Last week, local MPP Rick Byers met with the board of the Rocklyn Agricultural Society to hear how a $10,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2022 has helped the organization adapt to new ways of working to rebuild and recover from COVID-19.
“This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation will help the Agricultural Society rebuild from COVID-19 with the purchase new computer hardware to help keep the database and website up to date and deliver the programming through virtual platforms to enhance the Fall Fair, upcoming events, and fundraising. Tablets, and point of sale readers have been purchased for easy contactless entry into Fall Fair and other activity of the Agricultural Society” said Rick Byers, MPP, Bruce, Grey, Owen Sound. “There are many in the community who will benefit from this, and it ensures that the Fair will be successful in the coming years.”
In addition to the computer system, the Agricultural Society was able to partner with the Municipality of Grey Highlands to install touchless paper towel dispensers in the washroom facilities at the Rocklyn Arena. The Centre is used by a variety of community organizations for meetings, celebrations, and fundraisers. And thanks to the $10,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, this will promote safe and healthy environment.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant has been great for our Agricultural Society,” said Dianne Booker, President of the Rocklyn Agricultural Society. “This grant has allowed us to form a Youth Leader committee that will help with succession of the Society, equipping these youth with leadership, governance, and strategic planning skills to ensure we have a vibrant board of directors in the future. We also want to congratulate the Ontario Trillium Foundation on 40 years of granting and building healthy and vibrant communities across the province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
