November 29, 2009

(l-r) Carole Leroux, Community Health Officer, Centre de santé communautaire de l’Estrie; Denise Thérriault, Executive Director, Équipe Pshcyo-Sociale; Gérald Samson, OTF Grant Review Team chair; Jim Brownell, MPP (Stormont-Dunda-South Glengarry);  Lucie Hart, Community Planner, Partir d’un bon pas; Chantal Quesnel-Labelle, Coordinator; Partir d’un bon pas

On National Child Day, the Équipe Pshcyo-Sociale took the time out to announce a $60,000 grant from OTF to launch their Family, Health, Balance program. Over the next two years, funding will be used for a coordinator to carry out regular recreational activities throughout the year and one week summer camps for families with low income in Cornwall.

November 22, 2009

(l-r) The Hon. Michael Chan, MPP (Markham-Unionville); Carmen Di Paola, President,  Markham Centennial Bocce Club; Mervat Rashwan, OTF Grant Review Team member; Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Markham

The Markham Centennial Bocce Club celebrated its grand opening thanks in part to a $61,100 grant from OTF. As the sport grows in popularity, funding has helped to equip the new club with accessible courts and energy-efficient appliances for the kitchen.

November 21, 2009

(l-r) Richard Jefferson, Treasurer, Newcastle Skating Club; John O’Toole, MPP (Durham); Jo-Anne Raymond, President, Newcastle Skating Club; Chandrakumran Muttukumaru, OTF Grant Review Team member; Joanna Cull, Vice President, Newcastle Skating Club; Gord Robinson, Councillor, Municipality of Clarington

The Newcastle Skating Club unveiled its new Music & Storage room, thanks in part to a $45,500 grant from OTF. Music is essential to the skating program and funding has helped to build a new addition to the building, which will house music and a storage facility for the Club’s various programs.

November 16, 2009

(l-r) Monte Kwinter, MPP (York Centre); Brooky Robins, Chair, Ontario Jewish Association; Dr. Ellen Scheinberg, Director, Ontario Jewish Archives; Sharyn Salsberg Ezrin, OTF Board of Directors

The Ontario Jewish Archives held a celebration as it launched Ontario’s Small Jewish Communities exhibit thanks in part to a $117,000 OTF grant made in 2006.  Funding was used collect artifacts and stories from 11 small and rural communities.

November 15, 2009

Photo courtesy of Independent & Free Press (l-r)  Sheila Tutty, OTF Grant Review Team member; Finn Poulstrup, Chair HHSM&RC; Ted Arnott, MPP (Wellington-Halton Hills)

The Halton Hills Sports Museum and Resources Centre was proud to receive a $119,100 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Over the next 20 months, funding will be used to build the museum collection, develop a curriculum-based education program and support organizational development.

November 14, 2009

(l-r) Claytton Wyndatt, Director, White Water Gallery; Monique Smith, MPP (Nipissing); Carol Anne DiBartolomeo, OTF Grant Review Team member

White Water Gallery hosted a reception for the first annual National Juried Drawing Exhibition and its Art Cards event made possible with a $31,200 OTF grant.  In 2008, White Water Gallery received funding to provide administrative training, expand programming, assist with operational costs, and to pay exhibition fees. The support has also helped to secure a new and larger space located at 109 Main St. East.

November 13, 2009

(l-r) Jody Anderson; Community Access Program Assistant, APANO; Lisa Ojeebah, Community Access Program Coordinator;  Mike Brown, MPP (Algoma-Manitoulin); Dorthy Wynn, President, APANO; Pat Tangie, Community Wellness Coordinator, APANO; Sue Cauchy, Long-Term Care Coordinator, APANO In the back; Jody Murphy, client, APANO and Ken Wynn

The Aboriginal Peoples’ Alliance of Northern Ontario celebrated the unveiling of a new van thanks to a $15,000 OTF grant. The  van will help  more community members access APANO’s programs as lack of transportation in the region is an issue.

November 12, 2009

(l-r) Pam Bennewies, Clerk-Treasurer, Township of Brethour; Andrew Ager, OTF Grant Review Team member; Arla West, Councilor, Township of Brethour; David Ramsay, MPP (Timiskaming-Cochrane)

The Township of Brethour cut the ribbon on a newly renovated community hall, made possible by a $13,800 OTF grant. Funding was used to install a second entrance, featuring an adjoining exterior access ramp and washroom modifications to ensure it’s fully accessible to all community members.

