The Community Foundation receives bequest of over $14.2 Million from the estate of
Marguerite Dixson
Community Foundation Executive Director Charleen Davidson holds a photo of Marguerite Dixson, alongside representatives from the six charitable organizations named in today’s announcement.
Today, the Community Foundation announces the Marguerite Dixson bequest of just over $14,215,000 in support of six charitable organizations: The Calgary Humane Society, the Claresholm Animal Rescue Society, the Lethbridge and District Humane Society, the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, and the Calgary and Lethbridge St. John’s Ambulance chapters.
Born in Calgary, Marguerite was raised on the family farm in the Davisburg area. After attending the Modern College of Business in Calgary, she worked as a stenographer for twelve years, always returning to the family farm – and her horse – on weekends. In 1967, she married Gordon Dixson and moved to Starline Farms east of Claresholm, where they farmed together until Gordon’s passing in 1989. Mrs. Dixson remained in their home until shortly before her passing in June of 2023.
The Dixsons were active members of their community and enjoyed many happy hours golfing, curling, and playing bridge. They attended the Claresholm United Church, and Mrs. Dixson volunteered for the Claresholm Fair Board for a number of years. Her passion for gardening was well-known in the community and resulted in multiple awards for her flower beds. Her love of animals is reflected in her decision to leave the bulk of her estate to the Community Foundation in support of six charities that care for and work with animals.
“We are honoured to hold the Marguerite Dixson Fund,” said Community Foundation Executive Director Charleen Davidson. “Hers is an extraordinary gift that will literally transform the way that the six named charities carry out their work and serve the community. Now when they dream big, they will have the means to see those dreams come to fruition.”
“The funds will help because we know that we’re getting a dedicated amount of money,” said Barb Grodzicky, President of the Lethbridge and District Humane Society. “We know that we can count on this money to carry out our work.”
Mrs. Dixson’s gift is invested as part of the Community Foundation’s permanent endowment; it awards annual grants to the six charities from the income the Marguerite Dixson Fund earns. By leaving her gift to the Community Foundation, Mrs. Dixson has created a sustainable, permanent source of financial support for the six named charities. Because the gift to the six charities is unrestricted, each charity is able to allocate their annual grants to the needs that they deem most appropriate. Forever.
“Something we’ve planned years out, we might be able to complete now and meet our goals much, much sooner.” Carrie Fritz, Executive Director at the Calgary Humane Society.
The Marguerite Dixson bequest is the Community Foundation’s largest single gift to date. “It is very humbling when someone names us in their will,” said Davidson. “We are honoured to carry out the wishes of our donors, including Marguerite Dixson, and to play a small role in the beautiful legacies they leave.”
A video highlighting the details of the bequest, and its recipients can be found here.
