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Mission

The Jubilee Fund advocates economic opportunity for all members of society, through loan guarantees for community economic development initiatives.

Vision

The Jubilee Fund sees a future in which disadvantaged members of society are able to move ahead with their economic goals.

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Loan Guidelines
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Board Members
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Sudanese Cultural Community Centre

The Sudan Humanitarian Relief Organization and the Sudanese Association of Manitoba (SAM) came together in 2006 to purchase a building located on 129 Dagmar Street. The Kinsmen Club of Manitoba gave a $100,000 grant, with the proviso that they keep the building for ten years. The building was purchased to fulfill a desire by their members to provide a safe community place for the reported 3,000 Sudanese people   who live in Manitoba.

A number of programs are offered at the centre including a Women’s Counselling program and English language training; the Hassana School at the Centre offers English language training to the younger children; Social & Community gatherings take place on Saturday and Sunday; a youth Soccer team (that earned a third place title in their division this year); youth music workshops and a place members can gather when they mourn a deceased loved one.

During their initial years, several disputes within the two Boards resulted in the Sudanese Cultural Community Centre Board being dissolved and a new Board was established in 2008. The new Board members collectively work together to operate the building and assist the community. However, as new Canadians the Board members faced several challenges, not the least was our custom of paying property taxes.

It came as a surprise when they learned they were three years behind in their taxes and the City of Winnipeg stated they would commence with a tax sale if their arrears were not paid. City Councillor Mike Pagtakhan tried to assist the organization with their tax woes. With the primary revenue source of the organization being membership fees and donations (and no charitable status), raising the necessary funds quickly was not easy. Assiniboine Credit Union has approved refinancing of the existing mortgage, the Jubilee Fund guaranteed a separate loan and with funds the organization was able to raise, all amounts due on their property tax bill will be paid.

The organization has formed a fundraising committee to plan a major fundraiser later this year. They have applied for their charitable status which will greatly assist the fundraising efforts. In addition, a new revenue source has been derived through the building’s parking lot which has been zoned for commercial parking. This new revenue source will assist in providing financial stability to the organization. In speaking with Kuac Madit President of the Sudanese Association of Manitoba and Simon Marial, Finance Chair acknowledge financial resources are tight, but believe the future is looking very exciting.

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