November 6, 2009

(l-r) Bill Mauro, MPP (Thunder Bay-Atikokan); Michael Gravelle, MPP (Thunder Bay-Superior North); Larry Hebert, President, Thunder Bay International Baseball Association; Warren Phillip, Executive Director, Thunder Bay International Baseball Association

The Thunder Bay International Baseball Association (TBIBA) held a donor appreciation event in recognition of the $95,000 OTF grant received last winter. The two-year grant was used to purchase equipment, organize a cultural festival and provide volunteer training and recruitment for the International Baseball of America Federation (IBAF) AAA World Junior Baseball Championship, slated for Thunder Bay in the summer of 2010.

October 23, 2009

(l-r) Art Sampson, OTF Grant Review Team member; Ken Crichton, President, Steel City Steelers Football; Paul Miller, MPP (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek)

The Steel City Steelers Atom-level division scored a touchdown with an $8,000 grant from OTF.  Thanks to the funding, the group has purchased safety and field equipment, such as helmets, shoulder pads, blocking shields and tackling dummies for 40 members of the Atom-level division team (comprised of players 11 to 12 years of age).

October 23, 2009

(l-r)  Tim Mancell, Councillor, Walkerton; Doug Berry, Director, Walkerton Agricultural Society; Morgan Inglis, 2nd Vice-President, Walkerton Agricultural Society; Muriel Murphy, OTF Grant Review Team member; Carol Mitchell, MPP (Huron Bruce); Len Wilhelm, Director, Walkerton Agricultural Society; Jim Sloan, volunteer

The Walkerton Agricultural Society is putting a new roof on one of its three buildings, thanks to a $65,000 OTF grant. The new roof will allow the group to host many cultural and community events in safe and energy efficient space.

October 9, 2009

(l-r) Aaron Turford-Fusion, Staff, Fusion Centre; Bettianne Hedges, OTF Grant Review Team member; Sam Quin, participant, Fusion Centre; Kyle McManus, participant, Fusion Centre; John McIntosh, General Manager, Heart FM 104.7; Mayor Paul Holbrough, Town of Ingersoll; Ernie Hardeman, MPP (Oxford);Eric Howlett, participant, Fusion Centre

The Fusion Youth Activity and Technology Centre (Fusion Centre) hosted the grand opening of “The Studio” a state-of-the-art recording studio, thanks in part to a $150,000 OTF grant. Funding was used to support the musical and digital recording studio, providing local youth with professional recording opportunities on various projects.

October 3, 2009

Tropicana Community Services Organization
Scarborough

September 13, 2009

(l-r) Don Muir, President and Pipe Major; Ted McMeekin, MPP (Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale); Art Sampson, OTF Grant Review Team member

With the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Dundas Pipes and Drums will continue their legacy of piping, drumming and teaching, thereby bringing the traditions and love of Highland music to the community.  Earlier this summer, the Foundation gave the band a $30,600 grant to help engage more youth and buy new drums for the band.

September 13, 2009

(l-r) Paul Miller, MPP (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek); Steven Pinnock, Executive Director, Best Buddies; Mike Kirk OTF Grant Review Team member

Best Buddies Canada and Community Living Hamilton received a $97,800 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation earlier this year to help expand the Best Buddies program in Hamilton. Funding will support the expansion of the Best Buddies program to Hamilton area schools.

September 12, 2009

(l-r) Margaret Brogden, Wally Ozog, Ted Koehler, Sigi von Hunnius, Ski Friends of the Frost Centre executive committee, members; Norm Miller, MPP (Parry Sound-Muskoka); Teri Souter, OTF Grant Review Team member; Norm Vanstone, member, Ski Friends of the Frost Centre executive committee

Ski Friends of the Frost Centre unveiled some much needed equipment for its upcoming season thanks in part to a $28,600 grant it received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Ski Friends purchased two new Yamaha snow machines to enhance the grooming of their cross-country ski trails, providing improved and more reliable winter trail conditions for skiers.

September 11, 2009

Front Row (l-r) Gord Wilson, Veteran, 428 Wing; Bill Devereaux; Project Chairman, 428 Wing; Carole Ayotte, President of Laidies Auxilliary, 428 Wing; Anita Richardson, Past president, 428 Wing; Jeff Leal, MPP (Peterborough), Bill Steedman, President, 428 Wing; Bill Jones, Veteran, 428 Wing Vet Back Row (l-r) Ken Richardson, 428 Wing, Committee Member; Paul Ayotte, Mayor, Peterborough; Dave Donovan, President, Air Force Association Ontario

The 428 Peterborough Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association (428 Wing) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly renovated community space.  The 428 Wing received a $60,000 OTF grant in October 2008 for kitchen and washroom renovations and new computer equipment. These improvements will enhance the organization's efficiency and enable greater use of the facility by seniors, cadets and local community members.

