Duane Hicks
Samantha Manty can’t wait to jump in and get started as the new director of the Riverside Foundation for Health Care.
Manty started her new job Monday, replacing Nicke Baird, who recently was hired as executive director at Northern Community Development Services (NCDS).
“I am so excited about my new position as director of Riverside Foundation,” enthused Manty, who most recently worked at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, where she helped organized various events from the business awards gala to the chili cook-off.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I am a highly-motivated and enthusiastic individual, passionate about being involved in my community,” she noted.
Manty feels she is the perfect fit for this position.
“I have a fair bit of experience planning, promoting, and organizing events of all different scales,” she remarked.
“I am so pleased to use these skills, along with my education and experience, to help contribute to the Foundation.”
The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds for the purchase of medical equipment, support of patient/client services, and improvement of medical facilities for the benefit of the district—and Manty is eager to start tackling the work.
“One of the first things I will be undertaking is the Foundation’s annual spring lunch,” she said.
“It is quickly approaching [May 5] so I am sure it will keep me on my feet.
“The Special Events committee has been busy working on it for sometime, and I am eager to help anyway that I can,” she added.
Manty said she also will be busy getting things rolling for the annual Canada Day Lottery, with ticket sales likely to be underway by month’s end.
“I am also excited to work with the Foundation board, the entire community, and everyone at Riverside,” Manty reiterated.
“I cannot wait to adjust to my new role as Foundation director, and be a part of the positive things that Riverside Foundation contributes to our community.”
Manty, the daughter of Ken and Cindy Manty, graduated last year from the Community Recreation and Leadership Training program at Montreal’s Dawson College.
Part of the program included completing an internship at the Fort Frances Museum in early 2013.
Having always intended to return to Fort Frances, Manty is thrilled to be building a “foundation” for her future.
“After graduating from my studies . . . there was no doubt that I wanted to return home and use my newly-acquired skills to make a positive impact on the community,” she remarked.
“I am so happy to be back surrounded by my family, old friends, and many of the familiar faces in Fort Frances,” Manty added.
“Although the town has been hit hard with recent events over the last year, I truly believe that we have what it takes to move ahead, and work towards making constructive changes.
“I feel like it is a time to look forward, and more importantly a time to really believe in our community,” she stressed.
“Fort Frances is a beautiful and amazing place with so much to offer.
“There is honestly nowhere else I would rather be,” Manty said.
