CFLSA

Supporting Young Athletes

Ken McDonald loved his hometown of Taber, and he loved Southern Alberta. "He did a lot for the town and served in so many ways," remembered his wife, Jo McDonald. Ken, who died 10 years ago, was native businessman and served on both the Taber Town Council and the Police Commission for five years. He was involved with fundraising for the Taber Civic Centre and also served on the University of Lethbridge Senate.

An avid athlete, Ken's interest in sports started in elementary school and continued throughout his life. "Ken was quite an athlete and had lots of trophies and medals to prove it," said Jo. Ken was a very good hockey player who competed while attending St. Patrick's College in Ottawa, where he won the leadership trophy. He played with the Lethbridge Native Sons and later the Taber Chefs hockey team for many years. Ken was involved in several sports. "He played first base and shortstop on the baseball team and just loved golf, which is why we lived on a golf course," chuckled Jo. "He would play with anyone at any time."

Ken's interest in sports and commitment to his community led Taber Town Council to name their new complex of outdoor sports fields after him. Jo was pleased with this acknowledgement of Ken's efforts and wanted to help the sports fields expand. The Lethbridge Community Foundation provided her with a vehicle to fulfill her wishes. "My son Paul told me about the Foundation," she said. Paul's positive assessment of the Foundation was confirmed when Jo talked with Bruce Milliken, who had been Ken's friend for many years. Bruce had served on the board for the Foundation and also created an endowment fund. Starting the Ken and Johanna McDonald Endowment Fund appealed to Jo for several reasons. "I'd rather have the money stay and work in the community than go to the government," she said. "I also really like the fact that my donation doesn't get used up. Because it is an endowment, the fund continues to forever."

From LCF Report to the Community

OF LETHBRIDGE AND SOUTHWESTERN ALBERTA

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION