South Kent Wind and the Chatham Kent Community Foundation announced they handed out nearly $86,000 to 13 charitable organizations in the region in late December.
The donations will aid the development of programs and support the purchase of much needed equipment for several organizations in Chatham-Kent, according to foundation officials. In 2019, more than $450,000 was awarded to 37 charitable groups and community organizations throughout the Chatham-Kent region.
“South Kent Wind is a proud community partner and we are committed to doing our part to help build a strong and vibrant Chatham-Kent,” said Kevin Aikenhead, Facility Manger, South Kent Wind, in a media release. “Being able to give a little back helps local charitable organizations and community groups deliver services and programs that residents in our region can count on every day.”
Organizations receiving grants from South Kent Wind and Chatham Kent Community Foundation in 2019:
- Blenheim Youth Centre
- Friends of Tilbury Memorial Park
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent
- IODE Kent Regiment Chapter
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council
- Friends of the Chatham Pipes and Drums
- Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
- 2019 CK Scooter Riders
- May Court Club of Chatham
- Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) – District 11
- Chatham-Kent Special Populations
- Kent Branch of The Ontario Genealogical Society
- Rotary Club of Dresden
- CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind)
- Wallaceburg and District Museum
- Wallaceburg Concert Band
- Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival
- Rotary Club of Tilbury
- Westover Treatment Centre
Julia Earley of the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation said, “The Chatham-Kent Hospice kitchen is the heart of our hospice home. It is where our caring volunteers prepare meals for our residents and where family and friends who are visiting can always find a delicious pot of soup, along with freshly baked muffins, squares and cookies. South-Kent Wind has been a supporter of Chatham-Kent Hospice since our inception. The upgrades to our kitchen through your grant help our volunteers to prepare and serve this comforting food in a safe and efficient way. Your continued support of our hospice residents, families and our team are a testament to your dedication to making our community a better place to live – even in our final days.”
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario is ecstatic about the grant we received”, said Chatham-Kent police Const. Jason Herder. “The funds give us the opportunity to make the Chatham-Kent Polar Plunge event stand out from the other Polar Plunge events in Ontario. We can offer more to Chatham-Kent participants than we have in the past, and the grant will help us maximize the event to benefit Special Olympics.”
Emily Robert, Executive Director of the Blenheim Youth Centre, said “This funding has given us the ability to deliver fun, educational and skill developing programs throughout the summer months. We look to include local attractions and spaces, new experiences for youth and activities that peak youth participation. We have been able to travel off site with no cost to our youth and their families which alleviates a financial barrier to experiences. We are grateful to South Kent Wind and the Chatham Kent Community Foundation to allow us to continue to fulfill our mission in the community.”
