May 2, 2022
[Winnipeg, MB – May 2, 2022] – With its new museum opening later this month, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) has the runway in sight, thanks to a new $750,000 matching gift from the Richardson Foundation.
“We are asking the entire community to join us for our final approach,” said Terry Slobodian, President & CEO, who announced the new matching program today.
“Our new museum will be an iconic building welcoming millions of visitors to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport annually, and tells the important stories of Western Canadian aviation, so we want everyone in the community to participate, regardless of the size of their gift.”
This is the second matching donation opportunity as part of the Climb Aboard Capital Campaign. Last year, Bob Williams matched $600,000 from more than 400 donors. This new matching gift will help complete the campaign’s goal.
“With the campaign close to reaching its fundraising goal, the Richardson Foundation encourages the community to continue the momentum by inviting new donors to join us in building this exciting, world-class destination,” said Shannon Fijal, Executive Director of the Richardson Foundation, which has been a proud supporter of the Capital Campaign since the beginning.
“We believe strongly in the new museum’s mission to bring aviation history to life for a new generation and are pleased to match any new donation, large or small, to a maximum of $750,000.”
The Richardson family has always had a strong connection to Manitoba’s aviation history.
“We are delighted that the museum will showcase important artefacts and celebrate key figures who pioneered aviation in this country, including James Armstrong Richardson, fourth President of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, who is widely regarded as the Father of Civil Aviation in Canada for founding Western Canada Airways and later, Canadian Airways Limited.”
All donations to the Climb Aboard Capital Campaign will help fuel the museum’s continued transformation including new accessibility programs and education initiatives. Gifts of $1,000 or higher will also be acknowledged on the museum’s donor wall at the entrance to the museum.
“With an increased commitment to STEM education and to providing museum access for people from underserved communities, the new goal of the museum is to be a community hub for all,” explains Blain King, co-chair of the Climb Aboard Capital Campaign.
“The dream for a new museum is nearly fulfilled and we are grateful to you, our community, who made these achievements possible. Every gift received has been responsible for bringing the new museum to life. Thank you for your generosity—we can’t wait to welcome you in May!”
To support the campaign and have your gift matched, phone 204-786-5503 or visit royalaviationmuseum.com.
About the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (RAMWC) was established in 1974 by a small group of visionaries committed to preserving Canada’s distinct aviation heritage. Today, with nearly 100 historic aircraft and more than 70,000 artefacts and archival records (including photographs), the museum remains one of Canada’s largest and most complete aviation heritage collections. Through remarkable storytelling and engaging exhibits that enable visitors and students to discover the science behind flight, this collection is sure to inspire future generations of aviators and inventors. RAMWC is located on the campus of the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and will be a premier attraction for the city of Winnipeg.
For more information, please contact:
Vanessa Desorcy, Marketing Specialist
PH: 204-712-3226
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