Thanks to the work of the community volunteers who organized the fundraising event in North Stormont, the community will benefit. From the left: Nancy Wert, Gail Jackson, Erin Clark, Rachel Robinson-Labelle and Gloria Logtens. Thompson Goddard Photo

CRYSLER – $10,000 was donated to the Maxville Manor by participants of the 2024 100+ People Who Care North Stormont event held on Oct. 3 at the Crysler Community Centre.

“A huge step forward for us in Maxville.” commented Maxville Manor Campaign Manager Kerri Albright, following the announcement of the funds being awarded to the organization. The money will be used to redesign and update the Maxville Manor’s kitchen which will allow for staff to serve residents and Meals on Wheels clients in the area in a more efficient manner.

The event was organized by a committee of five North Stormont residents, Erin Clark, Gail Jackson, Gloria Logtens, Rachel Robinson-Labelle and Nancy Wert. The over 100 people attending the event were able to enjoy socializing while enjoying a snack from the munchie table or perhaps an ice cream sundae while visiting the booths of the participating organizations. Representatives of the Crysler Recreation Committee, the Monkland Recreation Committee, North Stormont Fire Services, the Winchester & District Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Maxville Manor provided information on how the donations sought would be utilized.

Each person who attended the event provided the organizers with a donation of $100.00, which was to be provided to the organization receiving the most votes after the presentations for which they would receive a receipt. The Crysler Recreation Committee requested a donation of $10,000 to replace broken structures in the children’s park and purchase two more accessible play structures and received a donation of $300 during the evening. If successful the WDMH Foundation would use the gift of $6,314 to purchase a new Gyne Stretcher to replace the current 13-year-old one. North Stormont Fire Services requested $4,000 to purchase essential resources to complement their fire prevention and outreach program designed to educate the public in fire safety and Monkland Recreation Association asked for a donation of $10,000 to improve the accessibility of the MRC.

Following the presentations, people were able to cast a vote for their choice of which organization the money was to be provided to. During the counting of votes cast, the two organizations which had received funding from the 2023 100+ Women Who Care North Stormont provided project updates.

Chad Brownlee from Finch Recreation Committee, which had received $10,000 in 2023, provided an information on the D.C. Vollrath Memorial Park upgrade. He noted how the area for the multi-purpose pad has been excavated, noting this phase of the project will be finished later this year. When completed there will be an outdoor hockey rink in the winter with pickleball and basketball courts for the summer season. When completed in addition to this area and the ball diamond there will be a walking path, gazebo and fitness area for residents of all ages to enjoy.

Michele Morgan from Carefor North Stor Support Centre which had received $2,700 in 2023 expressed her thanks for the funds and explained they had been instrumental in upgrading the lounge area. She noted how new comfortable seating, non-slip flooring and calming décor has been introduced to enhance the experience of the area, calling this “a safe, comfortable and inviting space for older adults at the Centre.”

Vicki Tait provided an update on the 50th Anniversary of Tagwi Secondary School planned for Oct. 25 which will feature a wine and cheese event, as well as a dinner and dance, thanking the many local sponsors of the event.  She noted the money raised by the celebratory events will be used to support the school.

Following the announcement of the voting results, Wert thanked everyone for coming and encouraged local organizations to consider joining the event in 2025. She noted to participate there were three rules: firstly the organization must be able to provide a charitable receipt; secondly funds are to be used for an ongoing project and finally the project must benefit residents of North Stormont.

She thanked the Crysler Recreation Committee for hosting the event at the community centre and providing a free complimentary drink, thanking the organizing committee and volunteers for their dedication and work, as well as the 100+ people who participated in the event.