Submitted by Sharron Colter
A $4,000 grant from RTOERO District 10, Bruce, Grey & Dufferin, will help to feed 500 people in need this Christmas. This funding has gone towards OSHaRE, the Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort, with Tom McDonough, a Board member of OSHaRE, accepting the cheque from RTOERO District 10 Executive at a recent luncheon, held at Legion #6 in Owen Sound.
The District 10 funding is part of RTOERO’s annual community grants program. Since 1968, RTOERO has been a voice for teachers, school and board administrators, educational support staff and college and university faculty and staff in their retirement.
Our mission is to improve the lives of our members and seniors. RTOERO members also share a desire to give back. Each year, districts have the opportunity to apply for grants to support community projects. This present year, RTOERO funded 22 projects for a total of $87,471.
District 10 has been most fortunate in their submissions receiving approval for Community Grant money. Most recently, in 2020 Northern Bruce Peninsula was awarded an RTOERO Community Grant for 72 Hour Emergency Kits distributed through the Lion’s Head and Area Food Bank.
In 2021, the Northern Bruce Peninsula and Bruce Grey Senior Centre Without Walls received an RTOERO Community Grant to provide programs on-line and by phone for residents from the safety and comfort of their own home.
The OSHaRE Christmas dinner is aimed at people who are homeless, near homeless, living in poverty or on low income. They’ll receive a dinner with all the fixings – turkey, potatoes, cranberries, corn, peas, coleslaw and dessert. RTOERO invites members to volunteer at the dinner.
“We want vulnerable residents to feel the warmth of the community, with a dinner that promotes inclusivity, kindness, and health and well-being for all,” says Lynda Monck, President, District 10 Bruce Grey & Dufferin, RTOERO.
“Across Ontario, grassroots actions can stitch a community together. Seniors, children, the most vulnerable and the environment alike can all use support. That’s the idea behind the grants program, whose impact is felt widely,” says Martha Foster, chair of the board at RTOERO. “Our members care about their communities, and in partnership with great organizations that translates into action on the ground. We believe in a better future, together.”
RTOERO is a bilingual trusted voice on healthy, active living in the retirement journey for the broader education community. With 82,000+ members in 51 districts across Canada, we are the largest national provider of non-profit group health benefits for education retirees.
District 10 Bruce Grey & Dufferin plays a key role in helping members stay engaged and connected with each other and the community.
