AGM Highlights

The Deep River and District Community Foundation Celebrates Growth, Grants, and Gratitude at Annual General Meeting
The Deep River and District Community Foundation (DRDCF) celebrated a record year with over $86,000 in grants and bursaries and a 23% increase in assets at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 25 at the Community Events Centre. They also envisioned inspiring community partnerships that will shape the region for years to come.
Chair Italia Cecco opened the evening by acknowledging the communities the Foundation serves—Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Head, Clara and Maria, and Rapides-des-Joachims—and reaffirmed the DRDCF’s vision of fostering an inclusive, creative, and healthy community.
A highlight of the evening was the inspiring guest speaker Reverend Amanda J. Alley of the Deep River Community Church (pictured), who spoke passionately on “Working Together for a Stronger Community.” Rev. Alley wove together her personal story of resilience and faith with her views on how we are strengthened when organizations such as the DRDCF, service groups, and faith communities work together to address common challenges.
Financial Strength and Stewardship
Treasurer Glen Wolgemuth presented a robust financial report, marking the Foundation’s first audited financial statement due to a significant increase in revenue. The DRDCF ended 2024 with assets exceeding $2.26 million—up 23.2% from the previous year. The investment return for 2024 was an impressive 15.8%, and over $86,000 was distributed through grants, bursaries, and charitable disbursements.
“This year’s financial performance positions us strongly to weather future market volatility and continue to serve the community’s evolving needs,” Wolgemuth noted. He also announced his retirement, passing the torch to incoming treasurer Meaghan O’Quinn.
Record-Breaking Community Grants and Community Support
The Grants Committee reported that, in 2024, 16 grants were disbursed along with six post-secondary bursaries. They reflected the Foundation’s broad commitment to healthcare, education, heritage, and recreation. Notable projects included:
● $14,830 to Head, Clara & Maria Community Centre for kitchen improvements
● $12,000 to North Renfrew Family Services (NRFS) for emergency dental care, youth sports, and homelessness prevention
● $1,400 to Rapides-des-Joachims for their Splash Pad Grand Opening
● $4,000 to the Scientists in School Equitable STEM Enrichment Program
In March, a successful International Women’s Day event raised $8,371 for the NRFS Fund.

Additionally, the Foundation, in partnership with Weesoe Community Communication Technologies, launched the WCCT Health Care Fund, which will award two $2,500 scholarships for post-secondary healthcare studies starting in 2025.
Growing Engagement and Donor Recognition
The Publicity Committee celebrated a 62% increase in membership, expanded social media engagement, and the successful Mackenzie High School 50th Reunion, which raised over $5,000 in donations. The committee initiated their “Fund Focus” series with articles promoting the Milton Family Fund and the Murphy Fund in the North Renfrew Times and online.
The Executive Committee undertook key governance improvements, including by-law updates and alignment with new Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, allowing the DRDCF to expand its reach to non-qualified donees.
Board Elections and Farewells
The AGM welcomed new board member Mitch King and confirmed Margaret Hyvarinen for a second three-year term. Departing Treasurer Glen Wolgemuth received heartfelt thanks for over 15 years of dedicated service, described as the “heart and soul” of the Foundation.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its establishment in 2002, the DRDCF has given back more than $825,000 to the local
community. The Foundation honoured its founding board members and reaffirmed its
commitment to building a resilient and thriving region.
With new funds, scholarships, and partnerships on the horizon, the DRDCF is poised to deepen its impact in 2025 and beyond.
In closing, Chair Cecco expressed gratitude to all donors, volunteers, and community partners:
“You are the roots of this Foundation. With your continued support, we will keep helping it blossom for generations to come.”
For more information or to view the full financial statements, above.