Last week, three non-profit charities in our community received cheques for $1,500 from the Dufferin Community Foundation.
Into its fourth year, The Booster Grants program provides funds into existing projects that have proven to be successful with clients, or new projects that show best practices in the field.
Below is a list of the charities who received booster grants last week.
Hospice Dufferin – Bereavement 101
Sponsored by Lisa Leblanc, Lismar Financial
The Booster Grant will support the purchase of audio-visual equipment, allowing Hospice
Dufferin to design a series of online or DVD sessions for people experiencing bereavement. The
series will provide knowledge and skills around the grief journey, as well as strategies to help
people cope. Hospice Dufferin will be able to support more clients through the Bereavement
101 program, reaching approximately 165 local clients each year. This is a pilot project that may
be rolled out to 24 other hospices in the Central Region of Ontario.
Caledon Meals on Wheels – Subsidized Meal & Grocery Program
Sponsored by Jacelyn Alphonso and Monica Bond, Hometown Realty
The Subsidized Meal & Grocery Program helps seniors who face financial challenges receive hot
and/or frozen prepared meals (or grocery items) at a partially or fully subsidized rate. Caledon
Meals on Wheels will use the Booster Grant to support seniors and people with disabilities
living in Orangeville and the surrounding areas of Dufferin County. Hot meals are provided by
Lord Dufferin Centre and delivered by local volunteers. 100% of the grant money will go
towards subsidizing food costs for these clients from now until March 31, 2022.
Easter Seals – Equipment Funding Program
Sponsored by Lara Gray, Edward Jones
The Booster Grant will fund in-home equipment for children and youth with physical disabilities
in Dufferin County, who are isolated and underserved as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions.
There are currently 12 families in the area that have requested support. The equipment they
need is for mobility and safety (to travel safely within their homes and communities), dignity
(e.g. bath aides and commodes) and social inclusion (ramps and lifts). The lack of essential
equipment in many of these homes has created real difficulties for families already under
strain.
FM101 caught up with Michele Fisher, Executive Director for the Dufferin Community Foundation, to talk more about the Booster Grants program.
Let’s chat about the Dufferin Community Foundation, and it’s impact on our community.
How long have the grants been running for, when did the idea originate, and are there future plans to keep them rolling out in our community?
