| SOUTH HURON |
| 500 CLUB LAUNCHES TO SUPPORT |
| LOCAL CHARITIES IN PERPETUITY |
| The Sunset Community Foundation (SCF) is thrilled to announce the official launch of the South Huron 500 Club—an exciting new initiative that empowers individuals to invest in meaningful, lasting change for the South Huron community. This initiative is a powerful example of what can happen when people come together to support local priorities. The South Huron 500 Club gives everyone an opportunity to be part of something bigger—an ongoing legacy of giving that will grow year after year. The model is straightforward: a one-time gift of $500 enrolls any individual as a member of the 500 Club. Contributions support the South Huron 500 Club Fund, held in perpetuity within the South Huron Community Fund. Once the fund reaches its goal of $50,000, it will become an official Named Fund—empowering members to vote each spring on which South Huron charity will receive the fund’s annual grant distribution. Even before the $50,000 threshold is reached, interest earned on early contributions will begin flowing back into the community. This effort builds on the strong momentum we’ve seen in recent years in South Huron. The launch of this fund is not only about giving today—it’s about ensuring the ability to give tomorrow, and well into the future. The 500 Club was launched at the Annual South Huron Funds Grant Awards on May 22nd, 2025 and the response was overwhelmingly positive. A total of $7,500 in contributions were committed to this fund by attendees that evening. This early support reflects the community’s enthusiasm for strengthening local philanthropy and building sustainable funding for important projects. The very first official members are Brian and Lynda Sanders, who generously donated $1,000 ($500 each) at an Exeter Probus meeting in March—presenting their gift to Tom Prout, Immediate Past Chair of the South Huron Advisory Committee. Their generosity has helped spark a growing movement of community investment. “We all know that there is a need for sustainable, unbiased funding opportunities within South Huron”, said Laura Goulding, Chair of the South Huron Advisory Committee and a SCF Board Member. “In any given year there can be arts and culture events, youth initiatives, supports for marginalized populations and improvements to infrastructure that can benefit from funding. By creating the 500 Club we allow more individuals and families to participate in a legacy of community support. The entire South Huron Advisory Committee looks forward to seeing the growth of this cooperative style fund that allows us all to share in the growth of giving right here at home.” SCF in South Huron In 2020, the South Huron Municipal Council entered into an agreement with SCF to create the Vitality (Municipal) Fund as part of the South Huron group of funds, which combined have grown into $351,286 as part of the overall endowment. This group of funds is now comprised of: South Huron Community Fund South Huron Vitality Fund Bob Down Family Fund Cole Family Fund Jack Riddell Family Fund Lavender Fund Mathers Family Fund Prout Family Fund Theophilopoulos Family Fund South Huron 500 Club Fund South Huron residents are encouraged to join the 500 Club and be part of this exciting chapter in community building. To learn more about the South Huron 500 Club or to become a founding member, please visit SunsetCommunityFoundation.ca or contact Lisa Reaume, SCF Executive Director, at Lisa@SunsetCommunityFoundation.ca Media Contacts: Laura Goulding, Chair of the South Huron Advisory Committee | l_conn74@hotmail.com | 519-671-3501 Lisa Reaume, Executive Director, Sunset Community Foundation | Lisa@SunsetCommunityFoundation.ca | 519-480-0944 |
https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/374634/emails/156185107230623594