Local charity celebrates impact of lottery
By GBGH, May 9, 2025
On May 1st, 2025, the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation made the final draw in the GBGH 50/50 Lottery, awarding $14,642 to Tiny resident Tara Sweeney.
“We are so incredibly grateful for this prize,” shares Tara. “It has helped us pay off some debt, which has alleviated a great amount of stress and my daughter is getting some new bedroom furniture and a bike. Both my husband and I have received excellent care at GBGH over the past year. Many blessings and thanks to everyone involved with keeping our hospital running.”
The GBGH 50/50 Lottery, which ran for nearly two years, was launched to support the hospital’s most urgent priorities. Thanks to the support of many members of the community, the lottery has successfully funded the purchase of an MRI safe wheelchair and an MRI safe stretcher, enhancing the hospital’s ability to provide safe and effective care for patients requiring MRI scans.
Liane Netherton, MRI technologist at GBGH, emphasized the importance of these mobility aids: “Having MRI safe mobility aids, such as the wheelchair and stretcher, is crucial for our patients’ safety. These tools allow us to transport patients within the magnetic field, ensuring the safety of our patients and the equipment. We are so thankful to those who have invested in our program and purchased these important tools for us.”
Although the local 50/50 draw is ending, those wishing to support GBGH can still purchase lottery tickets through the Ontario-wide Split the Pot Lottery. Ticket purchasers have the option to direct the proceeds from their tickets to the participating hospital of their choice or split between all participating hospitals.
The GBGH Foundation is also putting a special focus on their Monthly Giving program, where individuals can make an affordable gift every month, collectively adding up to a significant impact each year. To learn more about making a difference at GBGH with a monthly gift, visit the GBGH Foundation’s website (GBGHF.ca/monthly-giving).
The GBGH Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the 50/50 Lottery over the past two years. The support will be felt by patients at GBGH for many years to come.
$71,100 OTF Grant Builds a More Resilient Midland Public Library
By Trish Hayes, CEO Midland Public Library, May 9, 2025
Midland – On Friday morning, MPP Jill Dunlop met with the team and volunteers of the Midland Public Library to hear about how a $71,100 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The 18-month long grant that was awarded in early 2024 has been used to build the Library’s resilience and stability by hiring a contract volunteer coordinator to design, manage, promote, and evaluate an expanded library volunteerism program.
“Congratulations to the Town of Midland on receiving this significant support through the province’s OTF grant,” said the Hon. Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This funding is helping strengthen the community by enhancing the Midland Library’s volunteer engagement and expanding opportunities for residents to connect, contribute, and grow together.”
The project included hiring a contract Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Fournier, and purchasing essential supplies and services to expand volunteerism at the Library. In addition to developing key resources to support ongoing volunteer management, Amy successfully onboarded and placed approximately 25 volunteers into suitable roles—including executive positions on the Friends of the Library Board and three newly established volunteer positions.
“We’re thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support of the Midland Public Library,” said Bill Gordon, Mayor of the Town of Midland. “Expanding and supporting the Library’s volunteer program is key to the resilience, sustainability and success of library services that engage, inspire, and build our community.”
The Midland Public Library is freely accessible to residents of all four North Simcoe communities and the Beausoleil First Nation. It’s widely known as a community hub expanding access to opportunities for engagement, inspiration, and empowerment. To find out more about the Library’s programs and services, visit www.midlandlibrary.com.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.