$150,000 Ontario Government Grant Gives Community a Lift

Orangeville, ON – On Monday July 1st, local MPP Sylvia Jones met with the team at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 233 to hear more about the $150,000 Capital Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to upgrade the kitchen facility in the Branch.

“The Ontario government has provided this investment through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to build a new commercial kitchen for the Orangeville Legion,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin—Caledon. “This funding is great news for the Legion as they will once again be able to offer more opportunities, deliver more services and make a positive difference bringing people together in our community for years to come.”

The funds address a community need by constructing a new commercial kitchen to allow the Legion to deliver more services to the community for decades to come. The existing kitchen facility was removed along with related safety equipment. The kitchen was then remodeled to be more ergonomically efficient and fitted with new cooking equipment and a fire suppression system.

“Our new commercial kitchen will allow us to expand our existing community programs and add new ones to better serve the community,” said Chuck Simpson, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 233. “It has also created a facility which can be utilized by other non-profit groups in the community”.

The Legion caters to the health and well-being of all people who wish to participate in our programs and events. Many of those are seniors and veterans with mobility and cognitive impairments who are looking for activities that accommodate people with disabilities and that overcomes their sense of isolation.

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the Royal Canadian Legion deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come.”

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.