July 31, 2010

(l-r) Lisa MacLeod, MPP (Nepean-Carleton); William Schaubs, Board President, Watson’s Mill Manotick Inc.; Bob Wilson, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Watson’s Mill Manotick held its 150th anniversary celebration, and announced a new $25,000 grant from OTF. Over the next year, funding will be used to create a long-term exhibition of Watson’s Mill and its historical contributions and importance to the community.

July 27, 2010

(l-r) Gertie Beaucage, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle; Jane Boake and Buddy, C.O.P.E. Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment; Aileen Carroll, MPP (Barrie); Angela Baldwin, Theatre By The Bay; Erica Angus, Associate Producer, Theatre by the Bay; Eileen Campeau, Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka; Shari Pryce, Learning Disabilities Association Simcoe County; James Thomson, Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka; John Pugsley, OTF Program Manager

Five organizations in the Barrie area celebrated their new grants, a combined total of $543,000 in funding from OTF. Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle received a one-year $75,000; C.O.P.E. Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment received a two-year $128,000 grant; Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka received a two-year, $135,000 grant; Theatre By The Bay (Lapani Dramatic Theatre Inc) received a two-year $70,000 grant and Learning Disabilities Association of Simcoe County received a two-year $135,000 grant.

July 9, 2010

(l-r) Vijay Lekhi, OTF Grant Review Team member; Anny Chow, President, Spirit of Life; Reza Moridi, MPP  (Richmond Hill)

Members of Spirit of Life organizations shared news of its $56,100 grant from OTF and unveiled plans to conduct a community needs assessment study with the objective of establishing a Chinese Development Services Council. The support will help identify challenges faced by Chinese Canadians with developmental disabilities and their families in York Region so service co-ordination and delivery can improve.

July 9, 2010

(l-r) Jerry Ouellette, MPP (Oshawa); Sharon Wright, Board Member, YWCA Durham; Kim Beatty, Board Member, YWCA Durham

YWCA Durham proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of the assisted housing program at 55 McGrigor and recognized funding of $21,700 from OTF. The grant will be used to develop marketing materials and signage to enhance public awareness of YWCA Durham’s services and increase community support.

July 8, 2010

(l-r) Councilor Rocky Letourneau, Welland; Renee Kiers, Owner, Renee’s Greenhouse; Dave Couture, representative of Peter Kormos, MPP (Welland); Louise Farquhar, OTF Grant Review Team member; Fete Kimpiobi, Executive Director, Sofifran; Yvette O Plentai, Project Coordinator, Club 2000 Niagara Inc; Simeon Kalond, Project Secretary, Club 2000 Niagara Inc.; Maxene Prophete, Project VP, Club 2000 Niagara Inc.

The Niagara AgriTourism Centre, initiated by Club 2000 Niagara, launched its project thanks in part to a $175,000 grant from OTF. The grant is being used to hire the project coordinator, who will oversee the Agricultural Projects’ vision to grow native crops from Francophone immigrant communities and provide employment opportunities in the Niagara region.

July 6, 2010

(l-r) Bill Murdoch, MPP (Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound); Jayne Jagelewski, Play Committee Chair, Municipality of Arran-Elderslie; Mayor Ron Oswald, Municipality of Arran-Elderslie; Liz Chalmers, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Municipality of Arran-Elderslie and 17 collaborating municipalities and organizations received funding of $115,000 from OTF to increase the level of physical activity through play. Over the next two years, the grant will be used to hire a PLAY Coordinator to implement programs with each of the municipalities and engage local volunteers.

June 27, 2010

Prior Chest Nuts Dragonboat Team members

The partnership between the Arnprior and District Breast Cancer Support Group (ADBCSG) and the Prior Chest Nuts Dragonboat Team was officially celebrated as the groups happily unveiled their new dragonboat and paddling equipment thanks to a $28,200 grant from OTF. The dragonboat will be used by breast cancer survivors in the Ottawa Valley for training and competitions.

June 24, 2010

(l-r) Ernie Hardeman, MPP (Oxford); Keith Cosby, President, Thamesford Taking Action Group; John Lessif, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Canadian Chestnut Council announced news Thamesford Taking Action Group (T’TAG) kicked-off its new project at the Thamesford District Recreation Centre thanks to a $40,400 grant from OTF. T’TAG will develop a Strategic Action Plan identifying specific initiatives and projects that could be undertaken to strengthen and revitalize Thamesford, with an emphasis on the future of Thamesford’s Old Mill.

