$75,600 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Helps Girls Inc. of York Region’s Participants Stay Connected
August 13, 2025
Newmarket, ON – On Wednesday, MPP Dawn Gallagher-Murphy met with the team at Girls Inc. of York Region (GIYR) to congratulate them on receiving a $75,600 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant, awarded this summer, is expected to have a positive impact on girls and female identifying youth throughout York Region by purchasing a passenger van that will ensure that transportation barriers.
“This investment is about more than funding—it’s about empowering the next generation of young women to dream bigger and achieve more,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket–Aurora. “By providing Girls Incorporated of York Region with the tools they need to reach more girls—like a 15-passenger van, tablets, and laptops—we’re helping open doors to programs that inspire confidence, build skills, and prepare girls for meaningful futures. I’m proud that our government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is supporting an organization that is making such a lasting difference in our youth.”
The new vehicle will help girls participating in Girls Inc. of York Region programs, community events, and educational outings to get to activities and remain engaged with friends and the community. The grant will also help with the costs for purchasing new iPads, Chromebooks, and other updated technology to replace outdated equipment, ensuring participants have reliable tools to support learning and engagement.
“Reliable transportation means opportunity,” said Barb Wallace, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of York Region. “With this purchase, we’re removing a major barrier for girls to participate fully in our programs, community events, and educational outings. It opens the door for every girl, regardless of access to personal transportation, to explore new places, gain new experiences, and support girls in York Region in a way we previously couldn’t.”
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Girls Incorporated of York Region deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come.”
Girls Incorporated of York Region is a non-profit youth organization headquartered in Newmarket, ON. that serves girls and female identifying youth from ages 5-18 across York Region. Girls Inc. of York has been operating in York Region since 1979 and is an affiliate of Girls Incorporated. The programs offered are designed to help girls develop to the fullest of their capacities in all areas of life and inspire them to be Strong, Smart and Bold. GIYR strives to enhance confidence and self-esteem in girls and young women while giving them the skills and tools they need to be empowered, productive and contributing members of society.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.