One Year One Million – A Proud Milestone

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Since launch in November 2019, the Foundation has made a significant impact in the local community.  More than 535 donors contributed over $785,000 to eleven established funds, aimed to support community need, community projects and self-directed charitable purposes.

The Foundation granted $194,000 to 17 charities through Emergency Community Support Program sponsored by the Federal Government and the Community Foundations of Canada and has now launched the Agri-Innovation Loan Program, aimed to award $250,000 to local farmers and agricultural initiatives.

“The Community Foundation is bound only by the imagination of donors. We have the flexibility, financial expertise, and partnerships to make good ideas into local realities for all of us.”
— Mike Perry, Founding President

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Agri-Innovation Loan Program established as a low-interest, social investment fund to assist young farmers and agricultural innovators with new products that may not be able to secure financing from corporate banks and/or Farm Credit Canada.

“It’s exciting for the Foundation to be able to offer the Agri-Innovation loan program to help Kawartha Lakes’ farmers diversify and innovate.”
— Harry Stoddart, CFKL Secretary and Executive Director of LEX

BOBCAYGEON & AREA COVID-19 RELIEF FUND

In March 2020 realizing the magnitude of the community crisis, a group of volunteers created a fund to help patients, families and health-care workers affected by COVID-19 in Bobcaygeon. The Foundation quickly mobilized to support the fundraising efforts poised to meet the overwhelming need. Local business, family foundations, local and seasonal residents rose to the challenge with financial commitment and tremendous community spirit. Together, close to $190,000 was raised and $120,000 dispersed among those in greatest need. As the demand continues, funds are here to ensure ongoing food security and everyday necessities, access to technology and mental health counselling for residents especially youth.

The Foundation would like to thank the amazing Bobcaygeon Advisors who have tirelessly given their time and support to ensure that no one is left out during this challenging time. Exemplarily lead Dianne Lister, the team includes Kathleen Seymour Fagan, Jelle Visser, Kathy Dufton, Liz Byrnes and Ann Adare. At this time, we wish Dianne the very best in her upcoming endeavours and thank Ann for stepping up to take charge of this meaningful work.

“As we approach the first anniversary of the Bobcaygeon & Area Covid-19 Relief Fund, the Advisors are touched by how the pandemic has affected so many and in such different ways. From the start, the focus has been to support those in our community who have lost loved ones, have contracted the virus, are suffering long term health effects, or are experiencing financial or mental health hardship as a result of the pandemic. Please know that the Fund is here and available for those who continue to need either mental health or financial support.”
— Ann Adare, incoming Lead of the Bobcaygeon Advisory Group

Established Funds

Throughout the year, new Funds have been established, each with their own specific expectations and hopes for the future, all with the goal to do good in our community.

Doug & Mary Perry Higher Education Fund

Mai & Chuong Tan Scholarship Fund

Glen Orloe Wright Fund

Handley Memorial Fund

Morrison Nicholls Legacy Fund

Foundation Opportunities Fund

Blackmore Blazing Hearts Fund

Canopy Project Kawartha Lakes

Canopy Project - Boys and Girls Club Kawartha Lakes

Community Fund Fenelon Falls 

Sculpture Project

The Grove Theatre

During Summer and Fall 2020, the Foundation participated in the Government of Canada Emergency Community Support Fund - Round 1 and Round 2 granting $193,680 to 17 local charities and projects. This program was sponsored by the Federal Government and launched through the Community Foundations of Canada to support communities in need.  If the Foundation had not been in place, this funding would not have been available to support our local charities.

ROUND 2

  • Community Care Foundation Meals on Wheels, $4,900 for the purchase of a stove for new kitchen in Lindsay

  • Coboconk & Area Food Bank, $5,050 for purchase of freezer and shelving to support local food security

  • Five Counties Children Centre, $6,000 to cover cost of a new sun shelter in outdoor therapy space

  • Women’s Resources Kawartha Lakes, $8,250 for hiring of protocol training monitor to support staff and service users

  • Globus Theatre, $7,000 to support virtual show presentations for seniors at home and seniors’ homes

  • King Albert Public School, $9,590 to provide access to iPads for on the spot learning and emotional support

  • KL Food Source, $1,850 to compensate volunteers with travel costs while making much needed deliveries

  • Society of St Vincent de Paul, $7,450 to support the increased need for food cards, PPE and masks for Christmas Baskets

  • Tri-County Community Support Services, $4,690 for increased lending programs for online services and resources

ROUND 1

  • Community Care of Kawartha Lakes, $45,000 for specialized transportation service requirements

  • Tri-County Community Support Services, $41,887 for new virtual services for people with developmental disabilities

  • Women’s Resources Kawartha Lakes, $13,229 for additional staffing to support and shelter women during isolation

  • John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, $10,000 for staffing to deliver outreach services

  • Boys & Girls Club Kawartha Lakes, $19,889 for cleaning staffing, additional PPE and supplies for children’s return

  • Spinal Cord Injury Ontario – Kawartha Lakes, $6,395 for supplies to keep essential workers and clients safe

  • John Howard Society Kawartha Lakes/Haliburton, $2,500 for incremental victim support due to effects of COVID


CONTINUED EXPANSION IN 2021

With a new board of directors in place, the Foundation anticipates continued expansion in 2021 with the establishment of self-directed funds, as family legacies, with growth expected in the project focused initiatives already in full swing.

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is here to help create a meaningful and lasting change in our community. The Foundation is a sound resource of knowledge, opportunities and partners needed to make a difference in Kawartha Lakes. The Foundation focuses on strengthening our local philanthropic network, connecting people who care with the creation of lasting legacies, addressing gaps in local human services, public infrastructure and community economic development.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and how you can contribute and help build a strong and vibrant community, click on www.kawarthafoundation.ca  call  705.731.9775 or email info@kawarthafoundation.ca.

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