Life of giving

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This article was published 30/10/2021 (1780 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg philanthropist Louis Trepel lives by Winston Churchill’s quote, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Since his teenage years and throughout his adult life, volunteering was always part of Trepel’s off-hours, but now, he dedicates all his time to supporting communities and organizations locally and worldwide.

“It feeds my soul and it makes my heart smile,” he said.

“Everybody is able to make a difference, and when we make a life by giving, boy, we get so much back.”

As a teenager, Trepel was one of the founding members of Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, a community-funded organization that helps grant children living with permanent disabilities and those impacted by economic disadvantage opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had.

The charity has three primary program areas. Its special-needs program helps children gain access to “life-changing” medical equipment and therapy, its dental outreach program works to both provide preventative education and dental screenings and treatment to children, and its Camp Brereton helps send kids to camp who would not have been able to go otherwise, said charity CEO Jeff Liba.

Variety is often a “last resort” for families, Liba said, because when government funding or the health-care or education systems fail to provide necessary resources, Variety is there, and as a result, “we fund solutions, we don’t fund hope.”

This year, at its annual Gold Heart Gala fundraiser, Variety is handing out its inaugural lifetime achievement award. For Liba, it seemed very fitting that Trepel would be the first honoree.

In addition to lauding Trepel’s clear dedication to his work, Liba commended the longevity of Trepel’s commitment to the community, spanning countless charities and more than 40 years.

Trepel’s passion is helping to give both communities and individuals the opportunities to grow and learn, “and that’s exactly who we are as an organization,” said Liba.

For Trepel, being presented with the award feels “very humbling.”

“There are so many people who are so deserving who do much more than I do,” he said.

“When I take something on, I take it on, and I take it to a whole new level, but it’s not me, it’s the group of people that help me make it happen.

“Really, they’re all the people who are doing the work. I’m just pulling them together and sharing a passion, sharing a vision, talking about impact and how we can help improve quality of life for Manitobans.”

One of the greatest sources of enjoyment for Trepel all his life has been creating relationships with others; he said he’s always been interested in hearing people’s stories, learning about them and connecting with different groups and organizations.

“There’s so much going on in life today, kindness is so important, and by taking the time with one person, the power that can have on their lives is incredible.”

Trepel was the international ambassador for Variety, travelling across the globe, which gave him the opportunity to not only see the impact of the charity, but most of all, “being a part of helping in such a small way to make a difference.”

He spent years involved with different local organizations such as Manitoba Harvest, CancerCare Manitoba, the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, sitting on different boards and fundraising committees.

These days, he’s working with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to find talent for its gala at the end of November, and planning the upcoming Variety children’s holiday party. Trepel is keeping busy by doing what he loves.

“Now what I do is I move in, help, give a little direction, and move on to the next organization, because I want to help as many people as I can,” he said.

In the community, though established philanthropists and volunteers like himself continue to give, Trepel believes strongly that “it’s time to pass the baton on, to get younger people engaged, to inspire them, and to share your learnings with them.”

He advises those wanting to get involved in the community to find something “that really connects with their heart,” and from there, find organizations that tie in with those feelings and experiences.

“Get involved at the community level,” he said. “Learn the ropes, start connecting with people, which helps you grow as an individual.

“There’s all kinds of gifts that happen along the way and in terms of people you meet.”

To support Variety at its Gold Heart Gala this May, tickets are available for purchase as well as tables, sponsorship opportunities and volunteer opportunities.