Like many people in Grand Bend, Margaret and Bernard Sabourin spent most of their lives elsewhere. They moved to Huron Woods from Toronto shortly after Bernard, an executive with Kraft Foods, retired in 1991.

“I love the quiet,” says Margaret. “I love being close to the lake and feeling that we’re living in the forest. It’s very peaceful.” Their house accommodates lots of lively family get-togethers during the summer. The Sabourins have five children and nine grandchildren ranging in age from two to 21.

Recently, Margaret decided to make a significant gift to the Grand Bend Community Fund. The Foundation will hold the money in the Sabourin Family Endowment Fund, and the earnings will be used to make grants to local charities.

Margaret explains her reasons for making the gift simply. “We love Grand Bend and wanted to give something back. When we looked around for places to do something, the Community Foundation seemed to be the right place.”

The Sabourin Family Endowment Fund will be part of the Foundation’s Community Fund. Each year, the Foundation adjudicates applications from local charities and provides grants to those who are meeting local needs with innovative projects. Margaret is confident that her fund will be put to good use. “We’ve been very fortunate in our lives, so we don’t have any special needs,” she says. “I would just like to see the funds used where they’re needed most. I’m sure the Foundation will figure out where that is.”

Margaret says making the gift has been personally meaningful and she expects there are others who would also enjoy making a difference. With typical modesty she adds, “I don’t want a big to-do made about this, but if it will encourage others to consider it, that’s great.”