A donor's dream to ensure care for those often underserved
As he celebrated his 87th birthday, Mel Fages looked not only at the years behind him but also at the future — for his family, for his community, and for the legacy he hopes to leave. Out of that reflection came a remarkable act of generosity: in the winter of 2024, Mel made a gift of shares to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, valued at over $1.1 million, establishing the Mel & Arlene Fages Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
For Mel, the Foundation has always held “important real estate” in his mind. He first served on the Board of Directors, made his first gift in 2002, and later directed life insurance policies to the JFM. This most recent gift, he says, was a natural next step.
“I have always believed in the work the Foundation is doing,” he explains. “[The Foundation] is establishing longevity for our community assets, and it is important to me that we continue in that direction.”
As he considered how best to shape his gift, Mel focused on an area deeply personal to him: mental health and wellness.
“I find that a lot of the time, when people decide where to make gifts or what to do with their funds, things like support for mental health and resources for the elderly fall to the bottom of the pile,” he says. “The aging community is somewhat forgotten.”
Mel’s connection to the cause is personal and immediate. Each afternoon, he visits his wife at the Simkin Centre, where he sees firsthand the quality of care and the vibrant lives residents are enjoying in their later years.
“The idea is that if we establish this fund, there will be opportunities to uplift causes close to our family,” he explains. “With that being the case, I want this to be something my whole family is involved with going forward, not a one-time shot.”
True to that vision, Mel involves his two daughters in every discussion regarding the fund — and has begun including his grandchildren in the process as well. Just as Mel once inherited the value of giving back, he is now ensuring that spirit carries forward to the next generation.
The Mel & Arlene Fages Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is more than a significant act of generosity. It is a living legacy, and one that will continue to strengthen community resources, champion mental health, and honour family values for generations to come.
To learn more about your giving options contact JFM offices, by telephone at 204.477.7520 or toll-free from the US/Canada at 1.855.284.1918 or by email at
[email protected]