To The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—On Sunday, July 30, 2023, local MPP Bobbi Ann Brady met with the Optimist Club of Dunnville to hear more about the $36,500 Capital grant and $39,600 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to make major repairs to the building and provide much needed technology, including new kitchen appliances.
The projects were completed April 18, 2023 and will allow community partners and families an affordable, safe, and hybrid space to utilize for fundraising, meetings, and programing for years to come.
“I was excited to see the work the Optimist Club of Dunnville has done to bring their facility up to date,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady. “I realize the vital role the Optimist Hall plays in the community and am glad these upgrades will allow the building to be available to the community in the future.”
The grants funded major repairs and upgrades to their building, including repairs to the roof, replacement of heat and ventilation systems, mould remediation, and upgrading the kitchen facilities.
The funds also allowed the installation of wireless internet, which will allow community members to stay connected, renters to share their events while at the hall, and attendees to meet both virtually and in-person as needed. In addition to the installation of the Wi-Fi, the hall is now equipped with a 60-inch smart TV, making virtual meetings and information sharing easier to view.
“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant has allowed us to continue to provide a safe space for all members of our community,” said Christine Smith, President of the Optimist Club of Dunnville.
“Our fundraising efforts throughout the year primarily support different youth programs such as sports teams and training camps, secondary school bursaries, and free programming and community events; minimal amounts to building maintenance and upkeep,” continued Smith. “We are so grateful OTF grants allowed us to complete major repairs, upgrades, and provide technology so we can continue to support our community as we always have.”
Like any older building over time, the Optimist Hall, originally Monarch Knitting Co’s Mills built in 1903, was starting to need some major repairs. Committed to “bringing out the best in our youth, our community and ourselves”, Optimist members recognized the need to preserve the hall’s charm and affordability as a rental space for the community. The OTF grant made this possible with funds to repair major roof leaks and side exterior walls, and replace three furnaces and central air units. Additionally, chairs were cleaned, the kitchen hydro panel upgraded, and purchases were made for two new energy efficient stoves and a sanitizer/dishwasher. All of the above will allow the hall to continue to be an affordable rental space for celebrations, meetings, programs, and fundraisers. If you wish to enquire about using the space for your meeting or hosting an event, please email optimistdunnville54@gmail.com.
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 $110 million 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.
