Omemee community leaders establish Omemee Community Fund to support local initiatives

Omemee community leaders have joined forces to create the first-ever community advised fund in the area. The Omemee Community Fund aims to mobilize private and corporate donations, attract legacy gifts, and secure endowments for granting to local initiatives and charities specific to the Omemee area. All donations made to the fund will be eligible for tax receipts and will have a direct and lasting impact in Omemee.

Administered by the registered charity Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, the Omemee Community Fund becomes the third Community Advised Fund in the foundation’s portfolio. It will support a range of local initiatives, starting with the planned Omemee Splash Pad at Omemee Beach Park. Local fundraising efforts will help expedite the funding of capital costs for installing the splash pad. The success of this collaborative initiative will serve as a test for the effectiveness of community funds in supporting diverse projects within local communities.

The Omemee Community Fund is set to benefit the Greater Omemee Area, including Omemee, Cowan’s Bay, Charlore Park, Reaboro, Downeyville, East Emily, Ennismore, Bethany, The Glen, Andamar Estates, and Mallard Bay, offering exciting prospects for growth.

Councillor Ron Ashmore, founder of the Omemee Community Fund, expressed his excitement about providing more granting opportunities for individuals and businesses in the Greater Omemee Area to make a direct and lasting impact. The pooling together of donations will enable tangible differences in the community.

The inaugural advisory board members of the Omemee Community Fund include prominent Omemee residents Patrick Daley, Shannon Brohm, Simon Wickens, and Veronica Wickens. They will actively assist in identifying and supporting projects in Omemee and the surrounding communities. As the fund grows, Community Fund Advisors will collaborate with local organizations, offering fundraising support and guidance as needed.

Laurie Dillon-Schalk, executive director of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, highlighted the increasing popularity of Community Advised Funds in smaller communities, emphasizing the need for private funding support for significant initiatives beyond municipal budgets. The establishment of a permanent endowment fund for Omemee ensures years of grant making guided by community leaders.

The Omemee Community Fund aims to address a diverse range of community projects requiring effective funding, thereby enhancing the local area. Donations can be made through the Community Foundation’s website or sent directly via e-transfer or cheque. Tax receipts will be provided for all contributions. For more information on giving opportunities, visit the Community Foundation’s website.

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes is committed to creating a positive impact in the region by connecting generous donors with local initiatives and organizations. By raising and managing funds, attracting legacy gifts and endowments, the foundation encourages philanthropy that directly benefits individuals and families in Kawartha Lakes.

The Community Foundation welcomes individuals and businesses to consider including them in legacy plans or as recipients of community investments. Corporate charitable donations, bequests, appreciated securities, and life insurance policies are all avenues through which contributions can have a direct and lasting impact in Kawartha Lakes.

For further inquiries or to learn more about the Community Foundation, visit their Facebook page or reach out to their representatives.

Website: www.kawarthafoundation.ca/omemee-community-fund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KawarthaFoundation/