- Hub staff
The Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound announced their support and financial contribution toward nine projects in Grey-Bruce at a Gala event Thursday evening. In total, over $150,000 will be donated by the Club in support of their commitment to making the world a better place one child and one community at a time.
Club President Michelle Kobryn said of the event, “We dedicate ourselves year-round to raising funds to share with those in need and this really is a celebration of our effort.”
Three projects shared in the largest share of the funds – Kobryn said, “These three in particular had projects that have a strong connection to our goals as a Club. Each will help make our youngest community members know that we are there for them.”
OSHaRE will receive $100,000 to cover the entire costs associated with the construction of an industrial kitchen in their new 5000 sq ft facility on Carney's Lane which will open December 1. Executive Director Colleen Trask Seaman said almost 4000 of the more than 21000 meals served at OSHaRE last year were to children and youth. Young people also volunteer at the centre, so it is a good fit with Kiwanis goals.
“Kiwanis members have been present in our space as volunteers, and now will have a lasting presence in our new facility in the ‘Kiwanis Kitchen’ “ said Trask Seaman, who is herself a Kiwanian.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation will receive $24,300 for the creation of a park in the centre of a housing development at Neyaashiinigmiing that is being built in phases in partnership with the First Nation, Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The housing partnership is considered so successful it may serve as a model for similar projects across Canada.
“We are grateful for the support of the Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound, who are now part of a project whose success is built on partnership,” said Chippewas of Nawash Housing Manager Shane Chegano. “We are pleased to see so many people from our region become a part of something special we have created and this playground will be enjoyed for years to come.”
The Women's Centre Grey and Bruce will receive $9,000 to create an outdoor play space for children and youth in the shelter backyard. Because it not necessarily safe for families in the shelter to go off-site to a local park or playground, the new safe space with a seating area for women and swings and play equipment for children will meet a real need, said Executive Director, Heather Fowler.
Also announced at the Gala were donations toward The Georgian Bay Children’s Choir, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kids in Owen Sound – Salvation Army, Canadian Mental Health Association, Owen Sound Police Services SK8 Park and Keystone Child and Family Services .
“While we sometimes only notice the bigger donations, there are ways we can still support great programs even if our contribution is more modest,” said Kobryn. “Though not as large in terms of amount, many of these donations are for the next five years and give these organizations more certainty for their operations going forward.”
