Orton Community Association (OCA)

Sharing Recipient Stories

2025 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$2,925

Sharing our story

The Dufferin Community Grant from Dufferin County has been instrumental in supporting our
small rural community by enabling us to offer free weekly fitness classes to all area residents.
The Orton Community Association (OCA), a charitable organization running for over 50 years,
is dedicated to fostering community through social and recreational programs year-round. We
initiated the classes in response to a need for regular opportunities for community members to
gather and improve their health and fitness. The Dufferin Community Grant allowed us to hire a
qualified instructor to lead the classes for 27 weeks, as well as add an additional night of free
yoga classes for 10 weeks, also with a qualified instructor.

Each week we held two 45-minute class. The first 45-minute class focused on cardio fitness,
while the second emphasized stretching and muscle strengthening. Attendance was free, and we
provided weights and mats for those who needed them. Participants ranged in age from 20 to
over 60 years old. Attendance increased significantly over the course of the program, as word
spread and more people made the fitness classes part of their weekly routine. One participant,
Connie, spoke about how being active in a group setting really motivated her to come out each
week.

With the support of the Dufferin County Grant, we were able to add a weekly yoga class to our
offerings. Community members gathered to stretch and practice different yoga poses under the
direction of a qualified instructor. These classes were also well attended and we hope to continue
this class in the future.

Although the classes are taking a break for the summer, fitness in Orton continues! Inspired by
the classes, a group of participants completed a 5km mud run as part of their commitment to stay
active and maintain the social bonds formed during the sessions. We plan to resume the fitness
classes in September.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dufferin Community Grants program for their support of
our extraordinary Orton community, and for helping us create an inclusive environment where
all ages and abilities can come together to improve their health and well-being.

Fiona Armbruster – OCA Secretary
orton.oca@gmail.com