 

June 24, 2010

(l-r) Guy Jamieson, OTF Grant Review Team member; Carol Goldsmith, Chief Librarian, Petawawa Public Library; Mayor Bob Sweet, Petawawa; Kelly Thompson, Librarian, Petawawa Public Library; John Yakabuski, MPP (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke)

The Town of Petawawa celebrated newly updated Petawawa Public Library technology made possible with a $19,400 OTF grant provided in November 2009. The library has been able to purchase hardware and six computers for improved access and training for both the library and its clients.

June 19, 2010

(l-r) Front - Francis Warriner; Amy Czaikowski; Gabby McInnis; Sherry Green, OTF Grant Review Team member; Deanna Weiler; Breanna Hart; Brook Mechefske; Maggie Hummel Back - Mickayla Hanselman, Leslie Ann Ciglen, members, Trout Creek Seniors Friendship Club; Frank Turbach, President, Trout Creek Seniors Friendship Club; the Hon. Monique Smith, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and MPP (Nipissing)

Trout Creek Seniors Friendship Club members demonstrated their love of quilting with new equipment purchased as a result of a $15,000 grant from OTF. Funding helped to purchase a quilting machine and four computerized sewing machines that allow seniors and youth learn how to make various quilts, which are donated to fire victims and cancer patients in the local area.

June 18, 2010

(l-r) Mel Jamieson, Community Mapping Chair, North Bay Métis Council; Mary Lou Arrowsmith, OTF Grant Review Team member; Marlene Greenwood, the Hon. Monique Smith, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and MPP (Nipissing); Métis Senator Marc Lurin; Doris Evans, Elder

The North Bay Métis Council launched its new brand identity, and announced progress on a cultural map and community inventory, made possible with a two-year $149,500 grant from OTF. Funding is being used to develop a new brand identity, a map of the Métis cultural heritage, and an inventory of Métis history, culture and traditions in the area.

June 17, 2010

(l-r) Rev. Shawn Lucas, President, Parkdale United Church Foundation; Cheri DiNovo, MPP (Parkdale-High Park); Steve Rohacek, Vice-President, Business Development & Customer Relations, Infrastructure Ontario

The Parkdale United Church Foundation marked the success of Green Phoenix affordable housing project with a tree planting ceremony at its King Street West location. Funding of $100,000 contributed to the addition of an accessible entrance to the basement of the building, which incorporates green building features that include a structural basis for a living wall and non-toxic, natural building materials used for floor and wall coverings.

June 17, 2010

(l-r) Pat Else, OTF Grants Operation Director; Glen Murray, MPP (Toronto Centre); retired Senator, the Hon. Landon Pearson, Co-Chair; Chief Donny Morris, Co-Chair, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake)

The North-South Partnership for Children in Remote First Nations Communities (Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win) received a $580,000 province-wide grant from OTF. The Partnership is an unprecedented collaboration between 30 First Nations in Northern Ontario and private citizens, not-for-profit groups and universities in Southern Ontario.

June 14, 2010

(l-r) Luke Hordyk and Maria Kroeker, Perc Café employees; the Hon. Steve Peters, MPP (Elgin-Middlesex-London); Justin Dudycz (back), Kaylee Arndt and Becky Darling, Perc Café employees

Careers Opportunities for Elgin Youth celebrated the grand opening of Perc Café thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from OTF. The Perc Café will offer job training opportunities for local area youth, providing them with food preparation and customer service skills.

June 12, 2010

(l-r) Doug Kerr, President, St. Catharines Rowing Club; Fred Steeve and Grace Ann Cambray, OTF Grant Review Team members; the Hon. Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP (St.Catharines)

Several former Olympians were front and centre at the St. Catharines Rowing Club for a dedication ceremony for six rowing shells, three of which were bought with the help of a $39,900 grant from OTF. The new boats will ensure that St. Catharines athletes can train and compete with professional equipment and reach their full potential.

June 11, 2010

Club de l’âge d’Or de St-Albert
St. Albert

June 8, 2010

A new provincial website to assist women who have been abused, sexually assaulted or are victims of trauma was launched at the London Abused Women’s Centre. The website, Screening for Woman Abuse, Sexual Assault and Trauma, was made possible with a two-year $284,800 OTF grant.

