NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN RED CROSS
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Recently, the Canadian Red Cross hosted a reception with local MPPs Doug Downey and Andrea Khanjin at the Simcoe Muskoka Branch to recognize the $136,700 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant, awarded in 2022, supports the Simcoe Community Connector Project which aims to enhance on-going client programs such as Friendly Calls, Transportation, and Meals on Wheels.
“I am so honoured to be here for the announcement of the Resilient Communities Fund Grant for our Canadian Red Cross here in Barrie, as they are always putting others first by focusing on helping people and strengthening our community’s resilience,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. “It takes a lot of hard work to run the multiple activities, services and programs that the Red Cross provides, especially during challenging times.”
The Simcoe Community Connector project helps to adapt Canadian Red Cross Community Health and Wellness programming and enhance social connection and engagement for seniors in the community. Thanks to the $136,700 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, seniors in Simcoe County will be better connected to local programs and resources to address their needs.
Funds from the grant have been used to help with a number of critical elements involved with the initiative: staffing, digital marketing, purchasing cell phones and new technology, and costs around volunteer recruitment, training and developing new educational materials as well.
“We thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this grant. With this funding the Canadian Red Cross continues its commitment to making sure older residents in Simcoe are receiving essential programs and services to support their health and safety,” said Liane Fernandes, vice president, Ontario Operations for the Canadian Red Cross.
"I appreciate the Community Connector Program, I know they can help me through this program and connect me to the help I need,” said John Grant, client of Simcoe Community Connector Program.
"I love being able to do a little bit for people that need help through the Red Cross,” said Brian Miller, Simcoe Community Connector volunteer.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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