February 15, 2010 – Commissioner Tony Whitford and President of the Yellowknife Community Foundation Daryl Dolynny announced today the establishment of the Elaine (Sweet) Whitford Scholarship to recognize the contribution Mrs. Whitford made to the North and to support NWT post secondary students who want to make a difference.

Commissioner Whitford said “during her life Elaine contributed greatly to the well-being of Northerners and was influential in encouraging and assisting many of them to remain in school and pursue a post-secondary education.  My family and I have established this scholarship to build on that legacy and make our communities stronger”.  Daryl Dolynny said “The Yellowknife Community Foundation is pleased to be able to assist in recognizing Elaine’s contribution and help NWT students with this scholarship opportunity. We are looking forward presenting the inaugural scholarship later this year.”   

Mary Elaine (Sweet) Whitford was born in Islay, Alberta. She first came North in 1964 as a University student and then, after completing her Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Toronto, returned in 1965 to work in Fort Smith where she also met her future husband Tony.  Elaine’s thirty-two year career in social work was marked by a passion and commitment that made her a role model for many young northerners pursuing a career in the field.  Elaine and Tony raised three sons, Warren, Blair and Ian in the NWT.    Elaine died on February 23, 2003 after a brief bout with cancer.

The Yellowknife Community Foundation was formed in 1993 to provide residents (and former residents) with a means of supporting projects in our community for the enduring future. The Foundation is not singularly dedicated to any specific area of support. It embodies a simple concept - that people working together can make a difference.  Donations are still accepted to the Elaine Whitford Scholarship Fund.  The money, invested over time, will grow and will continue to have an impact long after the original gift is made. Donations to the Foundation are eligible deductions for Income Tax purposes.

(Press Release PDF version) / Biographical Information on Elaine (Sweet) Whitford / Information on the Elaine (Sweet) Whitford Scholarship).

Photographs Elaine (Sweet) Whitford / Annoucement Event (Darrell Vikse - YCF, Commissioner Tony Whitford, Daryl Dolynny YCF)

For more information contact:

Yellowknife Community Foundation
c/o Theresa Slator
P.O. Box 1620
4918 - 50th Street
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P2
867-873-3441
email: info@yellowknifecommunityfoundation.ca