NWO groups get $640,000 in Trillium Grants

News Release
Ont. Gov.

THUNDER BAY, ON, Aug. 5 /CNW/ - Not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Northwestern Ontario will benefit from $646,700 in 11 grants recently ratified by the Board of Directors of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Ontario Minister of Culture Aileen Carroll said that many of the grants provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to improve their health and become more active in their communities.
“The McGuinty government recognizes the numerous benefits that arts, culture and recreational programs bring to our communities,” said Minister Carroll. “These Ontario Trillium Foundation grants will have a powerful impact on local economies and improve the quality of life for Ontario families.”
“What better way to build healthy and vibrant communities,” said Brian L. Collins, Grant Review Team Chair for Northwestern Ontario. “These grants will enable groups to create more social, cultural and recreational activities, remove barriers to full participation and promote healthy living.”
In Northwestern Ontario, a $77,000 one-year grant to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts will provide an emergency respite centre. The centre will offer day programs and services for people with Alzheimer disease and their caregivers in Kenora. Another grant of $75,000 over one year to the Kakabeka Falls Community Curling and Athletic Club will help install a new ice plant in the curling arena. This will enable the club to continue offering curling activities for people of all ages in this small, rural community.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Ontario’s 2008 spring budget boosted the Foundation’s annual funding to $110 million from $105 million, which will be further increased to $120 million by 2009-2010. To learn more about OTF programs, visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

Other grant recipients include:

-Corporation of the Township of Emo $35,000 over one year for the installation of a spray park in Emo Lion’s Park.

-Northwestern Ontario HD Video Conference Network for People With Disabilities c/o Handicapped Action Group Inc. $50,000 over one year to complete a business plan for the purchase and installation of a video conference network. It will benefit service providers, community groups and individuals with disabilities in Northwestern Ontario.

-Royal Canadian Legion Branch 102 - Red Lake $75,000 over one year for renovations to the facility’s lighting, HVAC system and washrooms. This will increase its operating efficiency and improve its accessibility for people of all ages and abilities in the community.