Girls Inc. Limestone is celebrating an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant, that will allow Girls Inc. to prepare for the launch of a Capital Program Delivery Campaign later this year in support of their Girls Ed Program.
Girls Inc. Limestone helps to enrich the lives of thousands of girls across Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, Hastings, and Prince Edward Counties.
The OTF $96,600 grant, awarded in spring of 2022, has allowed Girls Incorporated to rebuild and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by hiring staff and experts to prepare for the launch of a capital program delivery campaign later this year.
H-L&A MPP Ric Bresee brought with him a special guest to the virtual event, Ontario’s Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams.
As a mom herself, Williams acknowledges the work parents have to do every day to support their kids, and that sometimes means kids have to be in places where they can receive supports.
Bonnie Gryce, OTF, Grant Review Team volunteer, says they’re proud to support these organizations.
Beth Wylie, Development Manager of Girls Inc. Limestone, thanked the OTF for supporting the development of the Girls Inc. Believe in girls Campaign.
Wylie says they are now in the feasibility stage of the project, connecting with individuals, business owners, and foundations throughout the KFL&A, HPE Counties.
President of Girls Inc. Limestone, Angela Lyons, noted that throughout the pandemic, less advantaged girls and their families have been acutely and disproportionately affected by the worsening in gender inequity in the following ways:
- More families in extreme poverty
- Significantly increased instances of domestic violence
- Unemployment and underemployment
- Insecure housing and homelessness
- Food insecurity and shortages
Written by Emily Chatwood
