$1M donation could mean new home for non-profit supporting Winnipeggers with intellectual disabilities

A Winnipeg non-profit group thatprovides support for people withintellectualdisabilities just received a million-dollar boost.

DASCH(Direct Action in Support of Community Homes) announced Thursdayit has received a legacy gift of $1 million from the Jessiman Foundation.

"This is a very special day forDASCHresidents, families and our entire organization," KarenFonseth, CEO ofDASCH, said atspecial event to kick off a fundraising campaign to raise donations for capital and programing projects.

It's not the first time the Jessimanfamily has stepped up for the organization. Duncan and Judy Jessiman, founders of the Jessiman Foundation, provided a donation back in the early 1990sthat launched an endowment fund.

"Our association with DASCH goes back to the days of a little organization with one home and a small group of people with an idea that they could make life dramatically better for people living with intellectual disabilities," said Peter Jessiman, the foundation's director.

"Today, that organization is much bigger and is improving the lives of hundreds of people each day.DASCH has set the gold standard for efficient, effective, and compassionate care in this area and is nationally respected as a model to emulate."

The Jessimandonationwill be used to double up onall other donations made to the organization during its fundraising campaign, Fonseth said.

The money is being considered for many projects, including a new head office for DASCH.

"Currently, we operate out of more than 57 locations, which can present operational challenges," Fonsethsaid.

"By having our offices, training initiatives and the ability to offer community-based services in one location, we would be able to significantly improve how we serve the DASCH community."

Donorscan also request their funds go toward other things like down payments on new community homes, adaptive equipment, sensory rooms, employment trainingand program sponsorships.