A total of 13 charities in the North Bay region will share $51,367.30 thanks to grants from the North Bay and Area Community Foundation.
Executive director Kate Merritt-Dupelle says the charities are this year’s recipients in the foundation’s annual awards program.
The largest amount of money is going to PADDLE for renovation work.
PADDLE is on the receiving end of $15,000.
The North Bay North Stars hockey team is getting $6,600 to cover ice time for one full season of hockey.
One Kids Place has been given $6,000 to help fund its ongoing clinic while the Gathering Place and Victoria’s Quilts were each given $5,000.
Victoria’s Quilts will buy supplies to make more quilts for cancer patients while the Gathering Place will use its grant to further a meals program.
The Mattawa Food Bank was given $3,333.50 for a renovation project and $3,000 went to Packsac Smiles.
Two young people will be able to go to camp courtesy of Diabetes Canada and the $2,000 it received from the foundation while $1,500 is destined for the Heritage Gardeners.
The East Ferris Golden Age, Club, the YMCA and Special Olympics are all getting $1,000 while the Capitol Centre has been given $934.09 for a renovation project.
In all 28 groups applied for funding but 13 were chosen to receive grants.
Merritt-Dupelle says the foundation has come a long way from its modest beginnings years ago when during its first year it awarded $5,000 in grants.
Last fall it announced that over the ensuing years it’s given out a total of $1 million in grants.
Merritt-Dupelle says the goal is to ensure the money the charities receive is used efficiently.
She also says the foundation serves a very useful purpose for the area.
“There are a lot of projects that involve people who may not exist if it weren’t for the donors in our community and we want to make sure they’re here in five and 10 years,” she said.
On May 3rd the foundation will hold its annual dinner and auction.
For ticket information call Merritt-Dupelle at 495-3737.