September 8, 2009

(l-r) Toby Barrett, MPP (Haldimand-Norfolk); Harley Clark, OTF Grant Review Team member; Val Holland, member, Silver Lake Rowing Club; Lori McMaster, Past President, Silver Lake Rowing Club; Mike Anderson, Vice-President, Silver Lake Rowing Club

The Silver Lake Rowing Club took time out to celebrate a $40,000 OTF grant toward the purchase of a new dock. Thanks to the support, the club will be able to provide access to recreational and competitive rowing programs in Port Dover.

September 4, 2009

(l-r) Tim Hudak, MPP (Niagara West-Glanbrook); Dave Augustyn, Mayor, Town of Pelham; Harvie Hagerty, OTF Grant Review Team member; Robert Winter, Chair, Pelham Public Library Board

The Town of Pelham’s Fonthill branch library is closer to its goal of making the site more accessible by 2010 thanks in part to a one-year $37,500 grant from OTF.

September 3, 2009

(l-r) Front row only: Patricia Copeland, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, Ontario Culture Minister Aileen Carroll and Barrie Kempettes member Julia Hoffman, Loreta Pavese, Chair, Simcoe-York OTF Grant Review Team and John Pugsley, OTF program manager. They are flanked by representatives of the Barrie Kempettes Gymnastics Club, Barrie Minor Hockey Association, King Edward Choir, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, and the Simcoe County Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Advisory (Catulpa Community Support Services Inc.)

On a gorgeous September day, five Barrie area organizations gathered to recognize the support provided by the Foundation. Attending were Culture Minister Aileen Carroll and representatives from the Barrie Kempettes Gymnastics Club, Barrie Minor Hockey Association, King Edward Choir, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, and the Simcoe County Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Advisory (Catulpa Community Support Services Inc.).

September 2, 2009

(l-r) Ron Emond, Mayor, Municipality of Hastings Highlands; Chris Drost, Councillor, Municipality of Hastings Highlands; Frank Mills, CEO; Pat Potter, OTF Grant Review Team member; Leona Dombrowsky, MPP (Prince Edward- Hastings)

The North Hastings Community Cupboard celebrated its new three-year $81,900 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for a part-time manager and transportation services. The manager will engage local community members and provide food access to North Hastings residents.

August 20, 2009

(l-r) Alex Wojtow, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Grants Associate; Stuart Hickox, One Change, Founder and Executive Director; Yasir Naqvi, MPP, Ottawa Centre; Royal Galipeau, MP, Ottawa-Orléans; Beverley Monnette, Natural Resources Canada, Senior Manager, ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles; and Steve Akehurst, Natural Resources Canada, Senior Manager, ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles.

Some 1000 free tire gauges and fuel-saving coupons were handed out in Ottawa as part of a new campaign by One Change to help drivers become more fuel efficient.  One Change is supported by a one-year OTF grant of $61,800 to educate drivers about fuel efficiency and green house gas reduction.

August 7, 2009

(l-r) David Harvey, Board Member, United Way; Ellen Balmain, Executive Director; United Way; John Wilkinson, MPP Perth-Wellington

The United Way of Perth County will benefit from a $59,200 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant over one year to develop a computerized database of community/social services. By simply dialing “211” Perth and Huron county residents will be able to access all the community and social services.

August 7, 2009

(l-r) Gill Exton, Vice President, Buckhorn Community Centre; Barry Devolin, MP (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock); Rick Johnson, MPP (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock); Brian Markle, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Township of Galway-Cavendish and Harvey announced a $100,000 grant from boost to the Buckhorn Community Centre’s campaign to build a rink and mutli-use sports pad and provide local community members more opportunities to particpate in physical activities.

August 5, 2009

Midland and District Lawn Bowling Club c/o Ontario Lawn Bowls Association
Midland

July 30, 2009

(l-r) Karen Hutchinson, Executive Director, Caledon Countryside Alliance; Sandra Dolson, Market Manager and Project Manager, Town of Caledon; Gail Grant, OTF Grant Review Team member; Sylvia Jones, MPP (Caledon Dufferin); Richard Whitehead, Councillor, Town of Caledon

Local dignitaries and organizers of Eat Local Caledon demonstrated various salad dressing recipes showcasing local garlic at the Caledon Farmers’ Market. Eat Local Caledon, a program of the Caledon Countryside Alliance (CCA), recently received a three-year $225,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OFT) to support the continued growth of the program to rebuild the local food and farming system in Caledon.

