From underwater hockey teams to the United Way, individuals, charities and organizations were recognized for their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Miltonians.
On November 4, the Milton Centre for the Arts was host to a Milton Community Fund recognition event, celebrating the initiatives of non-profit organizations in the area. The funding program recognizes people or organizations that provide recreation, artistic and cultural programs and services for the benefit of the town.
“On behalf of council, I’d like to thank this year’s recipients of the Milton Community Fund program for the important role they play in making our town a vibrant and thriving community in which to live, work and play,” said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz.
This year, 29 organizations, 11 people and three teams were recipients of a sizable financial grant, funded by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as part of its hosting revenues for the Slots at Mohawk Racetrack. A cheque in the amount of $320,487 was presented to the mayor from OLG Senior Vice President Larry Flynn to be re-invested for next year.
“The Town of Milton, Mayor Krantz and the OLG have fostered a great relationship and one that will continue for years to come,” said Flynn.
Since the establishment of the fund in 2001, close to $5.5 million have been donated to a wide range of not-for-profit community organizations and individuals.
Bill Thompson, volunteer with the Halton County Radial Railway museum, said the $14,000 grant money the organization received was instrumental to equipment upgrades and aesthetic enhancements for their streetcar trails.
“When we have special projects, we look for funding and the community fund program has always been very helpful to us,” he said.
But it’s not just non-profits that benefit from the presence of the OLG Slots at Mohawk Racetrack. Since 1999, the Town has received more than $88 million in hosting revenues.
Krantz said he still has the very first cheque ever received from OLG, decorated with strips of masking tape marked with dollar amounts for every quarterly contribution.
“I’m not kidding. It’s sitting in my office,” he said.
“It’s important to recognize the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for their financial contributions…year after year.”
Outside of the community fund, hosting revenue from the OLG goes to the Town’s transportation network, transit, library facilities and equipment, fire stations, parks and trails, corporate and information technology initiatives and community and civic facilities.
Examples include the Milton Centre for the Arts, Town Hall, the John Tonelli Sports Centre, the Milton Education Village Innovation Centre, Laurier Park, Community Park and more.
“Revenue from the OLG has helped with significant infrastructure enhancements and we are extremely thankful for your continued commitment to Milton’s growth and development,” said Joy Anderson, senior manager of recreation services for the Town.
For more information on the community fund program or to apply for a grant, visit the Town of Milton’s website. The next deadline is January 15, 2015.
Rachael Williams can be reached at rwilliams@miltoncanadianchampion.com and on Twitter @MiltonReports.
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