As part of National Philanthropy Day celebrations, longtime RRC Polytech donors Walter and Maria Schroeder are being recognized for supporting organizations, institutions and individuals — in Manitoba and throughout Canada — with the 2023 Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Manitoba Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

RRC Polytech and the University of Manitoba co-nominated the duo — founders of The Schroeder Foundation, a Canadian charitable organization — in recognition of their dedication to Winnipeg youth.

“Walter and Maria Schroeder’s work has truly been transformative, and today RRC Polytech is so proud to celebrate their contributions to our community as Manitoba’s 2023 Outstanding Philanthropists,” says RRC Polytech president Fred Meier.

“The Schroeder Foundation has awarded hundreds of full post-secondary scholarships to institutions in Winnipeg — including more than 180 to RRC Polytech — which include tuition, books and wrap-around supports.

“Schroeder Foundation students now also have the opportunity to participate in RRC Polytech’s Transition to College program, which helps them start their programs with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed on day one.”

Every year, the Schroeder Foundation donates millions of dollars to organizations, with a focus on improving health care, providing economic education, and empowering youth and Indigenous communities across the country. The Foundation currently invests more than $3 million annually in Winnipeg alone.

“Supporting RRC Polytech has always been important to us, because of the many useful trades and related activities it provides for students,” says Walter Schroeder.

“It’s an ideal institution for people to pursue one of the most important things they can do in life, which is to use education as a means of overcoming financial barriers. RRC Polytech is a top-notch institution that is ideally suited to do this, which is one of the reasons we chose it in our endeavours to provide scholarships and bursaries.”

RRC Polytech previously honoured the Schroeders with an Honorary Bachelor of Education degree in October 2022, in recognition of their dedication to removing barriers to education for Manitoba youth.

“Partnerships and donor support are key to our success at RRC Polytech,” says Meier. “Walter and Maria Schroeder are the embodiment of this support, as they see the value in investing today to create a better and brighter tomorrow — for students and our community.”

The Schroeders received their award this afternoon at the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards, a National Philanthropy Day celebration recognizing outstanding charitable work throughout the province.