PEC Community Foundation presents first grants

The Prince Edward County Community Foundation celebrated National Philanthropy Day, today, presenting its first grants at a reception at the Ameliasburgh Town Hall.
“What a perfect way to celebrate Canada’s tradition of community spirit and generosity than to give money to hard-working Prince Edward County organizations that make such a difference in our community” said Bridget Stevenson, the foundation’s executive director.
The fund is made possible through donations from individuals in the community and members of Foundation’s Founders Circle – individuals who have made a multi-year commitment to supporting the Community Fund.
“This fund supports initiatives and projects by charitable organizations that respond to identified needs within Prince Edward County,” said Stevenson. “This fall, the fund had a total of $16,000 available.”
Successful applicants include the Ameliasburgh Town Hall Working Group, the Hastings and Prince Edward Land Trust, the Milkweed Collective, the Recreation Outreach Centre, the Storehouse Foodbank, Hospice Prince Edward, the Written Word Committee and the Edith Fox Life & Loss Centre.
“They also represent organizations active in many parts of Prince Edward County, reflecting the Community Foundation’s goal of supporting the County as a whole,” said Stevenson.
The grants will contribute partial funding toward the following projects:
* The reconstruction of the kitchen at the Ameliasburgh Town Hall.
* Support bereavement counselling for children through the Lambs for Children program.
* The Miller Family Nature Reserve established through the Hastings Prince Edward Land Trust in South Marysburgh.
* A “Hospice in the Home” resource kit for those providing palliative care at home.
* A collaborative arts and creativity education program in the schools.
* An afterschool program for children 9-13 that promotes healthy activity and healthy life choices
* A book distribution program to promote literacy to pre-schoolers.
* A freezer and a refrigerator for a foodbank that supports over 75 families, enabling them to provide meat and fresh produce to people in need.
“These organizations rely on many volunteers who really know how to stretch the dollars that they receive,” said Carlyn Moulton, President of the County Community Foundation. “They represent many aspects that are important to the vitality of our community, including programs that focus on at risk children and youth, health, arts, environment, poverty relief, literacy and community infrastructure. We are very grateful for the support of the donors who have made these grants possible. It’s what Community Foundations are designed to do.”