The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta has received the largest bequest in its history. The foundation announced the Marguerite Dixson Bequest of more than $14.2 million in support of six charitable organizations. Money will go to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society, Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, Claresholm Animal Rescue Society, Calgary Humane Society and Lethbridge St. John’s Ambulance. Dixson worked in Calgary, married her husband, Gordon, in 1967, and then moved to Starline Farms east of Claresholm, where they raised their family. Dixson passed away in 2023 and left millions in her estate for charities across the region. “It’s very, very humbling, and this is obviously a very exceptional gift at $14 million plus,” said Charleen Davidson, Community Foundation of Lethbridge executive director. “We’ve already purchased horses, and, in fact, one of the horses is named Dixson, and we’ve also provided subsidies for individuals who can’t afford some of our programming to make sure they can use our programs,” said Bob Boudreau, Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association president. “This is really incredible because in an organization like ours, we don’t have regular funding coming—we rely on donations and the generosity of people to donate,” said Barb Grodzicky, Lethbridge and District Humane Society manager. The foundation will distribute money to each of the six organizations annually.
