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Mission

The Jubilee Fund advocates economic opportunity for all members of society, through ethical and socially responsible financing of community economic development initiatives.

Vision

The Jubilee Fund sees a future in which equitable economic opportunities are available to all members of society.

-> see vision & goals

Loan Guidelines
-> see them here

Board Members
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Russ Rothney

Russ Rothney served as a Director of the Jubilee Fund representing Assiniboine Credit Union since it was launched in 2000 until his retirement from ACU in August 2009. His involvement was a direct response to the founding members who were looking at the idea of forming a fund. At the same time, there had been interest expressed both by Assiniboine Credit Union Board of Directors and management at becoming involved with Community Loan Funds outside of its regular leading.

Russ is personally very interested in the concept of community loan funds, a self-reliant focus as opposed to hand out charity. When asked, Russ stated he enjoys working with individuals and groups who put their faith in social justice into practice.  “I have found it inspiring to work with the Jubilee Fund membership. They express their beliefs of building a better world in a practical way.”

Russ believes the Jubilee Fund understands and responds to the fact that making loans accessible is only one piece of community development.  The Fund continues to find better ways of supporting project development, methods that are not patronizing and respect other people’s capability and dignity. He believes the Jubilee Fund will become more entrenched in community economic development and financial institutions of Winnipeg.  

Russ helped with the design of The Jubilee Fund Inc. and the West Broadway Community Land Trust. Russ is Treasurer of Neechi Foods Co-Op, a Board member with Northern Star, part of the Management Team of Collaboration Co-op Development Services and Chair of the Cooperative Development Committee of the Manitoba Cooperative Association.

Earlier, Russ helped to create Payuk Inter-Tribal Co-Op (housing) and worked for the Manitoba Métis Federation in the areas of economic development, child and family support, Constitutional rights and land claims, and with Manitoba’s Planning Secretariat of Cabinet in the areas of northern economic development and labour market conditions facing people with disabilities.  Russ has taught Community Economic Development for the University of Manitoba, Aboriginal organizations, and Canada World Youth.  He also has taught Aboriginal history courses for the University of Manitoba; on campus and through the Winnipeg Education Centre.  He has a MA in Economics from the University of Manitoba and a BA (Hons.) from Lakehead University.

Russ is currently spearheading the development of a community business complex "Neechi Commons Co-operative".

Go to Neechi Commons Co-operative

Email:rrothney@mts.net

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