By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini announces a $555,000 boost to a half-dozen organizations within his riding – five of them in Northumberland County – thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Resilient Communities Fund that aims to help communities rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre will receive $147,600 to renovate the communal kitchen space and add three bathrooms to provide clients with extra space.
The Capitol Theatre Heritage Foundation will receive $150,000 to develop a five-year strategic plan, purchase safety and cleaning materials and add equipment to help effect physical distancing for staff and performers.
The Art Gallery of Northumberland will receive $44,300 to review the delivery of on-line programming and fundraising strategies, as well as home delivery of Education Art Boxes.
Sound of the Next Generation (the program that provides music education to underserviced children) will receive $73,400 to build on virtual practices and performances to increase connectivity skills and well-being for more local children and youth.
Les AMIS (which provides a local classical-music series) will receive $9,000 to purchase new technological equipment that will expand both on-line performance and fundraising capabilities.
In addition, a $130,800 grant was announced for the Oshawa Ski Club at Brimacombe.
“Non-profit organizations are a crucial and valued part of any community,” Piccini stated in his announcement.
“These organizations enrich the lives of people in our communities, while playing an important role in building a strong and prosperous Ontario economy.
“As we work towards the province's economic and social recovery, supporting programs like the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Resilient Communities Fund will make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families.”
The press release included comments from a spokesperson for recipient, like Cornerstone Executive Director Nancy Johnston, who said the grant will enhance their infection-prevention measures for both staff and client.
“An investment of this kind allows Cornerstone to provide services to more women and children, and ultimately assists us in our recovery and navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnston said.
Capitol Theatre President and Board Chair Olga Cwiek added her own thanks.
“This recognition that the arts is both a social and economic asset of the community is accentuated by the immense need for hope and reaffirmation while we all contend with the effects of this pandemic,” Cwiek stated.
SONG President and Board Chair Trish Dryden noted that their work engages thousands of community members.
“Thanks to the support of the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities Fund, we will expand our programming by 20% and engage youth with our new SONGtech program on-line – teaching tech skills, music making and composition, and, as always, connecting and empowering young people in ways that matter more than ever in today's world,” Dryden said.
“Regional galleries like the AGN provide transformative experiences – they start conversations, spark passions, provide inspiring and creative exhibitions,” AGN Executive Director Olinda Casimiro said.
“This opportunity assists the AGN in the development of digital content and programming to be enjoyed by our community and beyond.”
Les AMIS Founding Artistic Director Michael Pepa added his hope that the equipment made possible by the grant might help the group expand its audience base.
“While this is particularly important at this critical moment for performing artists, reaching out to a world-wide audience through on-line platforms will be increasingly invaluable and advantageous in the future,” Pepa said.
