$200,000 OTF Grant Empowers AFRY to Enhance Francophone Services in York Region

Newmarket, ON – On Wednesday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy met with the team at Association des Francophones de la Région de York (AFRY) to announce the $200,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that will be used to assess the development of social enterprises and expand services. The project will strengthen AFRY’s capacity to serve the Francophone community in York Region.

“This funding marks a transformative moment for our Francophone community. It equips AFRY with the means to enhance their innovative programs to grow their presence and diversify their services for the Francophone and Francophile community in York Region,” said Dawn Murphy Gallagher, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “We are committed to investing in projects that strengthen cultural richness and fortify the backbone of our communities.”

With the grant, AFRY will conduct strategic planning and feasibility studies to ensure the long-term sustainability of its French-language programs, such as daycares and summer camps, which are valued by the Francophone population in York Region.

“We are incredibly thankful for the OTF’s support, which allows us to grow and better serve the Francophone community,” said Alain Beaudoin, CEO of AFRY. “This grant is key to sustaining our efforts and expanding our reach.”

AFRY, serving York Region for over 30 years, is pivotal in offering essential services to the Francophone community and promoting French culture and language through various programs and services.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

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:

Alain Beaudoin, CEO

Association des Francophones de la Région de York (AFRY)

289-500-0873

presidence@afry.ca