| What’s Inside: Building Back Better Together – A message from our Chair Impact: Jace and the frog, and more! The Way Forward: Our new strategic plan Upcoming Events: Join us for learning and engagementWe made an unfortunate error in our May newsletter/annual report. In the list of 2020 donors, Bev and Tom Prout’s names disappeared during design. In addition to the Prouts being generous long-term donors, Tom is a board member and former Chair, and a tireless ambassador for the Foundation. Our apologies and heartfelt thanks. |
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| Building Back Better Together: A message from Deb Gill, Chair For the past nineteen months our communities have been in the grip of an unprecedented crisis. It has been a time of fear, grief, and tedium, from which we are only now emerging. The pandemic has taught us that crises – whether Covid, the climate crisis or something else – have the most impact on the vulnerable in our communities – Indigenous and racialized people, women, youth, those living in low income, people with disabilities, those with precarious housing. The challenge before us now is to create a recovery that is just, inclusive, and sustainable. A recovery that provides affordable housing, and equal opportunities for young people, women, and people with disabilities. One that eliminates systemic racism, creates a level playing field, and builds bridges to and from our Indigenous communities. One that addresses the growing climate crisis with meaningful action and moves us toward a zero-carbon near future. This is the work before us, the work Sunset Community Foundation has dedicated itself to in our new strategic plan. You can make a difference by contributing financially to the Foundation and other local charities, by volunteering your time and talent, and by advocating on urgent issues such as climate change, reconciliation, and poverty reduction. I look forward to working with you as we move into a new and brighter world. |
| The Stories Behind our 2020 Grants At Sunset Community Foundation we work hard to make thoughtful grants that have real impact in our communities. How do we know that it’s working? By connecting with grant recipients to hear their stories of impact. You’ll find lots of grant stories on our website and Facebook page. Here are three. Bridging the Digital Divide During the pandemic, we all did more online – working, learning, shopping, accessing government and social services, connecting with friends and family, even meeting with health care professionals. For people without computers or Internet access, the pandemic was doubly isolating. The Sunset Community Foundation made a grant to Huron Perth Public Health to provide computers and Internet access to people living with low income. Here’s what one recipient wrote: “I received a computer from the Huron Perth Health Unit. I am grateful for the computer during this difficult time. I have been able to continue my volunteer work in my community. I chair our Zoom meetings with the computer, use it for emails, Facebook, Skype, and just general news updates. My daughter also had to use it to write her exams for university.” Jace and the Frog Jace stands at the back of a group of children. They gather around the day camp counsellor, who is holding a frog. The boy is drawn to the little green creature, but he is also a little afraid. Eventually he screws up his courage and takes it in his hands. He smiles. That experience is part of the magic of outdoor education. Last fall, the Foundation made a grant to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) to help teachers learn more about teaching outdoors during Covid. “It’s very important for children to get outside interacting with living creatures in their surroundings,” says Denise Iszczuk Conservation Educator with the Authority. “It’s inquiry-based learning – they see something, they question it, and then they want to find out more about it. It’s just a great learning environment.” Walking the Story (with thanks to the Lakeshore Advance) A fun new way for families to experience children’s stories is now available in Hensall, thanks in part to a grant from Sunset Community Foundation. The Storywalk, which begins at Hensall Community Christian Church, encourages readers to get outside and takes them on a short journey to various locations throughout the town where parts of a children’s book have been put on display. The project’s lead, Miranda Burgess, says the Storywalk provides a fun experience for families, and also educates about topics such as inclusivity. “It will encourage people to get fresh air, physical activity, and safely interact along the path,” says Burgess. “All these factors help to support peoples’ mental health.” |
| Strategic Plan 2021-2024 The year 2021 has been one of extraordinary change. In February the Foundation rebranded to welcome broader participation. In July, our region began to emerge from the worst of the pandemic. Now as we think about the new post-Covid world, the Board has reviewed our goals and developed a new strategic plan to guide our progress moving forward. Here are the highlights:Our Vision: Vibrant, sustainable and just communities where everyone belongsOur Mission: Helping donors and organizations make a difference in our communities, now and forever.Our Goals 2021-2024:To inspire a spirit of community philanthropy throughout our region To help build back better through innovative approaches to investing and grantingTo ensure that we welcome and include everyone in our workStay tuned to learn how we’ll put these principles into action! |
| Upcoming Events Thursday, September 16 – Grand Women Late Summer Get-Together, with Corey Allison, CEO Huron Women’s Shelter, Suellen Evoy-Oozeer, Community Artist, and Sue Bressette, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (Register in advance for this event by clicking here.) Thursday, September 30- Grand Men Steak Tasting Barbecue Call 519-619-8630 for more information.  Community Action Speaker Series Thursday, October 14- Hybrid presentation by Cara Pike, Executive Director, Climate Access/Principal, Social Capital Strategies, on local climate action. Register in advance for this meeting by clicking here. Thursday, October 21- Hybrid presentation by Dan Driedger, Executive Director, Mennohomes, on affordable housing options. Register in advance for this meeting by clicking here. Thursday, October 28- Hybrid presentation by Dr. Tracy Smith-Carrier, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2), Royal Roads University, on poverty reduction and basic income. Register in advance for this meeting by clicking here. |
https://mailchi.mp/ebe2ae9d0124/building-back-better-sunset-community-foundation-news