May 25, 2010

(l-r) Back - Carolyn Johnston, Fundraising Chair; Nancy Borden , Vice president, Mrs. Betty McKitrick; Herman Iedema, Treasurer; Alice Thomson, Founding member; Manfred Ziegner, member; Meriel Child, Rental Chair of Land O’Lakes Curling Club Front - Dave McKittrick, President, Land O’Lakes Curling Club; Liz Churcher, Chair OTF Grant Review Team; the Hon. Leona Dombrowsky, MPP (Prince Edward – Hastings); Belcon Construction, Belleville

Land O’Lakes Curling Club will be installing a new steel roof for the club, thanks in part to a $52,000 grant from OTF. The repairs will help the Club offer quality playing conditions to community members to enjoy physical activity.

May 21, 2010

(l-r) Em Glasspool, Executive Director, Mysterious Entity Theatre; Mayor Paul Ayotte, Peterborough; Dr. Ramesh Makhaji (holding plaque), OTF Grant Review Team member; Jeff Leal, MPP (Peterborough); Judy Wilson, Project Manager, Mysterious Entity Theatre

Mysterious Entity Theatre will continue to produce high-quality theatre and workshops with a social conscience thanks in part to a $60,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Over the next two years, funding will be used to support new programming and production work that will address social causes in Peterborough.

(l-r) Norm Miller, MPP (Parry Sound-Muskoka); Matthew Dodds, Master Steward; Paula Jackson, Master Steward; Jim Griffin, Master Steward; Rebecca Francis, Stewardship Coordinator, Muskoka Heritage Foundation; Ariel Zwicker, Master Steward; Teri Souter, OTF Grant Review Team member; Dan Brooks, President, Muskoka Heritage Foundation

The Muskoka Heritage Foundation launched the new Muskoka Stewardship Program thanks largely to a $62,000 grant from OTF. The Muskoka Stewardship Program will improve the ecological integrity of Muskoka's private lands. This includes identifying appropriate properties and attracting and training volunteers called Master Stewards to undertake one-on-one visits with landowners.

(l-r) Denis Pemmican, Shelter Employee, KFC; Rick Riklefs, Volunteer, KFC; John Pencoff, Front-Line Supervisor, KFC; Debbie Wawence, Volunteer, KFC; Bernice Albany, Front-Line Supervisor, KFC; Dr. Bill Cameron, Board member, KFC; Elizabeth Haas, Shelter Employee, KFC; Howard Hampton, MPP (Kenora-Rainy River); Henry Hildebrandt, Executive Director, KFC; Lucille Michaud, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Kenora Fellowship Centre (KFC) held a photo-op to share news of its three-year $150,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. As the only emergency shelter in Kenora, the Centre will hire staff to provide more emergency shelter services for homeless people in the community.

April 28, 2010

(l-r) Winston Tinglin, OTF Board member; Anne Bain, OTF Grant Review Team member; the Hon. Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP (Hamilton Mountain); Art Samson, OTF Grant Review Team member; Frank Passaro, OTF Grant Review Team chair

The Ministry of Citizenship held an award ceremony at Luina Station in Hamilton to honour local volunteers for their service. OTF Grant Review Team members Anne Bain and Art Sampson were recognized for five years service and presented with a Volunteer Service Award.

(l-r) Kelly Schafer, Outreach Coordinator, The Canadian Chestnut Council; Dave Levac, MPP (Brant); John Hill, President, Canadian Chestnut Council; Delia O’Bryne, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Canadian Chestnut Council announced news of a $19,000 OTF grant at tree planting ceremony held at the trails in Tim Horton Onondaga Farms. Over the next 32 months, funding will support increased outreach and marketing initiatives to sustain and preserve chestnut trees in Southern Ontario.

 

(l-r) Natasha Granatstein, President, Danforth East Community Association; Janet Davis, City Counselor; Dan Silver, Culture and Sociology Professor, U of T (founder of project); Cindy Rozeboom, Danforth East Community Association; Kehinde Bah, OTF Grant Review Team member; Paula Fletcher, City Councillor; Sandra Bussin, City Councillor; Michael Prue, MPP (Beaches-East York)

From April 23 until May 2, storefronts and retail spaces along a stretch of Danforth Avenue moonlighted as a multi-coloured and multi-cultural interactive art gallery for the first community art walk entitled Art of the Danforth, Thanks in part to a $7,500 grant from OTF, the event showcased a public installation of art works by Toronto artists and local community groups to help reinvigorate the developing streetscape between Greenwood and Woodbine Avenues.

