The 2023 Ontario Winter games hosted by Renfrew County was a huge success in ways that go beyond the games that included over 2,300 participants.
Well over 1,400 volunteers contributed thousands of hours of their time and the games produced a surplus of funds to be used to foster youth sports, athletics and inclusion. The stream will support club improvements, renovations and equipment repairs among many other worthwhile projects.
The Ottawa Valley Community Foundation was there every step of the way alongside the Sport 4 All Fund and have themselves announced a $20,000 grant from their Bereavement Fund aimed at meeting many of the community’s greatest needs.
Committee member Kim Chenard says that when it comes to the criteria for receiving the funds, they like to think of themselves as less about hard cold data and more about hearing about the journey.
These funds are managed in such a way that they continue to grow in value throughout the year making it possible for several additional eligible recipients. Eligibility depends on a number of varying factors, Chenard explains, which also include significant say in how these monies are to be used in their communities:
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 14th at 4PM with successful applicants being notified beginning Monday April, 14th. Chair of the OVCF Mathew Bradley says that he is excited to be working alongside the County of Renfrew to serve a broader and more diverse segment of the community.
Chenard is proud that so many of their projects are really local and span a number of different streams of need.
This round of funds will support initiatives in the 2025/2026 season.
(Written By: Richard Evans)