The Lighthouse has received a financial boost from one of Orillia’s newest corporate community members.
Hydro One has provided the local organization with a $10,000 grant. It is one of 35 charitable organizations in Ontario to receive funding of up to $25,000 from Hydro One in response to needs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This came at a really crucial time,” said Lynn Thomas, development and communications manager with the Lighthouse, which is getting ready to open a new shelter, community services hub and supportive housing facility on Queen Street. “We’ll be providing more services than ever, so we’ll need increased funds.”
The grant will allow the Lighthouse to expand its services and purchase needed equipment, though how it will be specifically used has yet to be determined.
“There’s a lot of unknowns. We don’t know all of the needs yet,” Thomas said. “It’s almost like starting a new organization.”
The Lighthouse’s Building Hope campaign reached its capital fundraising goal recently, but there will be a need for funding to help with ongoing operations.
“We don’t want to be constantly taxing the community, so this is the kind of thing we’ll continue to be looking for on an annual basis,” Thomas said of grants from companies and foundations.
With Hydro One creating a control centre, regional operations centre and provincial warehouse in Orillia, Thomas is hopeful the Lighthouse can build on its working relationship with the company. That includes volunteerism, she said, adding she hopes some of the employees will be interested in helping out at the Lighthouse and other non-profits in town.
“That’s what our community is about. This community cares for each other, and we welcome Hydro One to be part of that,” she said.
“We’re very, very thankful to Hydro One for this grant. It shows that they are going to be very community minded.”
She also thanked Jim MacDonald, a local resident and Hydro One employee who has, in addition to donating to and volunteering with the Lighthouse, helped the organization secure grants from his employer.
In a news release, Hydro One president and CEO Mark Poweska said his company has “a deep responsibility to energize life and support Ontario communities and organizations that are working tirelessly to overcome serious challenges as they meet urgent and emerging local needs.
“Hydro One is proud to support the critical organizations that are keeping Ontarians connected, active and safe as we emerge from the third wave.”
There aren’t specific opening and move-in dates at the new Lighthouse yet, but the goal is to have it ready in late spring and have people moving in sometime in July.
In the meantime, the emergency shelter program with local hotels will continue and meals will still be provided outside of the current Lighthouse property on Peter Street.
“There won’t be a gap in service at all,” Thomas said.
For more information about the Lighthouse, including details about donating, click here.