(l-r) Brian George, OTF Grant Review Team member; Steve Taylor, President, ITOPA; Ernie Hardeman, MPP (Oxford)

Ingersoll theatre patrons will soon be enjoying updates to the stage, auditorium and heating system thanks to a $51,000 grant from OTF. Over the next year, the Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (IOTPA) will purchase and install new seating, a heating system and a stage to continue fostering a love for the arts.

(l-r) Dixie Westcar, OTF Grant Review Team member; the Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care and MPP (London North Centre); the Hon. Chris Bentley, Attorney General and MPP (London-West); Khalil Ramal, MPP (London-Franshawe); Kate Wiggins, Executive Director, Women’s Community House

Women's Community House announced news of a $75,000 OTF grant to establish a new social enterprise - a used clothing retail outlet that will support abused women and their children. The outlet will also offer job skills training in partnership with Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Pathways.

(l-r) Penny Smith, OTF Grant Review Team member; Allan Caldwell, President, Cannigton Legion; Rick Johnson, MPP (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock)

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 186 held an awards dinner to celebrate and honour members of the organization and recognize its newly replaced roof, made possible with a $41,000 grant provided by OTF in June 2009.  The hall’s aging roof was replaced and a fire prevention system installed.

(l-r) Lisa Zucchiatti, OTF Program Manager; Annie Dell, Executive Director, RDÉE; Denise Baker, President, Éco-Huronie; Garfield Dunlop, MPP (Simcoe North)

RDÉE Ontario announced a two-year $142,300 grant from OTF in support of Éco-Huronie, an ecology centre that participates in sustainable development using various community activities. Éco-Huronie will offer school workshops on healthy nutrition and create an organic community garden to teach community members how to grow organic produce.

(l-r) Mike Colle, MPP (Eglinton-Lawrence); Marie Nichols, Board Chair, Delisle Youth Services; Catherine Allman, OTF Grant Review Team member; Marg Campbell, Executive Director, Delisle Youth Services; Rich Appiah, Board member, Delisle Youth Services

The Delisle Youth Services received $150,000 boost from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to renovate and create a new drop-in and multi-use space for youth. The organization will create a common area, a computer hub and an arts studio to support after-school and expressive arts programs.

(l-r) the Hon. Madeleine Meilleur, Minster Responsible for Francophone Affairs; Dibeth Carton, President, REPFO; Giselle Richer, OTF Board member; Phil McNeely, MPP (Ottawa-Orleans); Lorraine Dicair, President, AFMO

The Association of Francophone municipalities of Ontario (AFMO) and the Regroupement ethnoculturel des parents francophones de l’Ontario (REPFO) recently celebrated a collaborative project offering civic education to francophone immigrant communities in Toronto, Ottawa, London and Sudbury. The project, “Élargir l’espace francophone,” will be undertaken thanks to a $323,000 grant from OTF.

FIRST Robotics Canada
Mississauga

The St. Marys Community Players (SMCP) will benefit from a $30,900 OTF grant to upgrade lighting, sound and projection equipment at the historic St. Marys Town Hall. The Community Players will provide enhanced productions in the historic community theatre and continue to offer great programming for local community members.

March 26, 2010

The Hon. Monique Smith, Minister, Intergovernmental Affairs and MPP (Nippissing) with Grade 5/6 students of St. Alexander Catholic School

A vermicomposter was delivered to students at a local North Bay school as part of the ‘Greening Nippissing’ Environmental Education Program, delivered for the past two years thanks in part to a $56,000 grant from OTF. Funding is used to conduct two class lessons on environmental issues, including energy sources and waste management to Grade 5 and 6 classes.

March 19, 2010

(l-r) Hockey players Victoria Borsodi and Alyson Holubosky, Tim Hudak, MPP (Niagara-West – Glanbrook); Bernie Vilamill, OTF Grant Review Team member;  Mark Hooper, President , LMHA, and Jim Borsodi, Ways and Means Coordinator, LMHA

The Lincoln Minor Hockey Association took time out of a four-day house league tournament to celebrate news of a $15,500 OTF grant. Over the next year, funding will help provide new training clinics for coaches, on-ice training equipment and equipment for the players.

