Community Foundation hands out nearly $30K

A great city is a place where citizens can live healthy, safe and financially comfortable lives — a world-class city is “greater than the sum of its parts,” working cohesively to become better and better each day. It's the work of Sudbury's not-for-profit organizations and charitable groups that make the city what it is, according to Jon Cole.

The CIBC financial planner, who was the keynote speaker at the Sudbury Community Foundation 2012 Grants Award Ceremony, said like many others who call the city home, he is “very committed to the community.” Those who aspire to make the city better are the ones interested in watching Nickel City transform into a world-class destination — and there is no shortage of groups eager to do just that.

On May 30, 15 community groups were recognized for their efforts in bettering the city and given financial support from the Sudbury Community Foundation to keep doing what they do.

“This is such a special day for our community,” Carmen Simmons, executive director of SCF, stated. “Every year we have this opportunity to profile the wonderful work of our local charities.

“They do this very important job in Greater Sudbury to improve the lives of countless people here, and too often it all happens below the radar. Take note, Sudbury, and celebrate our charities.”

Ginette Roberge accepted a $2,000 cheque on behalf of the Berthiaume Tot Lot Improvement Committee, from the Kids Come First and Children's Dream Fund.

“It meant a lot,” she said. “We're just a small group of parents who got together to try to make some improvements to our neighbourhood.”

The committee decided to use the money to enhance an outdated, unsafe play structure in Chelmsford. Now, the 60-some neighbourhood kids of all ages have a safe place to play.

In its 16th year, the Sudbury Community Foundation has given out nearly half a million dollars to charitable groups, from a $2.7 million endowment fund, Paul Lefebvre, SCF president, stated.

“It's our communities 'golden egg,'” he stated. “Funds are created by individuals, groups (and) corporations who want to invest in our community to help make it sustainable now and for future generations.”

Other financial award recipients included:

- Cedar Place Cèdre Women and Family Shelter: $2,000 from Kids Come First Fund

- Centre du Santé: $1,500 from Performing Arts and Kids Come First Fund

- Club de Soccer les Voyageurs and Le Carrefour francophone: $500 from Gord and Pat Slade Heritage Fund

- Finlandia Village: $15,000 from flow-through funds

- Maison Vale Hospice: $500 from Compassionate Community Fund

- Myths and Mirrors Community Arts and Better Beginnings Better Futures: $700 from Maurice Keaney Memorial, Courtney Herold Children's, and Kids Come First Funds

- Navy League Cadet Corps Sudbury: $2,000 from Parenting the Environment and Kids Come First Funds

- Northern Water Sports Centre and City of Greater Sudbury: $2,600 from Professional Engineers of Ontario (Sudbury) Chapter

- Pioneer Manor: $1,500 from Pioneer Manor Fund

- Rainbow District School Board, Sudbury Secondary School: $100 from Romeo Cundari Memorial Music Bursary Fund

- Sick Kids Foundation: $500 from Compassionate Community Fund

- Ski Cross Country Canada: $1,000 from Sofie Manarin Memorial Fund

- Sudbury Symphony Orchestra: $1,800 from Kids Come First and W. Bruce Martin Memorial Fund

- Ten Rainbows Children's Foundation: $1,000 from Compassionate Community Fund

Posted by Mark Gentili