100 People Who Care Brant Makes a Big Impact on Local Charities in 2024

Brantford-Brant County, January 14, 2025 – 100 People Who Care Brant, a local giving circle, is proud to announce that its collective efforts have raised $26,565 in 2024, which has been distributed among three deserving local charities. This group of ordinary citizens is united by a common goal: to make a positive difference in the community by pooling their charitable donations Each member’s contribution helps provide a one-time, unbudgeted financial boost to charities addressing immediate needs in Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River.

Support for Brant Food for Thought

In the spring of 2024, Brant Food for Thought received $9,500 from 100 People Who Care Brant. The organization provides vital support to Student Nutrition Programs in Brantford and Brant County schools, helping children succeed in their studies by providing access to nutritious meals The donation enabled Brant Food for Thought to enhance its program at four local schools. New commercial refrigerators were delivered to North Ward School, Sacred Heart School, and Burford

100 People Who Care Brant Steering Committee members Andrea Clendenning and Donna Ireland present a cheque representing collective donations of $9,505 to Will Ratelband - Community and Family Services Coordinator, The Salvation Army Brantford-Paris Foodbank

District Elementary School, while Cobblestone Elementary School received two Vitamix blenders for their healthy smoothie program.

Willowbridge Community Services Provides Critical Counselling

With a $7,560 donation, Willowbridge Community Services in Brantford was able to offer rapidaccess counselling to 47 community members in crisis throughout the summer and fall of 2024. This program provides immediate, solution-focused therapy to individuals facing urgent challenges, helping them set goals, create safety plans, and receive the support they need in moments of vulnerability. In some cases, participants find such relief through a single session that they no longer require long-term services

Devon Atherton, Communications & Project Manager at Willowbridge, expressed gratitude, saying, “We are humbled and excited to continue providing this critical service to community members in need.”

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Salvation Army Brantford-Paris Food Bank Receives Timely Assistance

In its final donation of the year, 100 People Who Care Brant contributed $9,505 to the Salvation Army Brantford-Paris Food Bank This timely donation followed on the heels of an urgent appeal in August 2024, when the food bank faced an unprecedented shortage. Will Ratelband, Community & Family Services Coordinator for the Salvation Army, shared that it was the first time in nearly two decades that the food bank had to close early due to a lack of food Sarah DisherNeddow, a member of 100 People

LEFT: Brant Food for Thought representatives Gisèle M. Budgell, Program Director,, Nancy Waldschmidt, Community Development Coordinator and Judy Maidment, Community Development Coordinator show Donna Ireland, Steering Committee - 100 People Who Care Brant (right) the Vitamix blenders donated to Cobblestone Elementary School. ABOVE: 100 People Who Care Steering Committee member Donna Ireland (2nd from left) presents a cheque for $7,560 to Willowbridge Community Services staff (L to R) Anna Cook - Director of Service, Vicki Hartman - Manager, Counselling Services, and Devon Atherton - Communications and Project Manager

Who Care Brant, commented, “One of the great strengths of this group is how quickly we can respond to the needs of local organizations.”

About 100 People Who Care Brant

100 People Who Care Brant is a local giving circle committed to making a meaningful impact on the community. By uniting individuals from Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River, the group is able to pool donations and provide substantial support to local charities. The concept is simple: members contribute between $75 and $300 annually, with donations made in three payments The collective power of these contributions transforms individual donations into substantial support for local causes

Now is the perfect time to join! Next week, all registered members will have an opportunity to nominate a charity of their choice to be considered for our group's funding.

To learn more about 100 People Who Care Brant and how you can get involved, visit www.100peoplewhocarebrant.ca or email 100whocarebrant@gmail.com