| SOUTH HURON |
| COMMUNITY GRANT AWARDS |
| SPARK INSPIRATION AND GROWTH |
  EXETER, ON – On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the South Huron Community Funds, held in perpetuity with Sunset Community Foundation, proudly hosted its annual Grant Awards Celebration at Ironwood Golf Club. The event brought together community champions, funders, volunteers, charitable organizations, members of the South Huron Advisory Committee, and the Board of Directors, all united by a shared commitment to improving life in South Huron. This year’s celebration showcased the power of local philanthropy. With 24 applications requesting over $74,000 in support, 14 grants were awarded, totaling $14,000, along with an additional $1,900 in scholarships. These grants will empower grassroots initiatives in youth development, mental health, environmental education, community arts, accessibility, and social inclusion. “We’re honoured to support the incredible work happening across South Huron,” said Lisa Reaume, Executive Director of Sunset Community Foundation. “These grants don’t just support programs—they build confidence, strengthen relationships, and show our residents that their ideas and efforts matter.”  A heartfelt tribute honoured the late Frank Palen, a founding member of the South Huron Advisory Committee and a dedicated community advocate. Members of the local South Huron Advisory Committee were recognized for their generous contributions of time, expertise, and passion—essential to driving this community-led impact: Laura Goulding, SH Advisory Chair Tom Prout, Immediate Past Chair & Founding Member of the South Huron Advisory Committee Tom McCann, SH Advisory Advocate Mary Peterson, Central Grants Rep Barb Down Joanne Bowen Dave Frayne Leanne Wiseman  The evening also featured a spirited presentation by the 1st Exeter Scouts, who shared their experiences from the Pacific Jamboree in Sooke, B.C. “This funding gave our youth the chance to experience something truly life-changing,” shared Helen Turner, a representative of the 1st Exeter Scouts. “They came back more confident, more connected, and more passionate about giving back to their communities.”   Laura Goulding and Mary Peterson reflected on last year’s Grant Recipients and the successes that they have achieved due to the funding provided from the South Huron Fund Group in Spring 2024. SOUTH HURON COMMUNITY FUNDS GRANT AWARDS From accessible playground equipment and Pride Month art shows to suicide prevention training and environmental stewardship programs, each grant tells a story of resilience, collaboration, and the belief that community-led change is not only possible—but powerful.  Dave Frayne (Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority), Bob & Barb Down (Bob Down Family Fund) Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority / Foundation Roots to Canopy: Growing Connections Through Nature received $1,250 These free programs deliver high-quality nature-based education to community groups, non-profits, and early learners.  Joanne Bowen (SH Advisory), BJ Theophilopoulos, Colleen Walpole (Stephen Central Public School), Grace Theophilopoulos (Theophilopoulos Family Fund) Stephen Central Public School – School Council School Library Upgrades received $1,000 These upgrades to the school’s library resources will provide students with a larger selection of books to choose from and new spaces to use within the library.  Arnald Mathers (Mathers Family Fund), Katie Padfield-Jackson (Exeter Elementary School) and Ila Mathers (Mathers Family Fund) Exeter Elementary School Wheelchair Swing received a $1,000 grant. This project will provide a wheelchair swing (Freedom glider) for anyone to enjoy, the first of it’s kind in Ontario.  Mayor George Finch (South Huron Vitality Fund – SHVF), Helen Kadey & Angie Tripp (SHAC) and Barb Down (SH Advisory & SHAC) South Huron Arts Centre School Arts Program received a $1,000 grant. This program enriches students’ understanding of art and artists, ensuring they have fun, feel successful, and leave with something meaningful in both mind and hand.  Joanne Bowen (SH Advisory), Grace Bonnett (United Way), and Mayor George Finch (SHVF) United Way Perth-Huron Community Volunteer Tax Clinics for Poverty Reduction received a $1,000 grant. Volunteer tax-filing services significantly enhance the economic self-reliance of community members, particularly those living with low income or marginalized by poverty.  Mayor George Finch (SHVF), Diana Jay (Scouts Canada) and Barb Down (SH Advisory) Scouts Canada – Camp Attawandaron Dune Restoration and Environmental Education Day received an $820 grant. The Annual Environmental Day is open to all Scouting groups in Southwestern Ontario, and 1st Exeter Scouts and Cubs are excited to attend again this year.  