One of Windsor's most historic buildings has received a combined donation of $142,000.
A reception was held Sunday at Willistead Manor with guests like Mayor Drew Dilkens, city council and staff, the Friends of Willistead, Willistead Manor Inc., Rotary Club of Windsor and descendants of Hiriam Walker.
"Year after year, we see impactful work undertaken, with exciting projects aimed at preserving the manor while enhancing public access and engagement opportunities. The generous donations from Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), Charleigh Charitable Trust and the Walker family descendants, the Friends of Willistead, and so many others help make this important work possible," said Mayor Dilkens.
Last year many restoration work and special projects took place such as the restoration of the Paul Martin Gardens Terrace, restoration of the North Terrace, restoration of the original floor in the Coach House Historical Exhibition and foundation waterproofing in the gardens and select exterior areas.
"We were proud to help the City move forward with the restoration of the floor in the Coach House Historical Exhibition room, and with the design phase of the upcoming main courtyard restoration project," said Chair of Willistead Manor Inc Board of Directors Douglas Sanborn.
This year, more work will be done to the building. A recently commissioned portrait of Mary Walker will be unveiled and will be hung inside the Willistead Manor in the Great Hall directly across her husband's portrait.
It is created by Michele Van Maurik in the style of portraits of Edward Chandler Walker, Hiriam Walker and James Harrington Walker.
Additionally, the main courtyard at the manor will undergo a full restoration. It will be close to the original layout.
"It is truly an honour to see our family legacy celebrated in the city of Windsor. Thank you to the Willistead Board, the Friends of Willistead, and the City of Windsor for their work to preserve the manor and the story of the Walker family. It is wonderful to see our multi-year contributions being put to such great use at Willistead," said Leigh and Charles Merinoff on behalf of the Walker family.
A number of donations were presented during the event.
A cheque by the Rotary Club of Windsor was presented for $87,364.59. The money came from the 43rd annual Art in the Park Festival, which broke attendance records for the second year in a row.
The Charleigh Charitable Trust then donated $25,000 which is the second installment of a multi-year commitment on behalf of the Walker family descendants. A total of $100,000 was first announced in 2023.
The great-great granddaughter of Hiriam Walker then presented a cheque worth $25,000 toward to ongoing restoration and preservation of the manor.
Lastly, the Friends of Willistead committed $5,000, a combination funding and in-kind support towards restoration and special heritage projects.
"The Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors remains impressed and moved by the incredible community engagement with Willistead Manor. Donors, supporters, partners, rental parties, artists and performers, and so many guests support, visit and engage with Willistead Manor year after year. We remain so very grateful to our donors," said Chair Sanborn.