What Can We Do?
Eugene Reimer is fondly remembered as an inspiration to people across Canada, and especially Abbotsford. His accomplishments in the field of sports would fill many pages and his inspiration to disabled athletes, including Rick Hansen, are legendary. Eugene Reimer had a passion for setting goals, and working hard to reach them. This great man also had a vision for the future.
When Mayor Ferguson asked Eugene to organize the Abbotsford 2002 B.C. Disability Games, he struck gold. With an outstanding and dedicated Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers, they put on “the most spectacular games ever held”, as Eugene used to describe in his speeches. The games would go on to have many future benefits: athletes would use the games as a stepping stone to advance to other Canadian Games, the volunteers would learn to assist in future events, and the board, through excellent fiscal management, would have a positive balance at the end.
Eugene explained, “From these games there will be a legacy left behind, not only financially but of friendship, compatibility and dedication to all people.” In 2003, Eugene approached the Abbotsford Community Foundation to create the Abbotsford 2002 B.C. Disability Games Legacy Fund. This fund is awarded to physically disabled Grade 12 graduating students to assist in their post secondary education.
Eugene Reimer was a great community supporter. He knew that an endowment fund would allow for ongoing annual awards back into the community. If you asked Eugene the question “What can we do?” he would advise you to plan for the future.
So great was his
confidence in this sustainable giving model, he also encouraged other
local groups to approach the Abbotsford Community Foundation to
establish their own funds. It is a growing trend for charities and
organizations to work with a local Community Foundation, ensuring that
their good work continues and is financially supported for years to
come. There are currently over 155 Community Foundations across Canada
ready to help fund your area of passion.