a farm and moved to the Oakland District just north of Portage with their two children. After the parents passed away, Edwin and Elma continued to farm until 1968. Edwin was secretary of the Oakland Pool Elevator for 30 years, he enjoyed farming and in his spare time carpentry work. After Edwin passed away in 1980, Elma sold the farm and purchased a home in Portage; her final years were spent in Regency House. Elma was dedicated to her church (McKenzie United), she was a life member of Portage Women’s Institute and enjoyed the Horticultural Society.
The Foundation is very pleased that Elma Slack decided to name the Foundation in her will. The dollars received will never be spent; only the interest earned on those dollars will be used in the form of grants to qualifying community organizations. The Slack family will forever be remembered for the good they did and continue to do in their community. It is hoped that others will consider this option when preparing their wills.