March 12, 2010

(l-r) Chief Lyle Sayers, Garden River First Nation; Darlene Solomon, General Manager, AITC; Mike Brown, MPP (Algoma-Manitoulin); Sergio Saccucci, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Anishinabek Information Technology Centre (AITC) held an open house to celebrate news of a $75,000 grant from OTF local community members and partnering organization Batchewana Band Industries, Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre and Garden River First Nation. The grant, received in December 2009, will increase access to training in information technology and provide support services for the development of technology related businesses to First Nations people.

March 7, 2010

(l-r) Reverend Dr. Susanne Abbuhl, Kendron United Church; Jerry Ouellette, MPP (Oshawa); Pramilla Ramdahani, OTF Grant Review Team chair

The Kedron United Church held a ground breaking ceremony for a fully accessible building addition thanks in part to a $150,000 grant from OTF. Funding will support a new addition, which will provide barrier-free access to the community space with the installation of an elevator, and add a meeting room and safe stairway to the upper and lower building levels.

 

(l-r) Kibrom Debru, ECCC Acting Executive Director; Abraha Ghebreslassie, Treasurer, ECCC Board of Directors; Dawit Abraha, Chair, Internal Audit Committee, ECCC; Mahmoud Omar Chirum, Volunteer, Editor in Chief of ECCC Newsletter; Jascha Jabes, Ontario Trillium Foundation; the Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, MPP (St. Paul); Mohamed Edris, Intake/Settlement worker, ECCC; Mesfun Tedla, Reserve Board of Directors, ECCC; Woldeghebriel Hagos, Board of Directors Chair, ECCC; Semere Sibhatu, Program Coordinator, ECCC

The Eritrean Canadian Community Centre (ECCC) held an open house to show off their newly renovated space and thanked community members for their continued support. Thanks in part to a $67,600 grant they received in June, newly renovated space will provide ECCC with more opportunities to expand its programming and continue to offer its services to the growing Eritrean population in Toronto.

February 19, 2010

(l-r) Dave Augustyn, Mayor, Pelham; Tim Hudak, MPP (Niagara West – Glanbrook);  Don Cotter, President, Fonthill Legion; Ellis Katsof, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 formally welcomed funding of $8,700 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The next two months will be busy ones as the Legion begins renovations that will make the building more accessible for local community members.

February 19, 2010

(l-r) France Gélinas, MPP (Nickel Belt); Niilo Saari, OTF Grant Review Team member; Steve Miller, Chief, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. Photo courtesy of Sudbury Star

The Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Whitefish Lake First Nation) celebrated news of a $48,000 grant from OTF, which will be used to provide recreational activities for youth and adults. The one-year grant will be used to hire a coordinator and purchase equipment and help provide more opportunities for community members to engage in fun recreational activities.

February 5, 2010

(l-r) Brian Collins, OTF Grant Review Team member; the Hon. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and MPP (Thunder Bay Superior North); Donna Gilhooly, OTF Board Vice-Chair; and joining by phone at the grant announcement was Pikangikum First nation member Alex Peters (phone held by Hon. Michael Gravelle and Brian Collins)

The Ojibway community of Pikangikum First Nation north of Red Lake receives $445,000 grant from OTF to integrate – for the first time – indigenous knowledge and land stewardship principles into the province’s forestry management program. Over three years, funding will support students graduate from a college forestry technician program having learned new curriculum specifically incorporating an indigenous approach to forest stewardship and access local forestry jobs in the community.

February 5, 2010

(l-r) Brian Gray, OTF Grant Review Team member; The Hon. Sandra Pupatello, MPP (Windsor West) ; Oona Mosna and Jeremy Rigsby, Co-programmers, Media City

The House of Toast Film & Video Collective (HOT) announced news of its $95,500 grant from OTF over three years to enhance the organization’s capacity. HOT will use the funding to support staff resources, purchase equipment and raise the profile and content of the annual festival with increased programs.

