The Altona Community Foundation (ACF) recently awarded $33,555 in grants to seven community organizations as part of their 2024 spring grant cycle.
Among the successful applicants was the Altona Health Care Auxiliary, which received funds to install sixteen ceiling tracks and acquire two new wheelchairs for the Altona Health Care Centre. The Altona Senior Centre was awarded a grant for shingles needed for a new roof replacement. Equal Access Altona secured funding to construct an accessible washroom at Altona Centennial Park.
The Southern Storm Volleyball Club received support for establishing a beach volleyball court, while Steps toward Reconciliation was funded for a medicine garden at the Altona Community Garden.
Vic Loewen, chair of the ACF granting committee, expressed his enthusiasm about the foundation’s ability to support organizations that had seldom applied for funding in the past.
“We had a number of new recipients this year, and that was great to see. It’s thrilling to see new partnerships and projects come to life through these grants.”
He added that this granting cycle was particularly special as it marked the first time they could award funds from the Richard Neufeld Legacy Fund, which contributed significantly to the projects by Steps toward Reconciliation and Equal Access Altona.
The spring granting cycle also included ongoing financial commitments to Kiddie Sunshine Centre and Blue Sky Opportunities, supporting their multi-year projects.
In addition to these grants, the W.C. Miller Collegiate Youth in Philanthropy (YIP), which receives 50 per cent of its funding from the ACF, announced its annual grant recipients in a ceremony held at the school last week.
Each year, the YIP group raises funds through student-led activities, which are then matched by the ACF to support local charities. This year’s fundraisers included a community movie night, a concession stand during the school’s production of Emma, and the sale of candygrams, chocolates, and roses during the Christmas and Valentine’s Day seasons.
They also organized a unique “Pudding Fling” event, allowing students to throw pudding at teachers to raise money for the local food bank.
Meadow Letkeman, a Gr. 12 student council and YIP group member, shared her excitement about the program’s impact.
“Our student council ran many successful fundraisers throughout the year, and we are thrilled to give out grants to organizations in our community,” she said. “YIP is very important to our council because it provides students with an understanding about how ACF works and gives back to our amazing community. We are so grateful to be a part of it.”
YIP was able to distribute $1,350 to local community groups this year.
Kiddie Sunshine Centre will receive $400 to purchase games, activities, and craft supplies for their school-aged children over the summer months.
“Increasing the amount of developmentally appropriate resources available for children to use is an important goal for the centre, and we are happy to help them continue in their mission and vision with these funds,” said Kiddie Sunshine Centre director Patty Klassen.
Genesis House will also benefit from a $400 grant, which will be used to buy new play kitchen food, dishes, and utensils for their playroom.
The Altona Curling Club Junior Programs will receive $250 to help replace equipment essential for their junior curling program.
Grade 12 student council chair and YIP group member, Piper Stoesz, highlighted the importance of this grant.
“The Altona Junior Curling Program is where I first learned to curl, and now as a coach, I am extremely thankful for the new opportunities that we will be able to provide to the current junior curlers with more equipment to help them to improve their skills on the ice.”
Lastly, the Altona Area Family Resource Centre is set to receive $300 to purchase an activity table designed for young children. This table will enhance the inclusivity and functionality of their programs by providing a suitable space for smaller children to engage in play and activities.
Loewen said he was proud to see the enthusiasm shown by the students during their fundraising campaigns.
“Philanthropy starts off at a young age, and we’re encouraging people from all walks of life and age brackets to get involved in the Community Foundation in donating,” says Loewen. “Whether that’s $5 a month, or $5 a year. It’s good to give back to the foundation that gives back to the community.”
Going forward, he says the ACF will have additional funds to support a variety of local initiatives, thanks to the $750,000 they received from the Thomas Sill Foundation late last year. Those monies will start to become available for granting in 2025.
