WHO WE ARE

Our History

The original idea for the Community Foundation came from a local area rancher, Mr. John Ignatius, who had supported other Community Foundations and sought to have a local organization provide similar community benefits. John made the first endowed donation of $25,000 and encouraged his many family, friends and colleagues to follow his example. The Medicine Hat Community Foundation was then founded in 1992 through an act of Legislature of the Province of Alberta. John passed away in January 2000 and, true to his word, left the vast majority of his estate to the Foundation. John’s financial contribution was in excess of $2.4 million but his biggest legacy was the original creation of the Foundation which  continues to support vibrant, healthy, caring communities across Southeastern Alberta – today, tomorrow, forever!

The CFSEA is a non-government, non-political and non-religious independent organization that operates under the guidance of a diverse group of community-minded volunteer Board of Directors. 

Board of Directors

Matthew Lofgren
Director

Julie Friesen
Director

Tyler Pocsik
Director

David Andrews
Director

Stanley Sakamoto
Director

Committees

Endowment Development
Jim van der Sloot – Chair
Todd O’Reilly
Barry Neubauer                                      Peter Donnelly
Matthew Lofgren                                    Glenda Hawthorne                                  Jason Openo
Frances Barnes (ex-officio)                    Niki Gray – Acting Executive Director 

Staff