January 29, 2010

(l-r) Rudi Denham, Chief Librarian, St. Thomas; Brian Masschaele, Director, Cultural Service Elgin County; Ann Lapchinski, OTF Grant Review Team member; Mom April Wilson with six-month Liam; Mom Elfrieda Rempel with six-week old Thomas; The Hon. Steve Peters, MPP (Elgin-Middlesex-London)

The Elgin County Library Board took time out to celebrate news of a $75,000 OTF grant in support of its Growing with Books program. To encourage early literacy, books, bags and supplies will be delivered to families with newborn babies in the St. Thomas and Elgin County areas.

January 29, 2010

(l-r) Pablo Felices Luna, Artistic Director, Carousel Players; Grace-Ann Cambray, OTF Grant Review Team member; the Hon. Jim Bradley, MPP (St. Catharines)

The Carousel Players launched its new play Danny-King of the Basement and held a plaque presentation for a new $12,000 grant from OTF. The funds will help ensure the quality and standard of performances are sustained.

January 27, 2010

(l-r) Nalini Stewart, OTF Board Member; Claire Hopkinson, Executive Director, Toronto Arts Foundation; the Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture; Liz Forsberg, Managing Director, Art Starts

Neighbourhood Arts Network was launched by the collaborative Arts Starts and Toronto Arts Council Foundation thanks in part to a three-year $150,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The grant will support the establishment of various neighbourhood arts hubs and provide communities with opportunities to take part in arts related programs.

January 25, 2010

The Kinette Club of Palmerston and District will benefit from a $45,000 OTF grant recently announced to help purchase a concession booth trailer, plus the related food preparation equipment. The trailer will help increase fundraising opportunities and create awareness for the club and serve recreational events.

(l-r) Judy Dirksen, Deputy Mayor of Minto; David Anderson, Mayor of Minto; Linda Brubacher, Kinette Club member; Tanya Hartung, Kinette Club member; Catharine Collins, OTF Grant Review Team member; the Hon. John Wilkinson, MPP (Perth-Wellington); Dawn Hertel and Annalese Salter, Kinette Club members

January 21, 2010

Lanark Highlands Youth Centre Inc.
Lanark

The Cochrane Cross-Country Ski Club held a celebration in honour of its accomplishments. The club benefited from a a $34,000 grant from OTF in June 2009 for the purchase of grooming equipment. The grant has helped to improve trail system and replace old equipment in use for several decades.

(l-r) Calna McGoldrick, Manager, Sault Ste Marie Soup Kitchen; David Orazietti, MPP (Sault Ste Marie); Sergio Saccucci, OTF Grant Review Team member

The Sault Ste Marie Soup Kitchen and Community Centre showed off its van purchased in part thanks to a $15,000 OTF grant. The van will be used to pick up donations and deliver food baskets in Sault Ste Marie and surrounding communities.

(l-r) Yasir Naqvi, MPP (Ottawa Centre); Daniel Kelley, Executive Director, M.A.P; Todd Sloan, Director, M.A.P.; Frank Dyson, OTF Grant Review Team member; Dick Hudson, President, M.A.P.

The board of directors and employees of M.A.P. Ottawa (Mentorship-Aftercare-Presence) received a $50,000 grant from OTF to recruit and train volunteer coaches from the Ottawa Islamic community, so they can assist with the re-integration of individuals of Islamic faith leaving the criminal justice system.

(l-r) Ted Smith, resident of Sunderland; Mike Manchester, resident of Beaverton; Rick Johnson, MPP (Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock); Dr. Ramesh Makhija, OTF Grant Review Team member; Larry O’Connor, Mayor, Township of Brock and Chair, Brock Physical Activity Network; Lidia Novis, Sunderland Ringette Association; Anthony Woodruff, Brock Youth Centre; Darlene Jones, Brock Soccer Club

A $212,300 OTF grant is helping to advance the implementation of the Township of Brock’s Physical Activity Plan as part of a collaborative initiative. Over the next three years, funding will be used to hire a Physical Activity Coordinator to explore new strategies to increase the levels of participation in physical activity, recreation and sport. In addition, the grant will be used for training, hiring instructors in various activities, hosting a Community Capacity Building Workshop and some rental costs for venues.

(l-r) Khalil Ramal, MPP (London-Fanshawe); Peter Thomas, roofing company; Ed Seduikis volunteer, London and Area Food Bank; Sheila Simpson, Program Manager, OTF; Michael Crook, OTF Grant Review Team member; Glen Pearson, Executive Director, London and Area Food Bank

Representatives of the London and Area Food Bank took time out to celebrate their new roof, newly installed thanks in part to a $50,000 OTF grant received in June.