July 24, 2009

(l-r) front row; Christy Upshall, Executive Director, Our Place Peel; Louroz Mercader, President, Mississauga Youth Games (MY Games); Chris Lord, President and Chair, Mississauga Food Bank; Teresa Burgess-Oglivie, Executive Director, Safe City Mississauga; The Hon. Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour and MPP (Mississauga East-Cooksville); Niel Bunn, OTF Grant Review Team member

Four not-for-profit groups received a total of $433,600 in grant money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and celebrated the news at Mississauga City Hall. Representatives of each organization received plaques from the Foundation and talked about how the grants will support the delivery of each of their programs. Funding will support programs involving work for crime prevention, a summer sports camp, a youth shelter and a local food bank. The groups are: The Mississauga Food Bank ($150,000); Mississauga Youth Games – MY Games ($94,100); Our Place (Peel) ($37,000); and Safe City Mississauga ($152,500).

July 9, 2009

(l-r) Toby Barrett, MPP (Haldimand-Norfolk); Barb Tanner-Billings, OTF Grant Review Team member, Bert Matthews, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 158 - Port Dover

The Community Sports Complex in Port Dover received a $50,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help build a facility equipped with four tennis courts, a skateboard park and an outdoor hockey rink. A collaborative project with city of Port Dover, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 158 and local community organizations, the facility will provide access to various sports and recreational activities to residents of Norfolk County.

June 25, 2009

(l-r) Frank Dyson, OTF Grant Review Team member; Jim Watson, MPP (Ottawa-Nepean); Madeleine Meilleur, MPP (Ottawa-Vanier); Susan Annis, Chair, OACF; Linda Balduzzi, Executive Director, OACF

The Ottawa Arts Court Foundation held a reception to announce the appointment of Barbara Brunzell to the new position of Director of Development and Communications, thanks to a $123,000 grant from OTF. The two-year grant is being used to increase the self-sufficiency of Ottawa’s centre for the performing, visual, literary and media arts through the creation of a Director of Development and Communications position.

June 23, 2009

(l-r) Donna Gilhooly, OTF Board Vice Chair; Ken Pickard, Executive Director, Community Living Thunder Bay; Bill Mauro, MPP (Thunder Bay-Atikokan)

The organizers of the Recreation-Able, Inclusive Recreation Forum and its collaborative partners Community Living Thunder Bay announced the receipt of a $40,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).  Funding for the three-day Forum will help recreation and leisure providers from all across Ontario learn what it takes to develop and/or improve recreation programs and services for persons with disabilities.

June 20, 2009

(l-r) Ron Heacock, member, Highland Park Lawn Bowling Club; Sheila Smith, President, Highland Park Lawn Bowling Club; Frank Dyson, OTF Grant Review Team member; Yasir Naqvi, MPP (Ottawa Centre)

The 95th anniversary of the Highland Park Lawn Bowling Club was marked with a special celebration thanks to news of a $16,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The funding will be used to replace the roof of the clubhouse and allow the historic club, in the heart of Westboro in Ottawa, to continue offering a pleasant summer sport to the community.

June 20, 2009

(l-r) Grahame Meredith, OTF Grant Review Team member; Andrea Horwath, MPP (Hamilton Centre); Robert Bailey, Executive Director, Hamilton Pride Festival

The annual Hamilton Pride Festival's parade began at Commonwealth Square and marched to Bayfront Park with much fanfare. Festival organizers took time out to celebrate a two-year $51,800 OTF grant they received to help expand the Hamilton Pride Festival from a one- to a three-day festival, thereby increasing the number of events and involving more members of the community.

June 14, 2009

(l-r) Lisa MacLeod, MPP (Nepean-Carleton); Pierre Prudhomme (3rd place 11 K); Bob Wilson, OTF Grant Review Team member; Gary Wand, Associate Director, Harvest House; Josh Eisenbrenner (2nd place 11K); Jayce Matthews (3rd place - 5K); Nigel Bruce (1st place - 5K); Kathy Bradley, Ottawa Police (2nd place - 5K)

Harvest House christened its first ever Redemption Run road race, thanks to a $27,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  Funding from OTF was used to enhance and formalize a running program at Harvest House through the development of a training manual, the delivery of four training runs each week with support and coaching from more experienced runners.

