A sense of gratitude filled the Morden Community Thrift Store (MCTS) as people, representing 20 different nonprofit organizations, gathered to accept their donation cheques. Many shared their plans and expressed words of thanks for the support given to each of them.
MCTS Board Chair Lina Arnt shared the good news.
"We gave out $240,000 to the 20 different organizations that are here today and we were very pleased to give out what we did. We know it's less than we have in the past, but we're still very pleased to give out what we did, and hopefully, that all gets used for very good causes."
Menzies Medical Centre received $30, 000 for medical equipment. Deputy Mayor and Menzies Medical Centre Board Chair Doug Frost expressed why the steady support is so valuable for them.
"Everyone knows, or maybe they don't, the board operates solely on donations. This donation goes a long way towards supplying needed equipment for the doctors and nurses. A place like the Thrift Shop, I believe, we have received an excess of half a million dollars from them now (over time). They were really generous when we just did the $1.2 million upgrades and the whole community is behind this, so it's really good."
Arnt announced at the presentations, MCTS is putting money aside for the Boundary Trails Health Centre expansion, as well.
Morden 55+ Activity Centre was granted $15, 000. Board member John Epp explained how the funds will enhance the lives of older adults.
"We're thankful for the grant we received today. It will upgrade some of our computers, we'll fix our walk-in cooler, and head for some money towards our patio that we have planned for our site. This is a place for seniors to come, meet with others, have pleasurable activities, and, in general, just get out of the house."
A media release from the Morden Community Thrift Store graciously added, "This is all made possible by our donors, customers and volunteers. Thank you."
Also included in the media release was a list of recipients:
Those receiving funding were:
1. 500 Stephen Street for Playroom Equipment $10,000
2. City of Morden for Spray Park Recirculation System $20,000
3. Darlingford Playground Committee for Play Structure $ 5,000
4. Habitat For Humanity for a Duplex in Morden $10,000
5. Manitou Culture & Heritage for Railway Station Restoration $ 5,000
6. Many Hands Resource Centre for Food Supply & Vouchers $ 10,000
7. Menzies Medical Centre for Equipment $ 30,000
8. Minnewasta School Parent Association for Environmental Nature Equipment $10,000
9. Morden Activity Centre for Walk in Cooler, Office Equipment $15,000
10.Morden Christian Program for Sunday Program at Corn & Apple $ 5,000
11.Morden Collegiate for 5 Scholarships $ 5,000
12.Morden Fire and Rescue for Underwater Camera & Training $ 7,500
13.Pembina Counselling Centre for Assistance $10,000
14.Pembina Thresherman Museum for new Sewer Hookup $10,000
15.Pembina Valley Bible Camp for Ventilation Update $10,000
16.Rock Lake United Church Camp for Kitchen Equipment $10,000
17.South Central Cancer Resource for Wigs $ 5,000
18.S.T.A.R.S Air Ambulance funding $50,000
19.Ukrainian Refugee Association for assistance for families $ 2,000
20.Youth For Christ for Roof & 2 Privacy Booths $10,000