$17,200 OTF Grant Gives York Region Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers appliances for their food security program
Newmarket, ON – On Tuesday afternoon, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy stopped in to meet with the team at Rose of Sharon to hear about the difference that a $17,200 Capital grant awarded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2022 has made. The organization made a strong case for the impact that the funds would have with their ongoing work with their food security program as the Rose of Sharon serves approximately 300 pregnant and parenting young mothers in York Region.
“Food security and ensuring a well-balanced and nutritional diet is essential for pregnant and parenting young mothers,” said Dawn Murphy Gallagher, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora. “I am pleased that our government’s funding support for kitchen appliances will be put to great and much needed use to enhance the program delivery at Rosa Sharon.”
It feels like the adage “it takes a village” has never been more evident than in recent times. And thanks to the OTF Capital grant, the Rose of Sharon was able to collaborate with Best Brand Appliance, which went above and beyond to assist them in acquiring the appliances needed for their kitchen, which included a convection oven, a refrigerator, a stand-up freezer and an air-fryer as well. To help Rose of Sharon move forward with their planned purchases, Best Brand Appliance approached each vendor, seeking a charitable discount to enable Rose of Sharon to procure larger appliances with the funding received from OTF. Best Brand not only played a pivotal role in lowering the appliance costs but also generously contributed a new Kitchen Aid mix master.
With heartfelt thanks for the generous grant bestowed by OTF, young mothers and their infants in York Region now have the means to secure nourishing food. For a young mother facing financial challenges and navigating a tight budget, accessing nutritious food essential for herself and her baby is an arduous and difficult task. The program operates seamlessly thanks to the dedication of the staff and numerous volunteers who receive, organize, and deliver food directly to the mothers’ doors.
“Between 150 and 160 families access our food security program each month,” said Deanne Kukulewich, Executive Director. “Our outdated appliances raised legitimate worries about their long-term capability to effectively maintain the safety of food stored in the refrigerators and freezers. The funding provided by OTF has enabled us to expand our storage capacity. This ensures that we can now provide additional nourishment for marginalized pregnant and parenting young mothers aged 14 to 29, all at no cost,” shared Kukulewich.
“Best Brand Appliance was pleased and honored to be selected as the supplier of new appliances for the Rose of Sharon,” said Wayne Wanamaker, Sales Consultant, Best Brand Appliances. “As appliance retailers we are acutely aware of the importance of having properly operating appliances in the home and more so for the programs at the Rose of Sharon. We understand the importance of being involved in our community and offering support where it is needed. The Rose of Sharon offers so much valuable support and guidance to young mothers, and we have valued our involvement in helping them replace much needed appliances,” added Wanamaker.
Rose of Sharon remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining the food security program for young pregnant and parenting mothers in York Region. The community actively rallies behind Rose of Sharon, offering invaluable support through charitable contributions from funders, organizations, businesses, food banks, service clubs, and private donors.
If you wish to know more about York Region Rose of Sharon for Young Mothers, and how to donate your time or make a donation please visit www.roseofsharon.com | www.parentsconnect.ca
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Karen Warner, Fund Development and Communications Manager
York Region Rose of Sharon Services for Young Mothers
905-717-5014 kwarner@roseofsharon.com