Officials from The Lighthouse expressed "profound" gratitude Friday morning as they explained the impact of $200,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Awarded through the Resilient Communities Fund in 2022, the grant helped the shelter meet the challenges of the pandemic and expand its services to meet growing community needs, officials say.
"The grant has been instrumental in helping the staff navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 landscape,” said Meagan Bianco, the development director at The Lighthouse.
“Through this funding, we've strengthened our health and safety measures and expanded our services to better serve our community.”
The grant enabled the Lighthouse to implement deep cleaning protocols and hire a part-time cleaner, ensuring its facilities remain safe and welcoming. It also funded the addition of a dedicated cook, a move that Bianco described as “critical” for the growth of their community meal program.
“This allows us to serve nutritious meals to individuals in need while practising proper distancing during COVID-19,” Bianco said.
The funding also supported staff training in food handling, cleaning, and workplace safety, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and top-quality care for participants.
“The impact of these changes has been profound,” Bianco noted. “They allow us to not only serve Orillia’s most vulnerable, but also do so in a way that ensures safety, dignity, and compassion.
"I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to OTF for their commitment to building healthier and stronger communities. Your support has made a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of so many.”
Bianco also expressed gratitude to Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop for her ongoing support.
“Together, we are creating hope and opportunity for the future. For that, we are deeply grateful,” she added.
Richard Farmer, an OTF volunteer, praised the Lighthouse's approach when applying for the grant.
“When Lighthouse officials approached OTF in 2022 for a two-year $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant, they made a strong case for how the money could address the challenges created by the pandemic,” he said.
The funds also helped cover administrative expenses to ensure the shelter’s continued growth and sustainability.
Eric Sterling, who attended the event on behalf of Dunlop, emphasized the Lighthouse’s vital role in the community.
“The Lighthouse continues to find compassionate, professional, and effective supports,” Sterling said. “This investment went towards more than the physical space and resources; it went towards growth and sustainability at the Lighthouse.”
Sterling applauded the Lighthouse team for their dedication and passion, calling the funding “a testament to their hard work.”
