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ROC racks up $11,000 from 100 People Who Care PEC

Members of 100 People Who Care PEC presented $11,000 to the Recreation Outreach Centre based in Picton on Thursday. – Sue Capon photo

100 People Who Care Prince Edward County ‘cued’ up the Recreation Outreach Centre (ROC) to pocket this quarter’s $11,000 donation from members.

Executive Director Darlene Thompson said the ROC is thrilled with the windfall and will use the funds to expand programming at the downtown Picton centre.

The ROC, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020, provides Prince Edward County youth with access to opportunities to develop skills, participate in experiential learning and hands-on activities and mentoring opportunities to foster personal and social growth.

Some of the funds will go toward a project this summer to paint a mural on the back wall of the Circle K store, facing the municipal parking area.

“It’s something that will be seen by the whole community so they’re going to be working on themes soon,” said Thompson, noting planning meetings will begin next week.

She said funds will also go toward continuing a County Care Kits program where members of the ROC’s Youth Advisory Committee bundle care and hygiene products into kits for needy families. So far, 91 kits have been handed out.

Ben Wadsworth, the ROC’s Youth Inclusion Program Co-ordinator, notes the funding will also be helpful for the centre to provide ROC participants with nutritious snacks through the County’s Food to Share program, and help to provide the students with rides home by taxi.

“We have a barrier-free policy here, offering regular programs, snacks and taxi service – all at no cost to participants,” he said. Last year the ROC provided youth 575 cab rides home.

The ROC offers numerous programs for 300 teens aged 12-18 that are currently registered.

Volunteer programs connect students with local community agencies. Youth Advisory participants are invited to learn skills related to leadership and social change and all are invited to participate in ongoing events including homework help, cooking, arts, music, drama, games; open mic nights, field trips and workshops.

The 100 People Who Care group meets quarterly to choose a recipient. With no operating costs and no paid staff, the group handles no cash.

“Each member has pledged to give a $100 cheque four times a year, in order to support our community,” said Davis.

Prior to their quarterly meetings, members receive an email encouraging them to nominate a local charity for consideration. All submissions are put into the ring and three proposals are blindly selected as finalists.

“This group loves to find the underdog – something that is grassroots,” said Davis. “It’s an opportunity to help our fellow County citizens and they look to where this money would serve best and they’re looking at these smaller charities.”

The 100 People Who Care PEC has handed out more than $100,000 over the past two years. Recipients have included the Prince Edward Learning Center, the Picton United Church Food Bank, Alternatives For Women, the Glenwood Cemetery repair fund, Reaching for Rainbows, the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association, Healing with Horses, County Kids Read and the Prince Edward Air Cadet Squadron.

Qualifying organizations are invited to submit an overview (200-300) words, including their mandate and mission statement, of the work they do to benefit people living in the County.

As well, the group continues to welcome new members. Meetings are usually held the first Monday of each quarter at the Waring Hall, courtesy of fellow members Norah and Chris Rodgers. A social gathering is held from 6:45 p.m. to the meeting time of 7:30 p.m.

All interested charities should submit their information to 100peoplewhocarepec@gmail.com or, call committee member Mark Davis directly at 613-922-7722 with questions.

With the exception of the very first meeting, every meeting has resulted in a total gift of more than $10,000 to the winning charity.

Click here to read the stories about past 100 People Who Care recipients

Click here to find out more about the ROC and its programs.

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