Why start a Foundation for this community?
Because rural villages are declining as more and more people migrate to urban areas. Yet, these were/are wonderful places for children to grow up in. There is great satisfaction in knowing that your roots belong in this kind of town where people know and care about each other. Why not help preserve this village for those who still live there (and for those who retire there). Perhaps city folks would also like to “experience” life in a small town for a weekend excursion. The Foundation hopes to create opportunities for these kinds of visits in the future.

How is the Foundation different from the Community Club?
The Community Club has a long history in Ste. Marie. It sponsors community events to bring the community together. It also runs the village swimming pool that was once part of the Sacred Heart Novitiate buildings (now owned by the Southeast Special Education District). The Foundation plans to help the Community Club with special projects (such as a “welcome packet of information” for newcomers). But the Foundation’s main purpose will be to raise money to support and sustain the village and to provide links to people who grew up in Ste. Marie.

Who is going to donate?
We hope that current Ste. Marie area residents will support the Foundation, but our main source of funds will be from those who grew up in Ste. Marie and have moved away. . We hope they have happy memories of going to school there, making their first communion at the church, attending community events, and just generally enjoying the freedom and energy involved in growing up in a small town.

Why can’t the Village just help themselves?
The village can and does! Ste. Marie leaders are to be congratulated for maintaining this little village so well! But small farmers are practically non-existent these days. And fewer people see the advantages of living in a small town. The Foundation is there to help fill some of the gaps and help the community with change.