Extend-A-Family recognizes supporters at Community Celebration Day
Earlier this month, Extend-A-Family Kingston (EAFK) hosted a Community Celebration Day to thank and acknowledge the support from their community and partner organizations. During the event, EAFK also recognized the $92,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received from Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Over 175 members of the public from the Kingston area, as well as local MPP Ted Hsu, attended the event, which took place on Saturday, Jun. 10, 2023.
“Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Extend-A-Family Kingston remained resilient,” Hsu stated. “Receiving the Resilient Communities Fund grant will allow them to rebuild and recover from the hardships of the pandemic and continue to support the physical and psychological well-being of individuals with disabilities.”
According to a release from EAFK, the funding was used to continue to develop new, fulfilling, and accessible opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. Over the last year, this support helped develop programming options relating to Kingston’s first free-standing hydroponic greenhouse initiative, inclusive sports such as archery and accessible screen golf, and day programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
In addition to the development of new accessible programming, Extend-A-Family has expanded its community partnerships and has been focused on giving back to the Kingston community, the organization said. With support from the OTF, EAFK was able to grow and donate over 160 pounds of produce to over 15 partner agencies in Kingston in just two months with their hydroponic greenhouse, the organization shared. Participants of EAFK’s programs were involved in the feeding of over 900 people facing food insecurity in Kingston.
“We want to sincerely thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support which has been instrumental in furthering our mission and impacting our community,” said Paul McGarvey, Executive Director for EAFK. “We look forward to continuing our work in creating new, innovative activities and supporting people’s desire for accessible and inclusive program options. Thank you again for believing in our vision and your continued commitment to building stronger communities in Ontario.”
Extend-A-Family Kingston continues to offer innovative and meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to achieve their goals and be active members of their community. Footage from the event can be viewed on YouTube, and anyone who would like to learn more about the children or adult programming options can do so on the Extend-A-Family Kingston website.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. According to the release, last year, OTF invested over $110 million into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