June 13, 2009

(l-r) Don Jonescu, OTF Grant Review Team member; Delfino Callegari, President, Guelph and District Multicultural Festival; Liz Sandals, MPP (Guelph)

The Guelph and District Multicultural Festival announced its new three-year, $114,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation at the festival’s opening ceremony. The funding has allowed the festival to hire its first full-time staff, ramp up marketing initiatives and increase visibility in the community.

June 13, 2009

(l-r) Terry Quinn, OTF Grant Review Team member; Cam Jackson, Mayor of Burlington; Rev. Bob Dawson, Brant Hills Presbyterian Church; Joyce Savoline, MPP (Burlington); Mike Wallace, MP (Burlington)

The Brant Hills Presbyterian Church held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its newly renovated Church made possible through donations and a $60,000 OTF grant.  After months of work the renovations, which include a ramp leading to addition housing, a lift providing access for all to the sanctuary and upgrades made to make washrooms in the basement accessible were unveiled.

Front: (l-r) John Fielding, President, OHHFA; Madeleine Meilleur, MPP (Ottawa-Vanier); Isabel Metcalfe, OTF Board of Directors; John Hobday, Board Member, Historica Foundation of Canada Back: (l-r) Robin McIntyre Downer, Police Inspector, Ontario Provincial Police (aide de camp to the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario); Donna Sianchuk, Director General, Programs Branch, Library and Archives Canada

Ottawa welcomed 100 students from across the province to the sixth annual Ontario Provincial Historica Fair from June 10th to 14th. The students represented 21 regional Historica Fairs that were held across Ontario in April and May. The Ontario Provincial Historica Fair is an initiative of the Ontario Historica Heritage Fairs Association, which received a $152,000 grant from OTF in March 2008 to expand participation to Aboriginal and Francophone students across Ontario.

(l-r) Dixie Westcar, OTF Grant Review Team member; Ernie Hardeman, MPP (Oxford); Geoff Dougherty, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 190 - Norwich

The Royal Canadian Legion in Norwich celebrated the completion of its new roof thanks to funding of $25,000 from OTF. The grant was used to replace the roof and maintain the structural integrity of the Norwich Legion’s building, which is well used by members, local organizations and the community at large.

Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité de l’Ontario (RDÉE Ontario)
Toronto

May 22, 2009

(l-r) Charles Sousa, MPP (Mississauga South); Libbie Jennings, Chair, Applewood Centre for Adult Learning; Claire Parent-McCullough, OTF Grant Review Team member

Students and volunteers at the Applewood Centre for Adult Learning (ACAL) invited members of the community to celebrate their 1st Anniversary.  The local centre which provides educational programs for young adults with developmental disabilities began a year ago thanks to support from the Peel District School Board and a $170,000 grant from by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The OTF grant is being used to co-ordinate programming, supplies and support activities for ACAL.

May 15, 2009

(l-r) Al Lunney, Mayor, Town of Mississippi Mills; Bruce Duncan, OTF Grant Review Team member; Puppets Up! mascot, Nick (he's a jester); Bryn Matthews, Board Chair, Puppets Up!; Norm Sterling, MPP (Carelton-Mississipi Mills); Noreen Young, Founder and Artistic Director, Puppets Up!; (on the ground) Stephen Braithwaite, puppeteer and local enterpreneur

The Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival celebrated a $24,000 grant awarded by OTF, which will allow it to improve its festival operations. The group used the opportunity to introduce its newly hired part-time festival administrator for the new season. Over the next two years, the funding will help build the festival’s organizational capacity and provide more administrative support.

May 15, 2009

(l-r) Duncan Newman, OTF Grant Review Team member; Tanya Stephenson with her son Tyler, Vice President, Autism Ontario, Simcoe County Chapter; Aileen Carroll, MPP (Barrie); Amanda McNulty and her son Hayden, President, , Autism Ontario, Simcoe County Chapter

The Autism Ontario, Simcoe County Chapter Leadership Council and volunteers held an event to celebrate a $30,000 grant from OTF. Funding will help Autistic youth and their families enjoy a variety of recreational activities in the region as well as assist in covering the costs of renting various venues in the area so that parents and children can enjoy programs and share experiences.

May 14, 2009

(l-r) Isabelle Turcotte-Baird, Olympian (Sydney - Triathalon); Claudine Labelle, Founder and President, FitSpirit; Laurel Broten, MPP (Etobicoke-Lakeshore); Kathleen Freeman, OTF Board of Directors

The importance of physical activity, self-esteem and nutrition for girls was highlighted at an assembly held at Lakeshore Collegiate by the FitSpirit Community Organization. FitSpirit received a $125,300 OTF grant to expand its message and reach to 80 high schools across Ontario. The mentorship program and workshops for teachers will allow the organization to better integrate physical activity into the current curriculum.

