THE DEEP RIVER AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THE 2025 FALL GRANT CYCLE RECIPIENTS

 

The Deep River and District Community Foundation (DRDCF) is pleased to announce that six Grants totaling $34,728.00 were awarded in our 2025 Fall Grant Cycle.  In a variety of Categories, the projects are:

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1 - Four Seasons Conservancy / Deep River Cross Country Ski Club - Pont du Pothier Bridge Replacement - $10,000 - Environment Category

Made possible by earnings from the Community Fund, the Milton Family Fund, the Mary Moore Ecological Fund and the Beth and Ivan Ophel Memorial Fund.  This project replaces the 40-year-old "Pont du Pothier" bridge that crosses a small creek close to the Ottawa River. The bridge is on the Silver Spoon trails for the use of skiers and snowshoers in the winter and by walkers and cyclists in other seasons.

Bridge Replacement cheque presentation to the Four Seasons Conservancy (FSC) and the Deep River Cross Country Ski Club (DRXC).

Photo #1 Left to Right: DRDCF Grants Committee Member Caroline Waddington, DRDCF Director Danielle Beaton, DRDCF Chair Italia Cecco, FSC Treasurer Bruce Heinmiller, DRDCF Director Brian Cheadle, DRDCF Director Chris MacCready, DRXC President Diane Davis.

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2 - Point Alexander Library Friends - Library Sign Replacement - $2,028 - Community Category

Made possible by earnings from the Milton Family Fund.  This project replaces the outdoor sign to better identify this branch of the library and improve its visibility. Local residents and travellers needing information will find it easier to access library resources & services, and attend programs.

Outdoor Sign cheque presentation to the Point Alexander Library Friends (PALF).

Photo #2 Left to Right: DRDCF Chair Italia Cecco, PALF President Maureen Bakewell, DRDCF Grants Committee Chair Teresa Selander, Laurentian Hills Public Library CEO Chloe Chapman, DRDCF Grants Committee Member Caroline Waddington.

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3 - Scientists in School - Equitable STEM Enrichment Program - $4,000 - Arts & Education Category

Made possible by earnings from the Community Fund and the International Women’s Day Fund. Their Equitable STEM Enrichment Program will offer opportunities for 208+ youth to engage in STEM education through 12 online classroom workshops in Deep River and Chalk River. Young scientists will ask questions, conduct experiments, and engage in hands-on learning experiences.

STEM Enrichment photo shows the $4,000 cheque presentation to Scientists in School.

Photo#3 Left to Right: DRDCF Director Chris MacCready, Grants Committee Chair Teresa Selander, Scientists In School Regional Manager Paula Cudmore.

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​4 - Mackenzie Community School Robotics Club - Robotics Competition - $2,500.00 - Arts & Education Category

Made possible by earnings from the Community Fund, the Ken & Margaret Cuthbert Family Fund and the Thomas ‘Tucker’ Tennant Memorial Fund. Their grant will cover part of their Robotics Competition fee and the purchase of tools and equipment. These will give students hands-on experience while building teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Through mentorship and the provincial robotics community, students connect classroom learning with real-world innovation.

Robotics Competition photo shows the $2,500 cheque presentation to the Mackenzie Community School (MCS) Robotics Club.

Photo#4 Left to Right: MCS teacher and Staff Supervisor Jill Highstead, Robotics Team Members Aadil Ansari, Cameron Hopkins & Gene Urbach, DRDCF Grants Committee Chair Teresa Selander and DRDCF Grants Committee Member Caroline Waddington.

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5 - North Renfrew Family Services - Social Services Gap Project for Medical Support and Homelessness Prevention - $11,200 - Social Services Category

Made possible by earnings from the Community Fund, the NRFS Fund and the Hinds Family Fund.

The NRFS Social Services Gap Project will support individuals between Chalk River and Deux Rivieres who need financial support to cover various "above and beyond" expenses where there is no option for support from other social service programs.

Above and Beyond - photo shows the $11,200 cheque presentation to North Renfrew Family Services (NRFS).

Photo#5 Left to Right: NRFS Office Manager Amanda Sage, NRFS Counsellors Elise Cox & Kelly Hawley, DRDCF Directors Brian Cheadle & Danielle Beaton, DRDCF Grants Committee Chair Teresa Selander and NRFS Executive Director Tracy Russell.

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​6 - Camp Lau-Ren - Shower/Washroom Building - $5,000.00 - Health Category

Made possible by earnings from the Community Fund and the Milton Family Fund. As Camp Lau-Ren grows and their infrastructure ages, this shower building will allow campers, volunteers and renters to have updated washrooms and showers.

Shower Building - photo shows the $5,000 cheque presentation to Camp Lau-Ren.

Photo#6 Left to Right: Future Camper Daphne McKenzie, Camp Lau-Ren Board Vice Chair Emily McKenzie, DRDCF Directors Danielle Beaton, Brian Cheadle & Chris MacCready and Camp Lau-Ren Volunteer Property Manager Norm Freedman.

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​DRDCF grants support a variety of projects in the Categories of Environment, Community, Arts & Education, Social Services, and Health.

Environment Category -To promote protection of the environment for the benefit of the public by providing assistance for monitoring and conserving ecosystems, and encouraging good stewardship of all forms of life

Community Category - To promote and enrich the community by supporting public amenities such as parks, playgrounds, community centres, performing arts venues, and recreational facilities.

Arts & Education Category - To promote the public appreciation of arts and culture by providing assistance to high-quality performances of theatrical, instrumental and choral works and by sponsoring workshops in the visual arts. To provide assistance for scholarships, prizes, bursaries, teachers, equipment, supplies, school/alumni councils, museums and libraries, etc.

Social Services Category -To promote the relief of poverty by providing assistance for the necessities of life, including food, clean water, clothing, and/or shelter, etc

Health Category - To promote physical and mental health in the community by providing support to hospitals, health care clinics, long-term care facilities, mental health programs, seniors' healthy living initiatives and other community social programs.

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The DRDCF is very grateful to the many generous donors who contribute to the 27 Endowment Funds managed by the Foundation. Our invested Capital now stands at over $2.2 million. Over the 24 years the Foundation has been in existence, more than $900K has been awarded to our communities through 313 Grants.

To learn more about the DRDCF and how you can become an important part of our legacy, visit www.drdcf.ca and follow us on social media #drdcommunityfoundation

Support your community now and for the future www.drdcf.ca/donate