In August 2024, the Wyatt Kash Fehr Memorial Fund was established through the Winkler Community Foundation to support the creation of an outdoor classroom in Wyatt's honour. This classroom, now in the planning stages, will be located at J.R. Walkof School, where Wyatt attended kindergarten. Designed to keep Wyatt’s memory alive, the project aims to benefit the school and the wider community of Winkler & District for years to come. The fund will also continue to support other community projects in his memory.
Wyatt’s legacy at J.R .Walkof school
Wyatt was a vibrant presence at J.R. Walkof Elementary, where his love for superheroes, dramatic play, and building with blocks brought energy to every day. He had a knack for celebrating the unique qualities of his friends, and his joy for storytelling was infectious. The outdoor classroom will serve as a reminder of Wyatt’s enthusiasm and the joy he shared with his peers.
Wyatt’s love for outdoor activities, including camping, biking, and riding his gator, has deeply influenced the design of the classroom. Local designer Vern Wiebe incorporated Wyatt’s passion for bike riding into the project by modeling the structure’s frame after a bike. This thoughtful design ties Wyatt’s memory to the classroom, creating a space that reflects his adventurous spirit.
The idea behind the project
The outdoor classroom came to life thanks to Wyatt’s uncle, Ed Penner, who approached the family with this meaningful project plan. Andrea Fehr, Wyatt’s mother, shared the family's initial uncertainty about how best to commemorate Wyatt before Ed suggested the outdoor classroom.
"We weren’t sure where to start, and that’s when Ed had the idea of the outdoor classroom," said Andrea.
Community involvement and future impact
The memorial fund, created in partnership with the Winkler Community Foundation, offers a way for the community, businesses, and individuals to contribute to the project. "We had so many people approach us, asking how they could help," Andrea explained. "The fund was put into place to give them a way to support this project."
Looking forward, the family hopes the outdoor classroom will benefit both the community and J.R. Walkof School for many years to come, allowing Wyatt’s legacy to live on. “With the fund in place, we hope to give back and support future projects in Wyatt’s memory,” Andrea shared. “We want to thank everyone who has been involved to make this project a reality.”
Contribute to the Wyatt Kash Fehr Outdoor Classroom project by donating to the Winkler Community Foundation. Please signify that your contribution is for the Wyatt Fehr project. PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to donate to the Wyatt Fehr Outdoor Classroom Project, please donate through Canada Helps or via cheque at the Winkler Community Foundation office or by mail. Any donations through the Winnipeg Foundation will be endowed and not used directly towards the project. Thank you. Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a tax-deductible receipt at the end of the year.