On Monday February 9th, 2015 the Quinte Children’s Foundation held an Open House at Highland Shores Children’s Aid on MacSteven Drive in Picton. Local MPP Todd Smith and John Blake, a volunteer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), 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 Picton, as well as one in Cobourg. Funding from the grant has enabled the organization to hire two new Coordinators for the new locations.
“I am pleased to see this funding going to such a worthy cause. Being able to have these Coordinators join the team. To help bring programs to children and youth throughout both Prince Edward and Northumberland County, will be such a great help to an already outstanding organization. Congratulations to those who worked so hard on this Trillium grant application, it is well deserved.” Todd Smith, MPP for Prince Edward-Hastings.
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 Daniel Doyle, Owner of McDonald’s Restaurant in Picton. Mr. Doyle announced on McHappy Day, May 6th all the proceeds raised at their restaurant will be donated to Quinte Children’s Foundation to help send local children in Prince Edward County to camp thru their Camps of Hope program.
A leading grant maker 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
