The Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources (DFRFR) in Uxbridge is one of the 2024 Energizing Life Community Fund recipients. Having experienced accidents involving children within the community, DFRFR launched its OnFarm Childcare program, allowing families to leave their children safely at home in the care of experienced caregivers while they work at the farm. With Hydro One’s support, they plan to subsidize the program to extend it to more families, train new staff and buy toys for children.
“The unpredictable nature of farm work often puts children at risk of accidents and injuries, and one simply cannot measure the ripple effect of ensuring safety,” said Heather Doner, Executive Director, Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources. “As someone who was enrolled in the OnFarm program as a child and has used it for my children, I know firsthand the impact the Energizing Life Community Fund grant will have on our community. Thanks to the generosity of Hydro One we will be able to offer more affordable care to families this season, connecting and providing them with the assistance they need.”
“We proudly support local organizations like Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources through our Energizing Life Community Fund to foster connections between people and the resources they need to improve their daily lives,” said Lisa Pearson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hydro One. “With record-breaking applications this year, it’s clear that programs like ours play a vital role in strengthening communities. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your work in energizing life within your communities.”
Some of the 2024 Energizing Life Community Fund recipients work to create a more inclusive community through interpretation and translation services; provide a supportive environment and resources for families with young children; deliver programs and experiences that equip girls to overcome serious barriers; and provide a supportive community for adults with different challenges to develop friendships, purpose, and new skill sets.
The following organizations and communities were selected to receive $25,000 each from the Energizing Life Community Fund for their ability to make a difference and energize local communities:
- ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities
- Across Languages Translation and Interpretation Service
- Barrie Families Unite
- Beausoleil First Nation
- Best Buddies of Canada
- Chapleau Cree First Nation
- Children’s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay
- Community Living Kincardine and District
- Community Support Services of Niagara Region
- Connections An Early Years Family Centre Inc.
- Constance Lake First Nation
- Country Heritage Agriculture Society Conestoga Community Kitchen
- Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough
- Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association
- Durham Farm and Rural Family Resources
- EcoSuperior Environmental Programs
- Food For Life Canada
- Food4Kids Muskoka
- Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau
- Girls Inc. of Durham
- John Howard Society of Kingston & District
- Kivi Park Community Foundation
- Naicatchewenin First Nation
- Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation
- Parry Sound District Peer Support Team
- Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare Niagara
- Sagamok First Nation
- Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre- Harvest Algoma
- Seizure & Brain Injury Centre
- Sunny Days Group Program
- Team Rubicon Canada
- Town of Huntsville
- Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
- Wunnumin Lake First Nation
- Youth Habilitation Quinte Inc.
Hydro One directs at least 20 per cent of its corporate donations and sponsorships to Indigenous communities and initiatives that benefit Indigenous communities. In alignment with this commitment, approximately 23 per cent of the Energizing Life Community Fund grants will benefit Indigenous communities and organizations.
To learn more about the Energizing Life Community Fund, visit www.HydroOne.com/EnergizingLife.
