Chelsea Hargreaves = burger babe

Staff and volunteers at the Sault Ste. Marie Branch of the Canadian Red Cross can sleep easier at night.

A grant from the Trillium Foundation, announced today by David Orazietti, will ease the minds of Red Cross members about what shape they will find their office and equipment in when they need it to help the community.

The office on Allard Street has been the target of more than its share of break and enters in recent months and the impact felt by staff and volunteers is still fresh, says Jean Wyatt, president of the Sault Ste. Marie branch.

"It was really bad, the mess they made here," Wyatt said. "We are a community organization so I don't understand how someone could do this."

Wyatt is shown about to bite into a burger served today at a barbeque held in celebration of the Trillium Grant and to raise funds for the Red Cross.

Seen with her is Chelsea Hargreaves, a youth volunteer with the Red Cross. Anyone who would like to sample a burger or other barbecue treat and help the Sault Ste. Marie Branch of the Red Cross is invited to its next fundraising barbeque and book sale on Thursday, August 16 at the office on Allard Street between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The following news release was issued today by David Orazietti:

************************* Orazietti announces $11,000 to improve safety at Sault Red Cross

McGuinty government providing funding to deter vandalism of important community organization

SAULT STE. MARIE – Thanks to an $11,000 grant from the McGuinty government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the Sault Ste. Marie and District Branch of the Canadian Red Cross will be able to improve the safety of their facility and create deterrents against vandalism and graffiti David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“Our government recognizes the important role that the Red Cross plays in the lives of Sault Ste. Marie’s most vulnerable residents,” said Orazietti. “This investment will help the organization improve safety at their office so they can better focus on helping community members in need of assistance.”

Between September of 2006 and January 2007, the society saw over 10 incidents of property damage.

As a result, a local police officer was contacted to conduct a site visit and a request was made to the police to offer recommendations aimed at improving safety at the branch.

With the help of the grant, they will be able to purchase and install five cameras facing the perimeter of the building, as well as install a window with a clear view of the parking lot.

Not only will this help to deter future damage, but will increase the overall safety of the branch for their employees and clients.

“The Red Cross emblem is an internationally recognized symbol of protection and neutrality,” said Diane Lajambe, District Branch Manager, Canadian Red Cross, Sault Ste. Marie and District Branch. “In peacetime, the emblem identifies people, programs and objects connected with the humanitarian activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. With this new funding for security equipment, individuals, clients, volunteers, staff and the community at large can feel safe at the Sault Ste. Marie and District Branch office.”

The Sault Ste. Marie and District Branch of the Canadian Red Cross has been active since 1915.

The mission of the Red Cross is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

The local branch operates out of an office located at 105 Allard Street in Sault Ste. Marie.

The local branch provides a wide range of programming including; Community Based Programs – Community Kitchens, Community Gardens and LEAP Kitchens; Community Support Services – Home Maintenance, Friendly Visiting, Telephone Assurance, Transportation and Meals on Wheels; Disaster Management - Personal Disaster Assistance, Personal Preparedness, Emergency Response and Disaster Response; Safety Services – First Aid and CPR training, Babysitter training and Peoplesavers; Water Safety Services – On Board (boating licensing), Public Information; and International and Youth Services – RespectEd (abuse prevention) and Youth Council.

Other McGuinty Government investments and support to local groups total over two million dollars and include organizations such as:

- $30,000 Canadian Hearing Society. - $48,800 Sault Search and Rescue. - $109,500 Canadian Mental Health Association. - $75,000 Soo Curlers Association. - $128,000 Habitat for Humanity. - $35,000 United Way of Sault Ste. Marie. - $80,000 Algoma Residential Community Hospice. - $75,000 Children’s Rehabilitation Centre.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

For 25 years, we have supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province.

OTF continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org

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