MEDIA RELEASE
$149,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Breathes New Air into an Aging Community Centre Building
Toronto, ON – On Monday morning, MPP Michael Kerzner stopped in at the Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living to meet with its staff, volunteers, and members and learn more about the impact of a $149,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant that was awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2022. The Centre used the grant to replace its deteriorated rooftop HVAC units. The Resilient Communities Fund was created in 2020 by OTF to help non-profit organizations to rebuild and recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
“The Bernard Betel Centre is a vital meeting place for the community, offering a wide range of programs for older adults year-round,” said Michael Kerzner, MPP for York Centre. “I’m proud to see that this investment from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will enable the Centre to continue delivering those activities for many years to come.”
Thanks to the OTF grant, the Bernard Betel Centre was able to replace its HVAC units which has in turn, improved the internal air quality at its North York location. The project was recently completed, enabling the Bernard Betel Centre to continue delivering great programs in a comfortable and safe environment, which is critical to the health and safety of all individuals, including vulnerable communities, who work, volunteer, and use the building for meetings and events.
The funding provided by Resilient Community Fund has made a significant difference to the organization and the seniors that the agency serves. The building at 1003 Steeles Avenue West was built in the early 1980s, and the ability to maintain the aging infrastructure is extremely challenging and financially limiting.
“We know that the need in the community for in-person programs and services in a safe and healthy environment is vital, and with our new HVAC system, we are now able to confidently deliver our important and critical programs and services safely to a vulnerable, older adult population,” said Gail Gould, Executive Director, Bernard Betel Centre.
About Bernard Betel Centre
The Bernard Betel Centre is a vibrant, non-profit community centre located in North Toronto with offerings for older adults (55+). The agency provides a variety of in-person and online educational, cultural, recreational, and health and wellness programs including fitness, special events, cultural celebrations, health promotion clinics, volunteer opportunities, chiropody, overnight and day trips, and community support services including service navigation, friendly visiting, at-home respite, crisis intervention and Kosher Meals on Wheels. The Bernard Betel Centre has been providing essential programs and services to thousands of seniors in the community for 58 years. Visit betelcentre.org to learn more.
About Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Contact
Gail Gould, Executive Director, Bernard Betel Centre
gailg@betelcentre.org | 416-225-2112, ext. 129
