Building Resilient Communities

Simcoe, ON – On Tuesday, October 29^th, 2024, Haldimand Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady met with the team at the Alzheimer Society Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton (ASBHNHH) to hear more about the $194,600 Resilient Communities Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to recover & rebuild its volunteer team. The project will allow ASBHNHH to acquire support and resources to rebuild the volunteer team which helps to support programs offered to families living with dementia.

“Sadly, all of our lives are touched by dementia,” said Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP for Haldimand—Norfolk. “But I consider it happy news that, with the Ontario Trillium Fund grant, The Alzheimer Society will be able to attract and retain even more great volunteers who will also build resiliency and be enabled to acquire more support and resources.”

Through funds provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, ASBHNHH was able to recruit a full-time Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to focus on rebuilding the volunteer base in Haldimand Norfolk that suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds have also been used to promote volunteering at ASBHNHH through print and digital advertising, provide volunteers with training and participate in community outreach events.

“Volunteers are essential to the work we do at ASBHNHH”, said Kayla Johnston, Team Lead of Public Education, Social Programs & Volunteer Services at ASBHNHH. “Thanks to the OTF Grant, this year our Volunteers have directly supported over 40 persons in Haldimand Norfolk who are living with dementia through the In Home Social Recreation program and have provided over 150 friendly phone calls to care partners in the region. Volunteers at ASBHNHH also provide support to our many health and wellness programs, public education initiatives, and assist in fundraising efforts. Volunteers are needed year-round and are always appreciated.”

The Alzheimer Society Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton is the local community agency dedicated to supporting families living with dementia. Programs and services at the organization are centered around dementia education, resources & support services and health & wellness activities.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.