BLIND RIVER – Last Friday Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha was at the Blind River Curling Club to formally congratulate club members on what has been achieved as a result of receiving two Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grants over the last two years that allowed the club make improvements to their facility.
The grant awarded in 2021 was for $272,700 from the OTF Community Building Fund and allowed the club to install a new roofing system to eliminate water leaks, reduce heating costs and safely offer curling to a growing number of members in Blind River.
The second grant awarded last year was $15,800 and came from the OTF Resilient Communities Fund and enabled the club to upgrade its washroom facilities by installing new touchless features.
Grants from the fund help non-profit groups recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
“Northerners understand the physical and psychological benefits of getting out to enjoy our many activities,” Mantha said during his club visit. “Curling is a favourite activity for Northerners because of the wide range of age and physical abilities it accommodates.”
The MPP commended the group for its focus on building safety and energy efficiency.
“I was especially pleased that OTF supported the club’s requests for assistance to provide touchless equipment and measures which will promote social distancing to reduce the spread of any number of viruses that we experience year after year,” Mantha added.
“I thank to OTF for their ongoing generous support for people of Algoma-Manitoulin.”
Club president Murray Fullerton said the grants have enabled the volunteer run club to complete renovations to maintain the building to provide curling to residents of Blind River and area. He also thanked the OTF for approving the club’s grant requests.
Mayor Sally Hagman was also on hand to congratulate the club on its work to secure the grants.
The Blind River Curling club season starts Oct. 10 and is open for those wanting to learn how to curl, join social curling leagues or use the space for meetings or hosting an event. More information is available at blindrivercurlingclub.ca.