$136,400 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Aids Community Centre in COVID Recovery
NEWS
June 21, 2024
Wallaceburg, ON – On Friday, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault met with the team at the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre to hear more about the $136,400 Resilient Communities Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to support the Centre in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I applaud the Ontario government and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support through the Resilient Communities Grant. This investment in the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre is crucial because it empowers the Centre to continue offering vital services and support to our community, ensuring that our residents have access to the resources they need for a brighter future,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex. “Through grants like these, our government is expanding local programs that build a stronger Ontario for everyone.”
During the pandemic, the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre faced serious financial difficulties and a reduced availability of volunteers. There was therefore a need to re-examine how the Centre was being operated. The project has allowed support for board governance training, the hiring of support personnel, and provided programming support as the Centre rebuilds from the impacts caused by the pandemic.
“The funding from OTF has allowed us to reposition ourselves to emerge from the pandemic with a clear vision for the future, and not only restore our pre-COVID programming but also to explore new opportunities,” said Colin Rigby, President of the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre Board of Directors. “This support has been crucial in helping us fulfill the objectives of the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre, benefiting our members and the community at large. Our activities, events, and services are now back in full swing, providing a vital social and recreational outlet for our members.”
The Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre believes in the importance of healthy aging and treating everyone with respect and kindness through social interaction, participation, and volunteerism. Since its inception in 1975, the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre has promoted social, emotional, and cognitive learning, as well as physical health and well-being, for adults 45 years of age and older within our local communities.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
The Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre is a nonprofit organization that recognizes the importance of productive aging. We encourage independence and the pursuit of personal interests to stimulate social interactions and creative endeavours. We strive to enhance physical, emotional, and intellectual well being both through formal, instructed classes and casual get togethers.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
-30-