Nomads alumni want to pay it forward

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This article was published 16/09/2019 (2498 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s a non-profit organization in the city that’s been providing support and assistance to the North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club for quite some time.

The North Winnipeg Nomads Alumni has been committed to promoting and preserving the rich tradition of the North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club, since it began serving the community in 1969.

Now, 50 years later, the time has come to acknowledge its presence and contributions to the community for over half a century. After cancelling their original plan to host a 50th anniversary dinner to honour the inaugural ’69 team, those involved say they are absolutely committed now to redirecting their celebratory energy towards building momentum on their endowment fund instead.

“The establishment of this endowment fund will allow the Nomads Alumni to provide a bursary or scholarship to a graduating Nomads player on an annual basis in perpetuity,” said Rob Berkowits, Nomads Alumni committee co-chair, Rady JCC executive director, and former Nomad. “The selected athlete may use this gift to offset tuition costs related to attending university, college or the learning of a trade. This endowment fund is our personal acknowledgement that the North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club played a vital role in our development as young men.

“The Alumni is always looking to reconnect with former players, coaches and volunteers. The committee is continually expanding and former players are encouraged to get involved,” he added.

For former Nomad Al Greenberg, the value of football goes well beyond the sport itself as it fosters teamwork and friendship. Today, Greenberg and his North Winnipeg Nomads teammates from over 30 years ago are doing what they can to create a foundation for today’s young players.

It was Greenberg and other alumni who formed an association and created an endowment fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba to support graduating Nomad players as they pursue further education. He’s grateful for his five years with the Nomads, with whom he built enduring friendships.

“It didn’t matter if you were Jewish, Ukrainian, or Indigenous. You were a Nomad,” said Greenberg, who grew up in Garden City and attended Talmud Torah, Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate, and Camp Massad. “You were brothers with one goal in mind — to win a championship.”

“The Jewish Foundation of Manitoba promotes the Nomads Alumni Fund on its website, collects donations, and issues charitable receipts to donors. Once the fund reaches $10,000, the alumni can distribute the income it earns annually as a scholarship or bursary,” explained Berkowits.

The Nomads Alumni welcomes contributions in any amount made directly to the Nomads Alumni Endowment Fund. Visit their Facebook page for more information.