History

Founded in 1993 by former Winnipeg City Councillor and life-long Point Douglas resident John Prystanski, the Westland Foundation aims to support inner-Winnipeg schools in Winnipeg through education. Its first goal was to raise $10,000 for summer recreation programs. After consulting with local parent councils and community groups, the Foundation launched its first major project, Carnival. This event, featuring a children’s talent contest, midway, and slo-pitch ball tournament, was a success, meeting its fundraising goal and uniting the community.

The name "Westland" was derived from the Weston and Brooklands Community Centres, reflecting the Foundation’s grassroots origins.

With Carnival established, the Foundation focused on education, recognizing the low graduation rates in inner-Winnipeg schools. In response, the Westland Foundation Education Fund (WFEF) was created to provide scholarships for students in Grades 7–12, encouraging academic commitment and helping them pursue post-secondary education.

The goal of the WFEF is to increase graduation rates and reduce barriers to education, ultimately creating a healthier, more educated community. With sustainable funding, the Foundation hopes to support students for generations, ensuring its impact for the next 100 years and beyond.

On September 23, 1997 the Winnipeg School Division formally endorsed the Westland Foundation Education Fund (Achievement Plus Educational Fund) as a scholarship program for their school division.

The Westland Foundation is not connected to Westland Insurance or Westland Construction Ltd.