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$65K grant supports activities for kids, seniors at Bushplane

Ontario Trillium Foundation grant supports programming for seniors 55-plus on Tuesday and Thursday, sessions for toddlers and school-aged children Wednesday and Sunday
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MPP Ross Romano (left) says grant allows Bushplane to hire program coordinator and develop new program offerings.

MPP Ross Romano met with the team at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre today to hear more about a $65,000 Resilient Communities Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

The grant is being used to support programming at the centre for children and seniors. Weekly programming focuses on physical and mental health, as well as STEM-based educational activities. 

"The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre has worked hard to continue to offer fun and engaging programming to both their visitors and our local community,” said Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “I am proud that our government was able to provide $65,400 through the OTF Resilient Communities Fund to allow the Bushplane hire a program coordinator and develop new program offerings."

The funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation supports a new job in Sault Ste. Marie, as well as programming four days per week; activities for seniors 55-plus occur Tuesdays and Thursdays, while sessions for toddlers and school-aged children take place each Wednesday and Sunday. 

These programs are low-cost (free for members) and are accessible to a broader population within the community of Sault Ste. Marie, according to a news release. 

"The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Jamie Hilsinger, executive director of the centre. “Over 1,000 kids and seniors have attended our programs in under two months of delivery. The program engages our White Pines Field School in using practical skills such as baking, communication and social interactions. This funding is helping the Bushplane become the community hub it’s been striving to be.” 

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a charitable organization that tells the story of bush flying and forest fire management in Canada by means of interactive and educational exhibits and activities. 

More than 40,000 visitors attend the Bushplane’s events, museum and programs annually. To learn more about the Bushplane museum and its programs, visit bushplane.com.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. 

Last year, OTF invested nearly $209 million into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.


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