By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
The LaSalle Community Fund (LCF) held its 5th Annual General Meeting, bringing together community members, donors, and local leaders to celebrate a year of achievements and set the stage for future initiatives.
The meeting opened with a welcome address from Vince Marcotte, LCF president, who highlighted the organization’s mission to support local charities, youth programs, and community development. The Chairperson thanked members and donors for their ongoing commitment, emphasizing that the fund’s success is a reflection of the community’s generosity and engagement.
The association, formed in 2021, is a group of local individuals who saw the need to assist and partner with local LaSalle organizations, providing the community with funding support for various worthwhile projects now and into the future. The LCF has established an affiliation with the WECF (WindsorEssex Community Foundation), which helps to build a stronger Windsor-Essex region by attracting and managing legacy funds, making grants to support local programs, and helping to bring community partners together.
The treasurer’s report highlighted the LCF’s solid financial position, with continued growth in endowment funds and community grants. This stability has enabled expansion of support for local initiatives like scholarships, food programs, and environmental projects.
One of the highlights of the AGM was the announcement of the 2025 grant recipients. Several local organizations were recognized for their work and awarded funding to continue or expand their programs.
Representatives from recipient groups shared moving stories about the impact of LCF support, reinforcing the fund’s vital role in the community.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, LaSalle Hangout for Youth, and the LaSalle Food Bank are all recipients of a $500 grant for their ongoing service across the municipality.
Another ongoing goal of the LaSalle Community Fund has been to “support annual and growing LaSalle Community Scholarships for students from LaSalle who are graduating from Sandwich Secondary School, St Thomas of Villanova Secondary School, or a LaSalle resident attending any other area high school and pursuing post-secondary education at a Canadian Institution. Previous recipients of the scholarships include Celeste Dechamps, Aaron Bondy-Hotchkiss and Alec Miuccio.
“To be amongst the first winners was an amazing feeling. It really helped with paying for school,” said Miuccio, who attended and spoke at the event. “I love LaSalle, it’s a great community to grow up in.
Miuccio is currently studying business at the University of Windsor and aspires to become an accountant.
Another key component of the LCF’s set of donations includes the establishment of a ‘Legacy Fund.” As a donor, you can contribute today to the LCF Legacy Fund, or designate a bequest in your will, both ultimately being held under the trusteeship of the Windsor Essex Community Foundation, pooled with the contributions of other like-minded individuals, to support the LaSalle community in perpetuity. ”
The LaSalle Community Fund’s AGM served not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a springboard for continued growth. Want to learn more? Visit lasallecommunityfund.ca
