In life, Jack Tennant was an active and passionate community supporter involved in a myriad of community organizations. After his death last month, he left a void with many of those community supports that others will need to step into. This week, the Cochrane Foundation filled the space left by Tennant with a familiar face. Brenda Tennant, Jacks' wife and publisher of the Cochrane Eagle, has taken up the torch passed on by her late husband. "I've known about the Cochrane Foundation through Jack when he joined years ago and always felt it was such a valuable organization. I feel honoured to join this board and hope bring more attention to the valuable contribution it makes the community," said Brenda. Since its founding in 1993, the Cochrane Foundation has been a tremendous supporter of Cochrane and area doling out nearly $1 million to almost 100 organizations spanning the gamut of community supports and services. The foundation has also been an active supporter of Cochrane students studying in the field of medicine. Each year, through the Dr. George McQuitty Memorial Fund, it provides grants to Cochrane high school students enrolled in graduate studies in the medical field. Tim Harvie, chair of the Cochrane Foundation, said the board is fortunate to have Brenda pick up where Jack left off. "We are very pleased to have Brenda join our Cochrane Foundation Board. She is passionate about Cochrane, well connected to its heartbeat, and will capably carry on the vision shared by her husband Jack and the Foundation for a compassionate and supportive community,” he said. The Cochrane Foundation accepts applications for its community grants and Dr. George McQuitty Memorial Fund each January with the money being awarded in the spring. The last funding announcement, which saw $60,000 shared among 14 organizations and three graduate students, was made on March 29. For more information about the foundation, how to donate, or how to apply for funding, go to www.cochranefoundation.ca.
