Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Sam Katz was joined today by Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg, and Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner, Executive Director of the West End BIZ, to announce that Saigon Park Community Stage on Ellice Avenue will be named the “Axworthy Community Stage.” This naming right recognizes Dr. Axworthy’s decade of contributions to The U of W and the surrounding community.
The U of W is proud to provide a sponsorship contribution to go towards supporting the maintenance of the community stage over the next ten years.
“Dr. Axworthy’s work is his legacy, and his work at The University of Winnipeg and in the surrounding community has made a significant and positive impact on the West End,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “The City of Winnipeg is pleased to honour him in the community he cares so greatly about, and it is fitting that his legacy should live on in the Axworthy Community Stage at Saigon Park, a place where the community gathers.”
“Dr. Axworthy’s significant legacy at The University of Winnipeg transformed not only the face of the West End, he also genuinely cared about the community and the people who live and work here” said Gloria Cardwell Hoeppner, Executive Director, West End BIZ. “Dr. Axworthy ensured The University was a supportive and valued community partner, and worked to make education more accessible to everyone. This stage stands as a lasting legacy of his important achievements and we are so pleased to honour him in this way.”
"The University of Winnipeg has deep roots in the inner city and West End neighbourhoods which are among the most diverse communities in Canada, and Saigon Park reflects and values this global village feeling," said Dr. Axworthy. "It is my deep honour to be associated with this park. UWinnipeg looks forward to our continued partnership with the community and hosting events and celebrations on this stage."
Sponsor Winnipeg is a partnership program which provides public-spirited individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations and community groups with opportunities to sponsor a wide variety of City of Winnipeg assets and programs, in return for naming rights, legacy opportunities and other marketing benefits associated with sponsorship of City facilities and services.
This continuing program supports the City's commitment to deliver high quality services to the citizens of Winnipeg by generating new revenue sources.
Since the launch of Sponsor Winnipeg, the City has generated over $2.2 million to enhance civic programs and services.
Council will consider an administrative report regarding this sponsorship initiative at its July Council meeting.