The Steinbach Community Foundation is holding a special fundraising blitz Saturday, hoping to increase its endowment fund. Chair Patti Fries says charitable donations received on Saturday will be partially matched.

"It's actually a province-wide initiative, so almost all of the community foundations in Manitoba will be participating in this. It's spearheaded by the Winnipeg Foundation. What they're also doing is that for every $5.00 that you give, the Winnipeg Foundation will match $1.00 and the Province of Manitoba will match $1.00. So, every $5.00 you give becomes $7.00 or $50 becomes $70. It really adds up so it's a good time, if you're going to give a donation, give it on Saturday."

Fries says their goal is to raise $10,000 which would turn into $14,000 with the matching program. To contribute, search on the internet for 'Endow Manitoba' and select the 24-hour Giving Challenge, then look for the Steinbach Community Foundation.

She says the Steinbach Community Foundation uses the interest earned on its money to provide grants to groups and individuals in the community.

"We touch on many aspects that can enrich the lives of people in the community. Our focus usually is in the areas of arts, culture, education, health and social services and just any kind of community initiative that is going to be better for the community. Our money is all pooled and invested and the earnings from that are given out in grants. These grants are given out once a year. People can apply and then, based on if they meet the criteria, we are just happy to give out the money."