May 8, 2009

(l-r) Gilles Bisson, MPP (Timmins-James Bay); Jeff Mackie, Education Counsellor, Credit Counselling Services of Cochrane District; Mitch Gauthier, Executive Director, Credit Counselling Services of Cochrane District; Mariette Rains, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Credit Counselling Services of Cochrane District introduced their newly hired Education Counsellor, Jeff Mackie, thanks to a $90,000 grant from OTF. Mr. Mackie will conduct debt and money management education through a program of community outreach.

April 25, 2009

(l-r) Shelley Huson, School Administrator;  Julian Smith, Executive Director, Willowbank; Peter Hammond, OTF Grant Review Team chair; Jim Armstrong, Vice-President, Willowbank; Kim Craitor, MPP (Niagara Falls)

The School of Restoration at Willowbank held an announcement to launch its Documentation Program for historic places at risk, thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  The program is designed for youth who will be invited to participate as a part of a summer employment opportunity. They will build up an inventory of critical information about Niagara’s rich historic architectural and landscape heritage.

April 17, 2009

(l-r) Rick Vivian, Manager, West Perth Facility; John Wilkinson, MPP (Perth-Wellington); John Van Bakel, Mayor of West Perth; Lloyd Tubb, President, Mitchell Lions Club

The Municipality of West Perth will benefit from a $30,000 OTF grant to assist with upgrades to the community pool. The funding will help restore the Mitchell swimming pool for all area residents to safely enjoy the summer and maintain an active lifestyle.

April 17, 2009

(l-r) John Wilkinson, MPP (Perth-Wellington); Catherine Hardman, Executive Director, Choices for Change; Lynette Harwood, Board Chairperson, Choices for Change; Richard Smelski, OTF Grant Review Team member

Choices for Change will benefit from a $104,800 OTF grant over two years to implement a support program for youth experiencing problems related to substance abuse. This unique peer to peer prevention program will benefit youth at risk across Perth County through education and harm reduction.

April 17, 2009

(l-r) Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister Responsible for Seniors, Minister of Culture, MPP (Barrie); Kevin Hehir, Treasurer of the Board, ONPEA;Teri Kay, Executive Director, ONPEA; Fiona Blondin-Fiorini, OTF Board member

The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) proudly announced the launch of a new province-wide hotline to assist at-risk seniors thanks to a three-year $415,700 OTF grant. The 24 hour hotline is a free, confidential resource for seniors who are victims of abuse, as well as physical, mental, sexual, and financial neglect. It will be active seven days a week, and provide assistance in 154 languages.

April 6, 2009

(Background;  Honourable Colonel Knopf; Honourable Colonel Lee Front (l-r) Hugh Furneaux, OTF Grant Review Team member; Tom Johnson, Assistant Business Director, Toronto Signals Band; Drum major Roblin; Rosario Marchese, MPP (Trininty-Spadina)

The Toronto Signals Band displayed the results of a $15,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation at a formal event held at the Fort York Armoury. The funds were used to buy new instruments for the popular marching band that has earned the title of “Canada’s Marching Ambassadors” entertaining audiences for 83 years.

April 3, 2009

(l-r) Garfield Dunlop, MPP (Simcoe North); Sue Bannon, Executive Director, Midland Area Reading Council; Paul Howe, OTF Grant Review Team member

Midland Area Reading Council celebrated news of their new two-year $128,300 OTF grant. The funding will be used to increase literacy training and enhance volunteer supports. New employment related programs will be developed for area students as a result.

March 30, 2009

Background- Jeff Leal, MPP (Peterborough) Front (l-r)- Shirley Shaw, Executive Director, Activity Haven Seniors Centre; Eileen Nolan, OTF Grant Review Team member

Activity Haven Seniors Centre officially launched its carpet bowling facility made possible through a $14,100 OTF grant received in 2008. Carpet bowling will provide local community members an opportunity to participate in an acitivity that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.

