Ontario Trillium Foundation Funds Major Changes at GBCSC

MPP Jill Dunlop was at the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) in Penetanguishene on November 24 to hear how two grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), totalling $166,200 are making a difference.  Joining MPP Dunlop and Eric Walter, Executive Director of the GBCSC, and Vanessa Quesnel, an OTF volunteer.

“I was thrilled to hear of the support provided through OTF for the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre with these two grants,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “The funding will benefit many families in our region who are facing the unknown that comes with a cancer diagnosis and who need support. It has enhanced the ability of GBCSC to continue to maintain vital support, education, and motivation for people living with cancer, their families, and caregivers.”

The first grant awarded was a year ago, a $93,300 Capital grant to make improvements to the Centre’s deck and program areas so that both will be more accessible and useable for the diverse population served by the GBCSC.

The second grant, a year-long, $72,900 Resilient Communities Fund grant that was awarded this spring will help the GBCSC enhance the experience of those who rely on its services, by helping with staffing costs, purchasing software for online registrations and for volunteer management that will help expand the capacity of the Centre’s volunteer program. Funds will also help with some key administrative costs as well as some additional office equipment.

The special event on November 24 coincided with the GBCSC’s popular, bi-weekly Soup for the Soup program. It welcomes those who are fighting cancer, survivors, and caregivers to come for a warm bowl of soup, friendly conversation, and an opportunity to connect with other who are on a similar journey.