On Thursday February 12th, 2015 Quinte Children’s Foundation held an Open House at Highland Shores Children’s Aid on Burnham Street in Cobourg. Jamie Simmons, a volunteer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and a representative from Lou Rinaldi office, were on hand to formally congratulate the organization on using the $150,000 grant it received from OTF in the Fall to open an office in Cobourg, as well as one in Picton. Funding from the grant has enabled the organization to hire two new Coordinators for the new locations.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation is responsible for some of the most transformative philanthropic grants; not only in Ontario’s history but Canada’s, including grants like the one we celebrate today. The Quinte Children’s Foundation and Highland Shores Children’s Aid are now able to expand their vitally important services here in our local communities. I commend your efforts and wish you every success in your ongoing work to help our children and our youth”. Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland-Quinte West
The Foundation will be partnering with local service delivery organizations and businesses to ensure that quality programs are available for children and youth in foster care and those not in care, but who face challenges. The Quinte Children’s Foundation has become the fundraising arm for Highland Shores Children’s Aid following the amalgamation between Northumberland, Prince Edward and Hastings Children’s Aid Societies. This funding is critical to the ongoing work happening in both communities to ensure that children and youth received more localized assistance.
“Highland Shores Children’s Aid and the Quinte Children’s Foundation strongly believe that all children and youth should experience a similar level of service regardless of where they reside. To that end, the Quinte Children’s Foundation is expanding its programs and services beyond Hastings County to match the geographical areas served by the Society”, said Mark Kartusch, Executive Director, Highland Shores Children’s Aid.
“We are ecstatic to receive funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help with our expansion. Quinte Children’s Foundation has programs for children and youth who are affiliated with Children’s Aid but we also have program for families in the community who have no affiliation with CAS, families who are living in poverty and may need extra support. We would like to help,” said Connie Reid, Executive Director, Quinte Children’s Foundation.
Ken Schmidt, Chairman, Quinte Children’s Foundation was happy to introduce Lisa Wilson, Owner of McDonald’s Restaurants in Northumberland. Ms. Wilson announced on McHappy Day, May 6th all the proceeds raised at their restaurants in Northumberland will be donated to Quinte Children’s Foundation to help send local children in Northumberland to camp thru their Camps of Hope program.
A leading grantmaker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities: www.otf.ca
