The seed of a powerful idea can often transform an entire community. Last Thursday, I witnessed that transformation begin in Portage la Prairie, as local philanthropists Brian and Carol Christianson stepped forward with a $100,000 donation to establish the new Portage Education Fund.
Standing in the Portage Collegiate Institute library, surrounded by students whose futures this fund aims to support, Brian Christianson’s voice carried the weight of personal connection. “We’ve lived in Portage for over 40 years,” he explained, his hand resting on his wife’s shoulder. “This community has given us so much. We want to make sure every student here has the chance to pursue their dreams without financial barriers standing in their way.”
The newly created foundation represents more than just scholarships. According to Todd Cuddington, Superintendent of the Portage la Prairie School Division, the fund will provide wide-ranging support across the division’s eight schools serving approximately 2,400 students.
“This incredible gift allows us to think beyond basic needs,” Cuddington told me after the announcement. “We’re talking about everything from specialized classroom equipment to cultural experiences that many of our students might otherwise never access.”
What makes this initiative particularly noteworthy is its structure. Unlike temporary funding that disappears after a single use, the Christiansons’ donation establishes an endowment fund through the Community Foundation of Portage and District. This approach means their gift will continue generating support for generations to come.
“The beauty of an endowment is that the original donation remains intact while the interest earned provides annual funding,” explained Stefanie Burick, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “This $100,000 will still be working for Portage students fifty years from now.”
For a mid-sized Manitoba community facing economic challenges similar to many prairie towns, this kind of sustainable educational investment could have far-reaching implications for workforce development and youth retention.
Mayor Sharilyn Knox, who attended the announcement, highlighted these connections. “When young people see their community investing in their futures, they’re more likely to bring their talents back home after completing their education,” Knox noted. “The Christiansons aren’t just supporting students today—they’re helping build Portage’s next generation of leaders.”
The fund’s launch comes at a critical time for Canadian education. Statistics Canada reports that average undergraduate tuition has increased by nearly 20% over the past decade, while essential classroom resources face consistent budget constraints. Many rural and smaller urban school divisions find themselves particularly stretched.
Grade 12 student Mackenzie Friesen spoke during the ceremony about what such support means to students. “Knowing these opportunities exist makes us feel like our dreams matter,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not just about the money but knowing your community believes in you.”
What struck me most during my conversations with attendees was the ripple effect everyone anticipated. Within hours of the announcement, School Board Chair Preston Meier confirmed that three additional donors had already come forward, inspired by the Christiansons’ example.
“We’ve created a structure where contributions of any size can make a difference,” Meier explained. “Whether it’s $50 or $50,000, every donation builds this legacy for our students.”
The fund will begin accepting applications this spring, with the first distributions planned for the 2023-24 academic year. A committee comprising educators, community members, and a student representative will review proposals, ensuring the support addresses genuine needs across the division.
Brian Christianson emphasized that their motivation stemmed from personal experience. “Carol was a teacher here for 35 years. We’ve seen firsthand how financial barriers can limit potential,” he told the gathered crowd. “Education changed our lives, and we want to pass that opportunity forward.”
As students filed back to classes following the announcement, I noticed several lingering to thank the Christiansons personally. One young woman shyly approached Carol, explaining that she hopes to study engineering but wasn’t sure how her family could afford university.
“That’s exactly why we’re doing this,” Carol responded, visibly moved. “Your job is to keep working hard. We’ll help with the rest.”
For a community like Portage la Prairie, positioned between Winnipeg and Brandon along the Trans-Canada Highway, initiatives that strengthen educational opportunities may also help address demographic challenges. Census data shows the region has experienced modest population growth of just 3.2% since 2016, with youth retention being a particular concern.
Superintendent Cuddington believes the Portage Education Fund represents more than financial support. “When we talk about building community, this is what it looks like in practice,” he said. “It’s about creating the conditions where everyone can thrive, regardless of their starting point.”
As I drove back to Ottawa that evening, I reflected on how the Christiansons’ gift demonstrates the profound impact community-minded philanthropy can have in smaller Canadian centers. Their $100,000 donation isn’t just supporting education—it’s planting seeds of possibility that will continue growing long after today’s students have children and grandchildren of their own.
And perhaps that’s the most valuable lesson from this Portage la Prairie announcement: meaningful change doesn’t always require government policy or massive corporate investment. Sometimes, it starts with two people who simply believe in their community’s future.
