When the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced over $35.2-million in grants last week, six county organizations were among the 521 lucky recipients.
The funding is great News for charitable and not-for-profit organizations facing an unprecedented increase in demand for services.
“In uncertain times, people turn to volunteers and community groups,” said Helen Burstyn, chairman of the OTF board of directors. “We know local solutions are more important now than ever before.”
Wellington County grants, which total $472,600, include:
– $5,400 for the Arthur Minor Lacrosse Association, to purchase goalie equipment and starter lacrosse sticks;
– $14,700 for the Centre Wellington Shuffleboard Club, to purchase equipment for the newly-established club that provides local seniors with recreational programs;
– $30,000 for the Triumph Wrestling Club, part of the Ontario Amateur Wrestling Association, to purchase two sets of wrestling mats for youths in Dufferin County and Centre Wellington Township;
– $49,500 for the annual Sensational Elora – Festival of the Senses event, to hire staff, develop a business plan and purchase office equipment;
– $184,000 over three years to the Wellington, Waterloo Dufferin branch of VON Canada to hire a wellness co-ordinator, train volunteers and obtain space to deliver the Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together (SMART) program, which promotes exercise for older adults in Wellington County; and
– $189,000 over three years to Immigrant Services-Guelph-Wellington-Inc., to provide staff, interpreters and training supplies.
