It has been an extremely busy year for Community Foundation Grey Bruce, which is closing its 20th anniversary with 12 new endowed funds created during the calendar year. 2014 also marks the Foundation's largest disbursement of grants to the community in its history, distributing $572,085 dollars to not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Grey Bruce. Board Chair Kim West says "It is an exciting time to be at the helm of our growing Foundation, when community response to regional need is so generous and thoughtful. It tells us local philanthropy is truly thriving."
The Lyman "Red" Cady Endowed Fund to support the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce is a new and popular fund. Many in the community have expressed an interest in supporting their efforts in perpetuity. Scott Lovell, Executive Director of the Hospice, says "The Hospice is proud of the relationship we have with our community. It is with the support of residents throughout Grey and Bruce that we are able to offer expert, compassionate end-of-life care to patients from our region. We are grateful and honoured to be the beneficiary of the Lyman 'Red' Cady Endowed Fund that will contribute to our sustainability for years to come."
The Owen Sound Lacrosse Endowed Fund, begun by lacrosse enthusiast John Pickett, assists this historically popular sport's local expenses. The Laura Bouchard, Roberta Brignell and Ernestine McKenna Endowed Funds were created to honour these former Foundation Directors who contributed to its vast growth over the past 20 years. The Women's Centre Shelter Owen Sound Endowed Fund supports women and children fleeing violence.
The Colleen Lantz and Cindy Davidson Memorial Funds were created by Wes for Youth Online, an organization with ties to the Davidson and Lantz families. The Right Honourable Paul Martin Smart & Caring Fund will support annual awards for students in Martin's Aboriginal Youth Education Program at Saugeen District Secondary School. Lyle & Isabelle Love's Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Endowed Fund will assist students in the skilled trades. The Dr. Goldie & Eileen Gray Memorial Scholarship Endowed Fund will create an annual award for a graduating student from Grey Highlands Secondary School whom excels at academics, athletics and community activism. An as yet unnamed fund has been started to benefit First Nations education in Grey Bruce.
The Foundation's Smart & Caring Education Initiative aims to add nearly one million dollars to its education fund by Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017, to increase bursaries and scholarships for local students pursuing all pillars of post-secondary education: university, college, apprenticeship and workplace training.
A list of all endowed funds held by the Foundation are online at www.communityfoundationgreybruce.com or distributed at their office in Carney's Lane, Owen Sound. Donations can be made to any fund by phone, online through www.canadahelps.org or in person. Donations made or postmarked by the end of 2014 may be used at a tax credit for the current year.
Source - Aly Boltman, Executive Director
