A woman from Steinbach is proving that you are never too old to give back to your community. 

At the age of 101, Evelyn Penner is the newest member of The Chrysalis Fund. The Chrysalis Fund is a women's giving circle in Steinbach which promotes philanthropy in women and supports local not for profits in the area.

Simone Penner is Treasurer of The Chrysalis Fund. She says this group was formed in September of 2009 and today has 75 members. Each member has donated $1,000 to The Chrysalis Fund. That money is kept in a capital and then every year, the interest from that capital is invested back into the community through grants. Since its inception, The Chrysalis Fund has granted $73,384.

Evelyn Penner has supported opportunities for women her entire life. She was actively involved in numerous women's auxiliaries including former President of Bethesda Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, former President of Evangelical Free Church Women's Missionary Society and former President of Providence College Women's Auxiliary. She also raised six children with her husband George Penner.

"She's been very involved in the community all her life and this was another way of having an opportunity to continue being involved in leaving a legacy," notes Penner. "It's just a way of showing that all age groups can be part of this organization."

Penner says, like any organization, they have an executive team that plays a bigger role. She notes the pandemic has resulted in most of their correspondence being through email and not in person. As a result, Evelyn Penner, who lives at Rest Haven, is easily able to be a member without needing to physically attend any meetings. 

Penner says having a member who lives in a personal care home, yet who still wants to give back is certainly a "wow" moment.

"This is definitely an impact to the community," notes Penner. "This is now creating a legacy in her name because that money is investing in capital and just keeps growing forever."

Meanwhile, Penner says they are now inviting not for profits to apply for a grant if they have a specific project geared around promoting growth and change in children, youth and families. The application deadline is June 30th. Penner says this year they will have $8,482 to offer through grants. She expects they will announce the recipients by October.