(l-r) Paul Cormier, Chairman, Habitat for Humanity – Huronia; Mervat Rashwan, OTF Grant Review Team member; Claudine Benoit, Director, Barrie Film Festival; Aileen Carroll, MPP (Barrie); Melody Edwards, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity – Huronia

Two not-for-profit groups in Barrie were the latest recipients of grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Barrie Film Festival received a two-year $60,000 grant to develop programming through part-time staff support and computer equipment. A two-year grant of $116,000 was provided to the Habitat for Humanity-Huronia to install a more energy-efficient heating system in its ReStore, and build its organizational capacity by hiring a fund development officer.

(l-r) Sylvia Jones, MPP (Dufferin-Caledon); Centre; Marolyn Morrison, Palgrave, Mayor; Sylvia Jones, MPP (Dufferin-Caledon); surrounded by supporters and members of the Palgrave Rotary Club

A cheery crowd braved the cool temperatures to celebrate the  opening of a new gazebo in Palgrave Rotary Park, the result of an $85,200 grant from OTF made in June. The gazebo will serve as a great meeting spot for hikers and cyclists using the Bruce, Oak Ridges and the Trans Canada trails.

(l-r) Bernie Martenson, President, Oakville Literacy Council; Kevin Flynn, MPP (Oakville); Gayle Wadden, OTF Local Grant Review member

The Ontario Trillium provided a three-year $157,200 in 2008 to the Oakville Literacy Council to support additional outreach, fundraising, and partnership development that will increase the Council’s capacity to support local readers. In the summer, the Oakville Literacy Council moved into an office at 1200 Speers Road that offers a separate room for tutors and students to meet for lessons.

(l-r) Lucie Allard, OTF Grant Review Team chair; Thi Mi Le Nguyen, President, KW Vietnamese Association; Tim Dang, KW Vietnamese Association; John Milloy, MPP (Kitchener Centre); Lan Nguyen, Board Member, KW Vietnamese Association;Thaun Ngu, Vice-president; KW Vietnamese Association; Sang Thai, Board Member, KW Vietnamese Association

The Kitchener and Waterloo Vietnamese Association celebrated news of a $14,500 OTF grant just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, funding will be used to hire a part-time coordinator and cover office costs as the association work to serve the needs of the growing Vietnamese population in Kitchener and Waterloo.

(l-r) Thomas Ting Sang Cheung, Coordinator, WoodGreen Cantonese Elderly Persons Club; Peter Tabuns, MPP (Toronto-Danforth); Selwyn Henry, OTF Grant Review Team member; Ann Boglis, wife and caregiver of WoodGreen client Don Boglis; Thomas Hofmann, Board Member, WoodGreen Community Services; Oona Cass, Toronto East Rotary Club; Chow Lee Tak, WoodGreen Cantonese Elderly Persons Club member; Phung Thi My, WoodGreen Cantonese Elderly Persons Club member; Chan Meu Fai, WoodGreen Cantonese Elderly Persons Club member

The WoodGreen Community Services showed off its newly purchased bus, made possible with an $85,000 OTF grant provided in March. The 16-seat accessible bus will be used to transport frail and isolated seniors to grocery stores, medical appointments and social outings.

(l-r) Richard Smelski, OTF Grant Review Team member; Dan Mathieson, Mayor, Stratford; John Wilkinson, MPP (Perth-Wellington); Jaret Henhoeffer, Perth County Community Futures; Tine Buechler, President, Stratford Rotary Club; Ted Boniface, DocFest and Stratford Media Arts Alliance and Perth Arts Connect; Cathy Bieman, Perth County Visitors Association; Julie Behrns, Warden, Perth County

Perth Arts Connect and its partners celebrated news of an $110,000 grant that will help create and implement a marketing strategy at Factory 163 in Stratford. Over the next two years, the group will use funding to promote Perth County as an arts and culture destination and strengthen tourism in the area.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District &
Couchiching Jubilee House

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 28, 2009

The Hickson and District Lions Club celebrated its newly renovated Hickson Ball Park/Pavilion. In March, the Club received a $75,000 OTF grant for renovations to park facilities, including making it accessible, upgrading its hydro and installing a baby change room.

November 21, 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