A DC grant has allowed us to continue our travelling Seniors “Farmer’s Market” Program to four area seniors homes. Delivering fresh produce, breakfast items and even incontinence products to those seniors experiencing food insecurity we help facilitate a sense of community, while seniors have a chance to gather, chat and enjoy nutritious foods.
Five farms in Dufferin County played host to over 1500 visitors, collecting 1300lbs of food and raising $5,000 for local food banks. Young children from all over caught their first glimpse of a newborn calf, baby goats, or sheep being sheared amongst many learning activities too. It was all made possible by a DC grant and the hard work of many volunteers and our farm family neighbours!
Reflecting “the mosaic of our community,” a DC grant allowed us to celebrate, entertain and delight guests during our Bands, Brews and BBQ outdoor festival. A magician, children’s entertainment and a variety of musical acts were all available to guests free of charge due this generous grant.
With access to funds provided by a DC grant, we help eliminate any stigmas associated with food insecurity by providing 450 students each day with three breakfast options as part of our “Food Available for All” motto. Together we ensure every student is prepared, ready and able to learn successfully!
“Providing a “”ribbon of wilderness for everyone,
forever,”” a DC grant enabled the rental of heavy equipment and the purchase of supplies and gloves to outfit an impressive number of volunteers to help restore and remediate the Pine River Fishing Area. “
With a distinct post-pandemic increase in the demand for our services, a DC grant has allowed us to match 12 littles with a Big Brother or Big Sister and to continue supporting an additional 24 existing matches. These matches foster strong relationship building, communications and provide littles with a listening ear and the additional support they need.
The 12th Annual Hike supporting Bethell Hospice, and the first post-pandemic hike in three years, found over 400 participants walking to raise $225,000! Support from Dufferin County and other sponsorships was invaluable to ensuring all proceeds were able to be directed toward supporting Bethell Hospice directly.
A DC Grant enabled the continuation of important work done through the Theatre for Young Audiences program. Specifically targeting elementary students, a commissioned piece explored navigating unhealthy relationships, finding one’s voice and building confidence. It was produced and shared via the zoom platform for schools across Dufferin County.
Streams utilized a DC Grant to advance a program aimed at youth ages 8-17. In total, 22 participants took part in a “Word of Mouth Monologue” competition, expressing their creative voice and engaging with community as they appeared on stage, many for the first time. Fan favourite and Bravery awards were just two of the ways participants were recognized and 12 finalists participated in the finale, a live competition!
During the pandemic, as vulnerable and isolated patients faced hospital discharge; vital access to grant funds provided access to improved technology tools enabling wellness checks, reducing social isolation and offering seniors the chance to age in place safely.
Headwaters Communities in Action