The Winnipeg Foundation has announced an unrestricted bequest of approximately C$500 million ($369.8 million) from the late Miriam Bergen, owner and president of Appleton Holdings Ltd.

The largest gift ever made to a Canadian charity by an individual includes the shares of Appleton, a privately held company that carries on business as Edison Properties. The foundation has been working with executors and company senior management to ensure a smooth transition of ownership; the company will continue with its existing management structure and an independent board. The gift will support the foundation’s community fund.

Bergen’s parents, Martin and Ruth, immigrated to Canada after World War II, and Martin founded Marlborough Developments, which later became Appleton. The company currently has more than 200 employees and owns or manages 27 properties.

“Giving to community organizations was a big part of how Miriam showed she cared about people,” said Doris Gietz, Bergen’s cousin. “She had a love of humanity that came from her parents, my aunt and uncle. Their philanthropic values grew from the gratitude they felt when they immigrated to Canada.”

“Miriam Bergen will be remembered as a visionary for our community. Her incredibly generous gift will transform the Winnipeg Foundation’s ability to support community,” said Winnipeg Foundation CEO Sky Bridges. “We look forward with enthusiasm, commitment, and hope for Winnipeg’s future, as we continue working to help ensure ‘a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all.’ This stunning support from Miriam Bergen, and her love for our city and all who live here, will help us address Winnipeg’s most pressing challenges today, and in the future.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/benedek)