March 29, 2009

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 18
Wallaceburg

March 27, 2009

(front row l-r) Michael Hefferon, president, The Sharing Place: Orillia and District Food Bank; Ashley Smith, Kids for Turtles; John Pugsley, OTF program manager (back row l-r) Garfield Dunlop, MPP (Simcoe North); Dr. Sreefumari Kurissery, Board vice-chair, Kids for Turtles Environmental Education; Wendy Timpano, interim executive director, Community Foundation for Orillia and Area

Three Orillia groups celebrated news of $266,500 in new funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Community Foundation of Orillia and Area is receiving a one-year $46,000 grant to raise its profile and improve its long-term sustainability; Kids for Turtles Environment Education is receiving a two-year $70,000 grant to build organizational capacity and conduct community outreach; and The Sharing Place: Orillia and District Food Bank is receiving a three-year $150,500 grant to strengthen its capacity to serve the needy in the Orillia area by helping to fund a strategic approach to fundraising and professional oversight of day-to-day operations.

March 21, 2009

(l-r) Diane Sigouin-Daniel, OTF Communications Officer; Khalil Ramal, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration; Mohamed Smyej, President; Association marocaine de Toronto

The Association marocaine de Toronto proudly announced their new $63,600 grant at their annual cultural dinner. Over the next two years, the funding will be used to develop organizational capacity, develop volunteer skills, hire staff and develop a resource directory.

March 13, 2009

(l-r) Dave Stonely, Town of Minto Recreation; Judy Dirksen, Deputy Mayor, Town of Minto; Dr Martin Bosch, OTF Grant Review Team member; Brian Darroch, Drew Community Board member; John Wilkinson, MPP (Perth-Wellington)

The Town of Minto celebrated its new $15,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which was provided to upgrade the lighting for the Drew Baseball Diamond.

March 13, 2009

(l-r) Michael Chan, MPP (Markham-Unionville); Dennis Carlsen, Markham District Veterans’ Association member;  Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP (Oak Ridges-Markham); Mervat Rashwan, OTF Grant Review Team member; Trevor Cleland, Past President, and Paul Kearns, President, Markham District Veterans’ Association

The Markham District Veterans’ Association held an open house to showcase the improvements made to their heritage building on Washington Street. The Association received a $41,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to replace the roof, paint the exterior and replace walkways and flooring of the building it has occupied for 60 years.

March 11, 2009

(l-r) Jonathan Beckett, Constable, Caledon OPP; Darlo Favot and Denis Furlan, Alliance Forming Limited; Sylvia Jones, MPP (Dufferin-Caledon); Ian and Anne Davidson; Gary Wiles, chair, Caledon East Services; Richard Paterak, Councillor, Caledon; Tom Linkletter, co-ordinator, Caledon Youth Services; Richard Whitehead, Councillor, Caledon; Wendy Roland; Sheila Tutty, OTF Grant Review Team member; Trevor Hawkes, Rotary Club of Palgrave

Caledon Youth Services (CYS), their collaborative the Rotary Club of Palgrave, along with other community partners officially cut the ribbon on John’s Rink: the final phase of a new multi-use sports pad at the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness.  In June 2008 OTF provided CYS with a grant to install chiller units and piping in order to extend the ice season from November to March.

March 7, 2009

(l-r) Reza Moridi, MPP (Richmond Hill); Peter Shurman, MPP (Thornhill); Menaka Thakkar, Founder;  Nalini Stewart, OTF Board member; David Zimmer, MPP (Willowdale)

The Menaka Thakkar Dance Company staged a performance at the Dance Studio in Thornhill and took time out to share news of its recent $120,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Over the next two and a half years, the company will build its touring capacity through community partnerships and performances, residencies, and dance education workshops in schools in South Western, Eastern and Northern Ontario.

March 6, 2009

(l-r) Amrit Mangat, MPP (Mississauga-Brampton South); Neil Bunn, OTF Grant Review Team member; Tahverlee Dunlop, Executive Director, Epilepsy Peel Region

Epilepsy Peel Region formally accepted a plaque from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to celebrate a recent grant for $53,500. Funding was provided to help create awareness of epilepsy in Peel Region. Supports will be enhanced, training programs on dealing with seizures will be provided for schools, awareness forums will be set up and a more comprehensive fundraising strategy will be developed in the community as a result.

February 20, 2009

(l-r) Martha Carr, Board President, Plainfield Community Homes; Leona Dombrowsky, MPP (Prince Edward-Hastings); Kay Manderville, OTF Grant Review Team member; John Klassen, Executive Director, Plainfield Community Homes; Len Kennedy, Executive Director, Hastings Children’s Aid Society

Plainfield Community Homes officially announced its collaborative pilot project with the Hastings Children’s Aid Society called ‘Families First’. Made possible with a $96,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, funding will enable the two agencies to provide enhanced supports and services to families who have a child with a developmental disability.

