Ontario Foundation Provides Significant Grant to BGC Kawarthas
MPP Laurie Scott met with BGC Kawarthas (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes) to congratulate them for the grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to repair a section of their roof that was at the end of its life. Thanks to this grant, the local child and youth centre will be able to continue focusing its funds on serving the community of Kawartha Lakes without setback.
"These repairs ensure the building has a solid physical foundation, allowing the centre to continue offering vital programs that provide children, youth, and families with the strong foundation they need to grow, thrive, and have fun," said MPP Scott. Some children decorated a banner full of things they love about the Club to show the MPP, which are in better operation thanks to this grant, such as the splash pad which operates in the summer, the jungle gym, and the soccer field.
OTF grants support the work of non-profit organizations, small municipalities and Indigenous communities to help them deliver direct community-based programs and services in Ontario. BGC Kawarthas was approved in August for an $81,800 Capital Grant for the roof repairs.
The 75-year-old building was once a book binding factory and was transferred to the Club in 1999. Since then, BGC Kawarthas has developed the property into a hub for children and youth including licensed childcare, before and after school care, summer camps, sports programs, youth services and support services. It's also home to other community organizations and programs.
“It's critical that we maintain our 70,000 square foot facility to the highest safety standards for the benefit of the thousands of people who walk through our doors each year,” says Amy Terrill, Executive Director of BGC Kawarthas. “We are so grateful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Government of Ontario for literally helping us keep a roof over our heads so that we can continue to deliver essential programs and services to children, youth and families in Kawartha Lakes.”
BGC Kawarthas has the goal of providing a safe, supportive place where children and youth experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, develop positive relationships and build confidence and skills for life.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation 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.
You can find more information about BGC Kawarthas at bgckawarthas.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
