Last night, the South Huron Vitality Fund (a special fund within the Sunset Community Foundation) held its annual grant awards ceremony at Ironwood Golf Course – distributing funds to various community groups.
That was Charlene Masschelein, Chair of the Sunset Community Foundation Board. She emphasized the significant role of community foundations in fostering local development.
Masschelein and Mayor Finch hand off a cheque to Huron Waves Festival | Photo by B. Shakyaver
This initial investment has grown the South Huron Community Fund to over $280,000 – with many local families contributing to growing the fund.
Organizations awarded, and their funds purpose:
- Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority: Oaks and Acorns project to encourage outdoor play for children’s development.
- Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle (Noah’s Ark): Community Connections and Creations Project to teach new skills and build connections.
- Exeter Skating Club in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron: Skating bursaries for client families to participate in the CanSkate program.
- Huron Waves Music Festival: National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Tribute to celebrate Indigenous culture and history.
- Rural Response for Healthy Children: South Huron Community Garden, to expand the Family Community Garden Program.
- First Exeter Scouts: Fund trip to the Pacific Jamboree in British Columbia.
- Tanner Steffler Foundation: TSF Connect to increase access to mental health and addiction support services.
- EcoExeter: Community market highlighting eco-friendly products and services.
Masschelein also discussed the foundation’s ambitions to expand into surrounding municipalities. The success of the Greater Grand Bend Area Fund revealed a gap in support for county-based organizations – they currently have plans to expand into Bluewater, North Middlesex and beyond.
A key theme of the evening was taking politics out of the grant decision-making process – something that Mayor of South Huron George Finch lauded as the advantage that community foundations provide. Masschelein explained how the foundation uses local voices to make informed decisions that truly benefit the community.
Many local service groups were recognized | Photo by B. Shakyaver
The ceremony also featured guest speaker Andrew Chunilall, Executive Director of Foundations Canada. He highlighted the broader philanthropic benefits of community foundations, reinforcing the evening’s message of local empowerment and long-term impact.
By supporting endowment funds that generate perpetual interest income, the Sunset Community Foundation ensures that donations create lasting benefits for the community – with low administrative costs.
The gathering at Ironwood saw a turnout of many community leaders, including Mayor Finch, and Huron County Warden Glen McNeil | Photo by B. Shakyaver
As the South Huron Community Fund continues to grow, it remains dedicated to empowering local community groups.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
