An Enduring Legacy of Support for the Frontline

In Maunders McNeil’s lifetime, community and philanthropy were guiding principles. Maunders was a successful businessman who donated significant time and resource to causes that benefited others. He founded the Maunders McNeil Foundation in the early 1980s, as he felt compelled to have a positive effect on the communities who had supported his business over the years.

Though Maunders passed away in 1993, the Foundation continues his compassionate legacy by supporting charities across Western Canada.

The Maunders McNeil Foundation is currently comprised of three trustees: John MacInnes, Mike Stensrud, and Todd Rosenberg. The trio steward Maunder’s endowment to the Foundation, donating to organizations that contribute to frontline needs and services and have an impact on the communities they serve. “I get a lot of satisfaction from being a lawyer, but I can tell you, being a trustee in this Foundation is the best thing I get to do” Todd explains.

The group’s mission to have a positive effect on frontline challenges often leads them to health care organizations like St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. Todd and Mike have had extensive involvement in health services within Saskatoon, and have considerable knowledge of the challenges and causes relating to healthcare.

“Almost every person at some point in their life will face some type of a healthcare challenge, whether it’s beginning of life, end of life… and all the way in between,” Todd explains, so “driving to improve health outcomes, and access to services that directly affects people” has often been an outcome of Maunders McNeil Foundation’s generosity.

The group has an appreciation for St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation’s unique approach, as well. “St. Paul’s has a dedicated focus on holistic care services, which goes right back to day one with the Grey Nuns,” Todd says; “what distinguishes St. Paul’s Hospital is spiritual, holistic care.” Over the years, the Maunders McNeil Foundation has given over $480,000 to support St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, most recently supporting the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign with a phenomenal $100,000 gift.

Todd was taken aback by the statistics relating to Chronic Kidney Disease in Saskatchewan; 10% of the population is affected by CKD, and the need for dialysis in Saskatoon and the North has increased 50% in the last 10 years. “When I reflected on it personally,” Todd explains, “I asked myself: who do I know with kidney disease? Who do I know that undertakes dialysis treatments, whether at home or at the Hospital? There were a number of people on the list.” When Todd raised it with the other trustees to discuss making a contribution to the Campaign, each of them had family or close friends that had kidney disease or were on dialysis. That made the decision easy, he says.

The Maunders McNeil Foundation was drawn to the proactive nature of the By Your Side campaign, and values its alignment with St. Paul’s Hospital’s holistic approach to care. They see the value of access to spiritual support, and believe the reduction of the significant emotional toll faced by Chronic Kidney Disease patients and their loved ones is just as important as improving their physical health.

“It’s a very worthwhile campaign,” Todd concludes. “The By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign will impact the health outcomes of a lot of people, and improve the lives not only of them, but of their family, and their friends. I would encourage others to make a contribution, large or small.”