| TRILLIUM CONTRIBUTES $15.5 MILLION TO THE COMMUNITY IN 1995/96
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One nice thing about volunteering or working at Trillium is that it's hard to be pessimistic or cynical for very long. We are continually inspired and energized by the wonderful work that is being done in communities all over Ontario. Following are just of few examples of the 185 grants Trillium made this year. A full list of all grants can be found on our Web site, or will be mailed to you by calling the office. $225,000 (over four years) Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes, Ottawa In many regions of the province, few, if any, services exist for French-speaking women who are victims of violence. This grant supports a province-wide francophone network of organizations working to eliminate violence against women. Trillium's funds will be used to increase coordination of activities, develop training and resource materials, and disseminate prevention materials, ensuring that resources are shared and services are not duplicated. $70,000 (over two years) Canadian Association of Food Banks, Toronto Most food banks in Ontario are experiencing a significant increase in demand. At the same time, food manufacturing companies are impeded from contributing because of the lack of infrastructure. Trillium's funds will be used to develop an effective food transportation system to deliver donated goods to food banks, and will develop a farm-gate program to enable farmers to donate above quota produce. Through the development of partnerships between charities and businesses, larger quantities of donated food will be delivered to those who need it most. $150,000 (over two years) The Canadian Centre for Social Justice, North Bay Young people nineteen years of age and under represent 27% of Canada's population. However, they tend to be under-represented in mainstream media and other public forums on issues that relate to them. Trillium's grant is being used to establish the Young People's Express wire service that will develop and provide youth-generated news reports and story ideas to newspapers, and radio and television stations across Ontario. (Within the first year of its grant, over 100 articles have been published across the province.) $135,000 (over one year) The International Children's Institute, Montreal (for a project in Toronto) Many refugee children arriving in Canada have undergone traumatic experiences. These are the children who have survived war, or famine, or lived in refugee camps. By involving the seven school boards in Metro Toronto, mental health services, as well as parents and children, this project seeks to develop a sustainable, community-based approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable refugee children. $10,000 (over one year) Lambton Elderly Outreach, Petrolia With fewer institutional alternatives for older adults and people with disabilities, as well as fewer resources for community agencies, the development of cost-effective services to support independent living are essential. The purpose of Trillium's grant is to implement and evaluate a pilot volunteer-based home maintenance program which matches skilled volunteers with home owners who are seniors or people with disabilities. As well, a volunteer trade registry will be established. $6,000 (over two months) Namaygoosisagagun, Collins This small, remote aboriginal community, which has not been recognized by the federal government and therefore does not receive any government funding, is experiencing many social problems. Trillium provided funds for an intensive, short-term project which will involve the whole community in understanding and developing plans to resolve their problems with alcoholism and drug abuse. The community believes this to be an important first step in community healing, understanding, and cohesion. $10,000 (over one year) People First Windsor, Windsor Trillium's funds will help the members of People First to assist other disabled adults to develop support circles. This project builds on the "Keeping Your Dreams Alive" project which encourages people with disabilities to dream about their future and seek out other people who can support and assist each individual to achieve those dreams. $9,600 (over six months) Robert J Smith Senior Citizens Centre, Rexdale This community has become increasingly multicultural over the past few years, making it more difficult for residents to know and support each other. As a way of breaking down barriers between people in the building, the seniors' group is establishing a multi-cultural food store which will be staffed by volunteer residents. Modest in scale, relevant to the needs of frail elderly people who cannot get out to shop, and supported by local businesses and the Housing Authority, the store will encourage interaction and help build relationships between people. Trillium's funds were used to equip the store and provide some start-up operating costs. $50,000 (over three years) Tele-touch, Hamilton Seniors often live in great isolation in their neighbourhoods, relying on professional services and volunteers from non-profit organizations to provide them with meals and safety checks. This project encourages immediate neighbours to become involved in breaking the isolation and strengthening a sense of community responsibility. Trillium's funds will be used to establish teams of volunteers within local communities, and to train volunteer team leaders. All grants are listed on Trillium's Web site, or can be obtained by calling the office. |
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