On Wednesday, MPP Lorne Coe and Dave Saunders, Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) local Grant Review Team, met with representatives from Community Care Durham (CCD) to hear more about the work happening as a result of CCD receiving a $135,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant from OTF. The grant is allowing CCD to continue moving forward from the impacts of COVID-19 by refreshing its Strategic Plan and implementing a new fundraising strategy for its vital programs and services.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario government has committed to supporting those struggling the most,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe. “This funding will help Community Care Durham adapt to the challenges created by the pandemic – ensuring they can continue to provide the best services possible and make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families across the Region of Durham.”

During the pandemic, CCD has experienced a dip in its revenues due to decreased client fees and an inability to use traditional fundraising methods. OTF’s Resilient Communities Fund grant will enable CCD to improve its ability to access financial resources and develop alternative sources of revenue. The grant will help with salaries for two positions focused on developing new fundraising strategies and communications.

“We plan to refocus our fundraising efforts to establish a long-term Capital Development Campaign that enables CCD to create a long-lasting social impact by assisting older adults and other vulnerable residents to remain safely and independently in their own homes,” said James Meloche, CEO, Community Care Durham.  “Ultimately, this Campaign will support CCD’s goals of establishing Community Health and Wellness Hubs across Durham, and leverage technology to enhance the client’s care experience.”

Community Care Durham’s new fundraising strategy will address the challenges faced by traditional “event” fundraisers resulting from COVID-19. The plan will include research into CCD’s ability to raise funds through new avenues, as well as the capacity to fundraise in the Durham Region in the aftermath of COVID-19. Funds from the grant will also be used to purchase new computer equipment, developing and producing information materials and to help with rental space costs for the Community Food Box program.

Community Care Durham is a multi-service, registered charitable organization providing a broad range of support services for individuals over the age of 16 and their caregivers so that people are enabled to maximize their independence and thrive where they choose to live. It helps residents throughout Durham Region maximize their independence and thrive where they choose to live.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.