German Canadian Club Makes Significant Donation to GBCSC

The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) in Penetanguishene received a significant donation this winter from the German Canadian Club Gemuetlichtkeit 70 Georgian Bay. Due to the dissolution of the Club after 52 years, it is donating its remaining assets to various local charities. The GBCSC is being supported with a donation of $57,487.43.

“The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is extremely grateful to be a recipient of this very generous gift from the German Canadian Club. These funds will be used to continue our work in supporting individuals in our community who are living with cancer,” says Kathy Wolfer, Chair, GBCSC Board of Directors.

Helmut Paddags, Club President, noted they selected the charities to support based on the impact they have on the North Simcoe community.

“The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre provides a service that did not exist a few years ago. Thanks to Centre founder Sandy Cornell, who had a vision to help people living with cancer, it became a reality. We hope that our contribution will help them continue their excellent work.”

This donation is extremely important for the GBCSC as it receives no regular funding from government and relies on the generous support of donors, sponsors, local service clubs, and private foundations. The Centre is fortunate to occasionally receive planned gifts left behind as part of a will or, as in this case, the distribution of assets from a dissolving organization. This is the largest such gift it has received in recent years. Contributions of this nature are a meaningful way for an individual or other entity to leave a lasting legacy in the local community.

The German Canadian Club Gemuetlichtkeit 70 Georgian Bay was founded In July 1969. The group expanded over the years and eventually built a clubhouse on Triple Bay Road (which was sold in 2021). The Club ran many events over the decades including Friday Night Socials, Christmas Socials, and Oktoberfest gatherings. Due to declining membership and impacts from the pandemic, the membership voted to dissolve the Club last November.