A picturesque community in southern Manitoba is the unexpected recipient of an inheritance windfall from a couple few in the town have met.
Minto, Man., with a population of roughly 100 people, has gotten smaller over the past few decades as young people moved away for work.
The share of a $12-million charitable fund from a Vancouver, B.C. couple comes as the community looks to attract younger families and grow.
Lloyd Campbell, born in Brandon, attended school in Minto before leaving in the 1940s to make his fortune on the West Coast in the construction industry.
The fund, established by Campbell and his wife Elsie, gives the community $55,000 a year in perpetuity.
"It's pretty amazing isn't it? A little, small community of a hundred people to have this type of gift given to us," said Lynn Flewitt, the chairperson of the Minto Philanthropic Committee.
Flewitt says few in the town knew the Campbells and wish they knew their benefactor better.
"I wish now that I'd had the opportunity to meet him," he said.
The Campbells requested part of the donation be spent on school-aged children, with a focus on recreational activities and sports.
Students say they hope the gift will help improve the dated equipment their three-room school has to use.
"Physical education is my favourite class and some equipment is just a little bit out of date and stuff," says Zech Baker, a Grade 7 student.
The community is eyeing up other renovations to their local facilities, with the hockey arena and baseball diamonds needing upgrades.
Flewitt says the local daycare may also receive funds from the donation.
Lifelong residents are stunned by the news, and admit they're grateful for the chance to restore their community.
"When does a community of this size get this kind of gift?" said Dana Maxwell. "People are really, really grateful."
Community members will be meeting later this week to discuss where the money can have the most impact.
With a report from CTV Winnipeg's Josh Crabb
