The Sarnia Legion Branch 62 handed out half a million dollars to local community groups on Monday.
The money was from the very successful Catch the Ace lottery fundraiser which brought in a whopping $2.1 million this past spring.
Sarnia Legion President Les Jones said the funds will support initiatives through local not-for-profits that uplift and strengthen the Sarnia community.
The Petrolia Legion Branch 216 will receive the biggest donation, of $50,000.
The funds will help the Petrolia Legion make accessibility upgrades to the Glenview Road site.
"We know how difficult it is to maintain an old building, so this will assist them to stay compliant with the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)," said Jones. "We are so honoured to be able to help them out so that they can continue to do the work they do in Petrolia."
The Bluewater Health Foundation, Community Living Sarnia-Lambton, Rebound's The Hub and Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton are each receiving $20,000.
Donations were also provided to River City Vineyard, Noelle's Gift, the Sarnia Minor Athletic Association (SMAA) and the Sarnia Veteran Homeless Fund.
“This donation is a direct result of the hard work and heart of our volunteers,” said Jones. "They are the backbone of everything we do. From selling tickets to organizing events and keeping our operations running smoothly, their dedication is nothing short of inspiring.”
A total of 35 community organizations will receive funding, totaling $506,000.
The full list of recipients is available below:
Petrolia Legion Branch 216-$50,000.00
Bluewater Health Foundation-$20,000.00
Rebound – The Hub-$20,000.00
Community Living Sarnia Lambton-$20,000.00
River City Vineyard-$20,000.00
Habitat for Humanity Sarnia Lambton-$20,000.00
Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund-$20,000.00
Forest Fritters Friends-$20,000.00
Pedals for Purpose (Rebound)-$20,000.00
Sarnia Lambton Ontario Health Team-$20,000.00
YMCA-$20,000.00
Sarnia Minor Athletic Association (SMAA)-$20,000.00
Bluewater Cycling Sarnia Lambton-$20,000.00
Huron House Boys’ Home-$16,000.00
Sarnia Historical Society-$15,000.00
Sarnia District Humane Society-$10,000.00
St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia Lambton-$10,000.00
The Salvation Army Sarnia-$10,000.00
The Inn of the Good Shepherd-$10,000.00
Society of St. Vincent de Paul-$10,000.00
Pathways Health Centre of Children Rotary Place-$10,000.00
Women’s Interval Home of Sarnia Lambton-$10,000.00
Noelle’s Gift to Children-$10,000.00
Literacy Lambton-$10,000.00
Down Syndrome Assoc. Lambton County-$10,000.00
That Girl’s Got Moxie-$10,000.00
Talk 2 me Johnny Sarnia-$10,000.00
Sarnia Organ Donor Awareness-$10,000.00
Sarnia Veteran Homeless Fund-$10,000.00
Sarnia Legion Pipe Band-$10,000.00
Crime Stoppers Sarnia Lambton-$10,000.00
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Sarnia Lambton-$10,000.00
Lambton Cat Rescue-$5,000.00
Bluewater Centre for Raptor Rehabilitation-$5,000.00
Heavens Wildlife Rescue Sarnia-$5,000.00
