Government springs for $10k stove, dishwasher in Searchmont

NEWS RELEASE
SEARCHMONT AND AREA LOCAL SERVICES BOARD
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On Saturday, MPP Michael Mantha joined the Searchmont and Area Local Services Board representatives to celebrate the completion of their Community Centre kitchen upgrades that were made possible by a $9,900 Resilient Communities Fund grant awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). MPP Michael Mantha said he has often enjoyed visiting the Searchmont Community Centre.

“Northerners understand the importance and long-term benefits of gathering and working together,” said Mantha.

Growing up in a northern rural community himself, Mantha has seen the results of friends and neighbours working together and supporting one another; so much more can be accomplished. “And what brings people together better than food? The improvements to the Community Centre’s kitchen will be a tremendous asset in the peoples’ effort to build and enhance a sense of community,” added Mantha.

Mantha congratulated the LSB and volunteers for their success and thanked OTF for their generous support. The grant has helped the Searchmont Community Centre purchase a new industrial dishwasher and induction stove oven, replacing a hand wash dish station and outdated electric oven. The upgrades will offer the center and its members many opportunities for years to come.

“Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and board members, we are building a resilient community center for our members. The Ontario Trillium Foundation has given us the wind in our sails to bring the kitchen project to completion. We look forward to sharing this space with our community for years to come,” said Searchmont and Area Local Services Board Member, Forrest Hinich.

The Searchmont Community Center offers many services to all of its community members such as: free weekly yoga sessions, open gymnasium every day, card night, quilt club, AA meetings, fire protection services, pickleball nights, kitchen/hall rentals, fitness center access, programs for youth/seniors, weekly breakfasts, outdoor play area, community river access, provincial/federal elections, emergency shelter and roads board meetings.

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. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 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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