Jamie Groulx & Barb Pepper (ONE CARE) and Mayor George Finch (SHVF) ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services Enhancing recreation and physical therapy for older adults experiencing cognitive and physical frailty received a $1,000 grant. This Adult Day Centre supports seniors living with frailty and those with chronic health conditions to enjoy a day away program.  Barb Down (SH Advisory), Tanis VanderMolen (Exeter Library) and Mayor George Finch (SHVF) Exeter Branch – Huron County Library PRIDE Art Show received a $680 grant. This program will create a vibrant and inclusive art exhibition celebrating PRIDE Month and the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Exeter.  Joanne Bowen (SH Advisory), Paul Ciufo (Huron Waves) and Tom Prout (Prout Family Fund) Huron Waves Music Festival Listen to the Trees program received a $1,000 grant. Listen to the Trees on June 14: An afternoon with Diana Beresford-Kroeger and a concert, Trees.Listen, featuring harpist Sharlene Wallace performing the music of Frank Horvat at Exeter Curling Club.  Lisa Young (The Salvation Army – Suncoast Citadel) The Salvation Army – Suncoast Citadel Huron County Backpack Program received a $1,000 grant. The Backpack Program provides children in South Huron from Kindergarten to Grade 12 with backpacks, lunch bags, and school supplies.  Barb Down (SH Advisory), Grace Bonnett (United Way) and Mayor George Finch (SHVF) United Way Perth-Huron Southern Huron Access Centre received a $1,000 grant. This program will address transportation challenges and other barriers to accessing essential services in our rural community. As part of the larger UWPH strategy, this initiative aims to bring a wide range of services directly into the community, eliminating the need for residents to travel long distances to access services.  Dave Frayne (Exeter Legion & SH Advisory) and Joanne Bowen (SH Advisory) RCL R.E.POOLEY BRANCH 167 EXETER Bar Operation Upgrade received a $1,000 grant. The purchase two Point of Sale (POS) kiosk systems and training for volunteer bar staff. The operations of the two bar serving stations at the Exeter Legion have relied on cash registers to secure sales. With customers wishing to use digital payment operations, the POS will provide payment options to improve the customer experience.  Maureen Cole (West Coast Active Living) West Coast Active Living Wellness and Active Living Fair received a $750 grant. This program will support physical activity classes, social engagement, and educational sessions for older adults. The program aims to reduce isolation, promote safety, and support healthy aging through expert-led classes and community resource awareness.  Barb Down (SH Advisory) and Kim MacLachlan (CAC) Community Advisory Council (CAC) Medfacts/Cool Aid received a $500 grant. This is an emergency preparedness program that provides fridge-ready medical forms for quick EMS access in emergencies.  Mark Nonkes (HC Immigration Partnership) Huron County Local Immigration Partnership English Language Training in South Huron received a $1,000 grant. This project aims to enhance the language skills of 30 newcomers to Canada who live in South Huron through accessible and effective English language classes. These classes aim to promote integration, improve communication abilities, and empower participants to engage more fully in their communities and workplaces.  Wayne Riddell, Debbie Riddell, Donna Overholt & Dan Overholt (Jack Riddell Family Fund) and Tom Prout (SH Advisory) Avon Maitland School Board The Scholarship Program received $1,900 toward student bursaries. Scholarships distributed to students in June 2025 from both the Jack Riddell Family Fund and the Lavender Family Fund.  In a special highlight of the evening, SHCF officially launched the South Huron 500 Club—an endowment initiative with a goal of raising $50,000 to create a sustainable, member-directed community fund. Brian and Lynda Sanders were recognized as the first members for their generous commitment and leadership. About the South Huron Community Funds In 2020, the Municipality of South Huron entered into an agreement with SCF to create the South Huron Vitality Fund (SHVF) as part of the South Huron Community Funds group, which combined has grown into $351,286 as part of the overall endowment, comprised of: South Huron Community Fund South Huron Vitality Fund Jack Riddell Family Fund Lavender Fund Bob Down Family Fund Cole Family Fund Mathers Family Fund Prout Family Fund Theophilopoulos Family Fund SOUTH HURON 500 CLUB FUND To learn more, become a South Huron 500 Club member, or support future grants, visit: www.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 |
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