Kemptville Youth Centre Receives Over $17,000 Through Resilient Communities Fund

The Kemptville Youth Centre is getting some support to help rebuild and recover from the pandemic.

Last week, funding was announced by the province through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund, with grants of up to $150,000 going to support non-profit organizations.

As part of the announcement, the Kemptville Youth Centre is receiving $17,200. 

President of the Youth Centre Bruce Wehlau says this funding will allow them to buy laptops that kids at the centre can use. 

“To do something like go out and buy laptops which the youth can use would normally be beyond our capabilities,” Wehlau said. “So the provision of the OTF grant allows us to do something that we’ve been talking about doing for a couple of years, but now with COVID, it’s become an even greater need.” 

Through the pandemic, Wehlau says the Youth Centre has not been able to operate under normal conditions, but they have been able to provide online mediums to keep youth connected.

He adds that the funding will help them adapt to the challenges created by COVID-19, ensuring they can provide the best service possible. 

“Much as kids might love their mom and dad, they want time away from them, and their brothers and sisters,” he said. “They need their own space and to form their own relationship, and that’s what the youth centre is all about. So, with COVID, things being closed, and people being forced to be at home – it’s a very tough time for kids.” 

The Resilient Communities Fund will continue to be offered this year to help more non-profit organizations who are feeling the impact of COVID-19. 

For more information on the fund, you can visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation website.