About Us

The Dr. Howard J. Rees Foundation was created in 1992.  Dr. Rees, who has always been a dedicated supporter of the town of Blenheim and its surrounding area, served the community as a family physician for over forty years.  The Foundation allows Dr. Rees to provide encouragement and financial assistance to a variety of community projects. 
             
The mandate of the Foundation is to support the arts, health, and education in the Blenheim area.  Since it was established, the Foundation has provided academic scholarship for students who are entering post-secondary institutions.  The ‘Joan Boyes Gable Rees Rotary Pool Scholarship’ is awarded annually to a student who has worked or volunteered at the Gable Rees Rotary Pool, and has demonstrated leadership and vitality throughout their years of education.  The ‘Marjorie Rees Memorial Scholarship’ is presented yearly to a student who has displayed a commitment to the life and spirit of Blenheim District High School. 

The Foundation has also assisted in the expansion of the Gable Rees Rotary Pool.  It contributed financially to the enclosure of the pool, thereby making it a popular year-round destination for swimming and exercise.   Also, the Foundation’s donations enabled the construction of necessary office space, and change-rooms at the pool.  Finally, the Foundation has made it possible for hundreds of school-aged children to annually receive free swimming lessons.

The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors, who meet regularly to review projects and proposals.