Community Fund Highlight: The Milton Family (107) Fund

Since 2002, the Deep River and District Community Foundation (DRDCF) has been a cornerstone of our local community, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations. By investing donated funds, the DRDCF distributes the earned income annually to support a wide range of initiatives. As one of over 200 Community Foundations across Canada, DRDCF is a federally incorporated not-for-profit Public Foundation and Registered Charity, dedicated to enriching our community by funding local charities. Currently, we manage 27 Endowment Funds, each with a unique focus, all of which can be explored on our website www.drdcf.ca/funds..

One of the earliest and most impactful funds created at DRDCF's inception is the Milton Family Fund. Established by Gwen and Doug Milton, this fund reflects their deep commitment to the community they loved. As founding members of DRDCF, Gwen and Doug played a pivotal role in the foundation's creation, collaborating with friends and fellow community members to establish a local organization that could address a wide range of needs, from Social Services and Health to the Environment, Education, Arts and Culture, and Community Events. 

Through the dedication and hard work of many capable leaders, the DRDCF has grown steadily, and the foundation’s influence has expanded across Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Head, Clara, Maria, and Rapides-des-Joachims. Since its inception, DRDCF has disbursed over $739,000 back into the community, and thanks to continued community support, the foundation’s assets have now surpassed $1.8 million. This growth allows the DRDCF to make an even greater impact each year.

The Milton Family Fund, established in 2002, was created with a mission to support environmental, arts, and cultural initiatives within the community. Over the years, the fund has grown, with contributions from the Milton family and in memory of them. A significant bequest in 2023 from the Estate of Doug Milton of over $200,000 brought the fund’s total to approximately $375,000. This generous donation has made the Milton Family Fund one of the largest funds within DRDCF.

Since its creation, the Milton Family Fund has provided numerous grants to support various community projects. Recently, the fund has contributed to the following grants:

• Scientists in School, Equitable STEM Enrichment Program- 3,105.13 (2024)

• Deep River

• Public Library and Upper Ottawa Valley Senior Friendship Club - An Afternoon at the Movies - $483.18 (2024)

• THEOP for Performances for Students - School Shows Program (Renfrew County District School Board) – $5,000 (2024)

• Seniors Friendship Club and Deep River Public Library - Art Workshops - $804.40 (2023)

• SPCNH (Nuclear Heritage Museum) - Website Upgrade – $5,000 (2023)

• DR Community Church (Senior Friendship Club) - Culture & Social Events – $400 (2022)

• Valley Mental Health - C.R.E.A.T.E. Connection Program - $1,000 (2022)

• Town of Deep River and Rotary Northern Renfrew - Community Gazebo – $2,900 and $2,328 (2020, 2021)

• North Renfrew Long-Term Care - Boiler Replacement – $3,733 (2020)

• Maison des Jeunes (Swisha) – $1,436 (2020)

These projects are just a snapshot of the Milton Family Fund's meaningful impact in our community, supporting organizations and initiatives that enrich our lives and preserve our cultural and environmental heritage.

The Milton family’s generosity and vision have left an enduring legacy that will benefit our community for years to come. Their contributions have strengthened the fabric of our region and ensured that the arts, culture, and the environment remain at the heart of our local development.

If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to the foundation or leave a legacy of your own, please contact Lisa Joudrey at info@drdcf.ca or visit our website at www.drdcf.ca.