MANITOULIN—The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has announced funding is being provided to 14 not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Algoma, Cochrane, Manitoulin and Sudbury. Those on the Island slated to receive funding include the Manitoulin Island Country Club, Gore Bay Curling Club, 4elements Living Arts and the Sudbury-Manitoulin Children’s Foundation.
“Local organizations are best placed to understand the unique needs of their communities,” said Sally Hagman of Blind River, chair of the Algoma, Cochrane, Manitoulin and Sudbury grant review team for OTF. “That’s why I am so pleased to be a part of Algoma, Cochrane, Manitoulin and Sudbury’s grant review team, and that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has invested in not-for-profit organizations across our community.”
Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport said, “the government of Ontario is proud to partner with our diverse and dynamic not-for-profit and charitable organizations through our lead agency, the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Our support for innovative local initiatives helps to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province and enrich the quality of life for Ontarians.” In addition to 324 community grants, OTF has announced 27 grants that will support larger, province-wide projects.
The Manitoulin Island Country Club will receive $108,000 over one year to improve accessibility and winterize the organization’s clubhouse. These improvements will allow for year-round access and assist with the development of a four-season tourism facility in Western Manitoulin.
The Gore Bay Curling Club will receive $8,000 over one year to purchase and install new tables, sinks, counter tops, brooms and a surge tank for ice-making. These renovations will help ensure this aging but well-used four-season community facility continues to be available to people of all ages and abilities for a variety of social and recreational activities.
Jack Brady, reeve of Gordon/Barrie Island (owners of MICC), stated the funding news “is fantastic. This is what we were hoping for.” Along with making the clubhouse accessible to everyone, “we will be able refurbish and upgrade the clubhouse, winterizing it so the clubhouse can be used on a year-round basis.”
4elements Living Arts has received $142,500 over two years to hire an executive director and help fund administration costs for this Manitoulin-North Shore arts organization that has a strong environmental focus. This will provide leadership to staff and board members and help deliver programs, which will improve the sustainability of the organization.
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha made a formal announcement of the new two-year funding being provided to the 4elements Living Arts at Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute (KTEI) on Sunday.
Mr. Mantha was joined by Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) representative in making the announcement. Acknowledging OTF representative Angela Becks and the 4e members, Mr. Mantha said, “you did all the work and you deserve all the accolades,” adding that the efforts of the people involved will complement the work being done by other organizations to make Manitoulin a destination.
Ms. Becks said, “although I’m here to help MPP Mantha speak about the new OTF funding, the truth is today is really about recognizing the passion, vision and commitment to community embodied by 4elements Living Arts. 4elements occupies a unique and innovative niche in the Manitoulin-North Shore arts scene. Conscious of our community’s cultural, social, historical and economic context and committed to recognizing the importance of everyone’s voice, they use arts as a way to inspire social change and community transformation from within.”
The funding received from OTF will allow 4e to hire a full-time executive director and open an office in the area. However, the good news doesn’t stop there as the director will then be able to hire an intern with funding received from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
Tom Sasvari with files by Betty Bardswich