February 12, 2009

(l-r) Sergio Saccucci, OTF Grant Review Team member; David Orazietti, MPP (Sault Ste. Marie); Peg McLean, Executive Director, KidsHope; Lou-Anne Young, Marketing & Funding Co-ordinator, KidsHope

KidsHope celebrated its $30,000 OTF grant recently at Étienne Brulé Elementary school. Funding was provided to further its mission of promoting positive attitudes and to increase the profile of the organization in the communities it serves. The number of classrooms and children that receive KidsHope life skills training will also increased. The organization took the opportunity to introduce its new co-ordinator of marketing and fundraising, Lou-Anne Younge

February 7, 2009

(l-r) Ann Aikens, Mayor, Deep River; Colleen Sauriol, OTF Grant Review Team member; John Wills, Executive Member, Mount Martin Ski Club; Ron Rogge, President, Mount Martin Ski Club; John Yakabuski, MPP (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke)

The Mount Martin Ski Club in Deep River officially announced its purchase of a new groomer made possible by a $65,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Mount Martin Ski Club promotes alpine sports for residents of Deep River and Laurentian Hills and with the addition of a new groomer will continue to offer safe access to the hills.

(l-r) Kees van Alst, OTF Grant Review Team member; Mary Smith, Manager, Owen Sound Museums; Bill Murdoch, MPP (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound)

The Owen Sound Museums held a photo op to formally acknowledge the $7,500 in funding they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The grant will be used to install proper storage units and windows with filters at the Billy Bishop Home and Museum, a national historic site.

Photo courtesy of the Seaway News (l-r) Tracey Beauregard, OTF Program Manager; Joanne Haley, OTF Grant Review Team member; Naresh Bhargava, CCRI Chair; Jim Brownell, MPP (Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry); Tom Manley, CCRI Vice-Chair

The Cornwall Carbon Reduction Initiative (CCRI) launched the next phase of its programming at a Speaker’s Forum in January thanks in part to a new $72,400 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The two-year grant will be used to implement a fundraising plan, build partnerships and develop presentations and displays, which will help to create a greater awareness of carbon reduction opportunities in local communities.

(l-r) Maggie Fischbuch, OTF Program Manager, Angela DiCintio, OTF Grant Review Team member; Jane Coryell, Grants Co-ordinator, World of Threads Festival; Kevin Flynn, MPP (Oakville)

The World of Threads Fesitval officially launched plans for their 6th annual festival, which will take place from September 18 to October 4, 2009. Organizers received an $11,900 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help cover the expense of advertising, promotion, and to create other types of signage for the festival.

(l-r) Frank Passaro, OTF Grant Review Team Chair; Marni Flaherty, Innovations in Early Learning and Child Care in Dundas c/o Today’s Family – Caring for your Child; Glenn Harkness, Hamilton Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club; Rev. Anthony Williams, Hamilton Church of God; Dianne Vert, Financial Fitness c/o Catholic Family Services of Hamilton; John O’Gorman, Hamilton Hornets Rugby Football Club; Mark Cripps, Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice Foundation; Ron Greenway, Mohawk Minor Hockey Association; Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP (Hamilton Mountain)

MPP Sophia Aggelonitis met with six not-for-profit groups that received a total of $275,000 in funding from OTF in 2008. Representatives from the groups spoke about how the grants are helping them deliver services in the community.  The grant recipients are: Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice Foundation ($50,000); Financial Coaching c/o Catholic Family Services of Hamilton ($62,600); Hamilton Hornets Rugby Football Club ($40,000); Innovations in Early Learning and Child Care in Dundas c/o Today’s Family Caring For Your Child ($72,700); Mohawk Minor Hockey Association ($8,000); and the Youth Empowerment Centre c/o Hamilton Church of God ($42,100).

(l-r) Stan Perlikowski, Club member, Polish Canadian Club (London); John Lobodzinski, MC; Denis Gadwa, OTF Grant Review Team member; Deb Matthews, MPP (London North Centre); Khalil Ramal, MPP (London-Fanshawe); Halina Blazejowska, Club member; Peter Pytlik, Vice-President, Polish Canadian Club (London); Chris Bentley, MPP (London West)

The Polish Canadian Club (London) celebrated news of a $75,000 OTF grant at its annual New Year’s banquet. Over the next year, the funding will be used to improve accessibility by building a lift at the entrance and a new barrier-free washroom for their Hall at 554 Hill Street.

Grimsby Skating Club
Grimsby