![](https://chathamvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/0718barnroyaleweb.jpg)
Royal LePage Peifer Realty recently held a successful fundraising event, the Red Barn Royale, to support the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre.
This event was organized in collaboration with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.
At Royal LePage brokers and staff “understand that a house is only a home if the people who live there feel safe,” officials said.
“With the generous backing of our realtors and community partners, the event featured live entertainment and food. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of everyone involved, we are thrilled to announce that we raised $15,000,” officials added.
The funds will be dedicated to help replace the playground equipment at the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre, providing a safer and more enjoyable space for the children there.
![](https://chathamvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/0718summercompanyweb.jpg)
Summer company students on the job
The first annual Summer Company Program student networking event took place recently at the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre.
The event marked a milestone in fostering entrepreneurial spirit among young individuals, officials said. It provided a platform for students participating in the Summer Company program to connect, share their achievements, and discuss common challenges.
Mayor Darrin Canniff also stopped by for a visit and heard the stories of what inspired participants to become entrepreneurs.
The Summer Company program is designed to empower enterprising young people, aged 15 to 29, to start and run their own summer businesses. Participants receive training, mentorship, and a grant of $3,000 to support their entrepreneurial journey.
“We are incredibly proud of the students and their accomplishments, said Economic Development officer Anthony Wilson in a media release. “This event not only celebrates the hard work of young entrepreneurs but speaks to the bright future of Chatham-Kent’s small business community.”
Applications for the 2025 program will open in spring of next year. More information on the program can be found at www.chatham-kent.ca/EconomicDevelopment/programs/Pages/Summer-Company-.aspx
![](https://chathamvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/0718vanhoofcycleweb.jpg)
Bike for Hospice effort hits its mark
Jeff Thibert felt the burn, as he completed his 1,000 kilometres on his bicycle in under 75 hours as his Bike for Hospice fundraiser.
Results are still being tallied, and donors can visit the Chatham-Kent Hospice donation page.
![](https://chathamvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cobs-for-Hospice-pic-of-Randy-Toulouse.jpg)
Cobs for Hospice
Blenheim’s Randy Toulouse wants to give back to the Chatham-Kent Hospice.
His wife, Karen, recently lost her battle with cancer and spent her final days at the hospice.
Toulouse is so appreciative that he has decided to donate the proceeds of the sale of sweet corn on July 20 from his stand to the hospice.
He’s located on Chatham Street South, just south of Blenheim.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.