June 17, 2023
Brantford, ON – On Saturday June 17th, local MPP Will Bouma met with the team at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) Thrift Store to hear more about the $10,400 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to install an automatic door. The new door increases accessibility to the store for shoppers with mobility challenges and fosters a climate of inclusivity.
“I am pleased that the Ontario Trillium Foundation is supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in their efforts to becoming more accessible for people of all abilities,” said Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma. “It is said that history will judge our community by how the most vulnerable are treated, and with this grant by the OTF, we are another step closer to helping all people that we serve.”
The SSVP Thrift store is open to all shoppers regardless of financial need. It also serves as the central hub for those that the Society serves through various forms of assistance. The neighbours that are served by SSVP Brant redeem vouchers at the store for non-perishable food, clothing, household items and furniture. In 2022, 2,774 neighbours received assistance from the Society. Many have some limitations with mobility, and it is important to ensure their ease of access.
In addition to the OTF grant, the SSVP Thrift Store was also celebrating its re-opening for shopping on Saturdays. During COVID, the store, which is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers, was forced to decrease the hours that the store was open. The number of volunteers only recently allowed for a Saturday opening.
“We are greatly indebted to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support,” said Rob Campbell, President of the SSVP Particular Council of Brant. “This grant allows us to better live up to our mission of serving our neighbours with love, justice, joy and respect by increasing accessibility for all who visit our store. We are also delighted to once again be open on Saturdays, allowing more flexibility for shoppers and those we serve.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media inquiries:
Rob Campbell, President
SSVP Particular Council of Brant
519-756-2115
ssvpbrant@gmail.com