| Sunset Community Foundation Supports Newcomers from Ukraine |
| (LtoR) Gord Grant, Mark Nonkes, Peter Shepherd, John Maskaant, Michael Daley, and Charlene Masschelein |
| AN EVENING OF CELEBRATIONSunset Community Foundation AGM 2023 At its Annual General Meeting on May 17, the Sunset Community Foundation announced a $10,000 contribution to the Huron Area Newcomer Fund, which supports Ukrainian families dealing with the challenges of life in a new country. The funds come from the Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund, created by the Sunset Community Foundation shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.“We wanted to give people in our communities an opportunity to help in a direct, local way to support the struggles of the Ukrainian people,” says Foundation Chair Charlene Masschelein. “As always, our communities responded with exceptional generosity. Now we’ve found a way to put those funds to use right here at home.” Sunset Community Foundation was proud to match all donations to this fund.The Goderich Lions Club created the Huron Area Newcomer Fund in August 2022, in collaboration with the Huron County Immigration Partnership, the Goderich Ministerial Association, the Wingham Community Connectors, and other groups.“Our goal was to provide a financial solution for temporary service and support gaps that are experienced by newcomers in their first 18 months,” says Michael Daley, Director of Communications for the Goderich Lions Club. “It’s a way for us to welcome and support people who are trying to rebuild their lives in our communities.”Since April 2022 more than 70 people from Ukraine have arrived in Huron County. The Newcomer Fund provides up to $1,500 to each newcomer family. The Fund committee expects that as much as $30,000 will be needed to meet the needs of newcomer families in 2023.“This contribution from Sunset Community Foundation really helps,” says Mark Nonkes of the Huron County Immigration Partnership. “The Fund committee will ensure that the funds are focused on urgent needs and have as much impact as possible in the lives of Ukraine newcomers.”Already, several newcomer families have received assistance from the Huron Area Newcomer Fund, which helped families pay for unforeseen expenses that include emergency dental work and other unplanned financial needs.The Goderich Lions Club has a 100-year history of helping to build community through recreation projects and by supporting the needs of seniors, children, and youth.The Sunset Community Foundation, one of nearly 200 Community Foundations across Canada, has made grants to community organizations throughout the region totaling nearly $2 million. Founded in 2000, it currently holds an endowment of more than $3 million.“This is a marriage made in heaven!” says Lisa Reaume, Executive Director of the Sunset Community Foundation. “Thanks to the Huron Area Newcomer Fund, we are confident that the funds so generously donated by our communities will find their way to the right people.” |
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