Our Kids Bruce Grey Foundation merges with United Way

The Bruce Grey Child and Family Services Foundation, commonly known as the Our Kids Bruce Grey Foundation, has merged with the United Way Bruce Grey. The announcement was made at the United Way office in Owen Sound, Tuesday morning.

Tim Nicol, chairman of the foundation board, said it approached the United Way in the spring to ask if the two agencies' shared focus on vulnerable people could become the beginning of a new tradition.

"The United Way is an organization that we already have a strong partnership with," he said. "It supported our camps and winter programs with grants and we often worked together on community projects. The United Way is an efficient charity with strong connections to our community and are champions for the needs of vulnerable people.

"The United Way has worked hard to bring the economic challenges of rural Ontarians to Queen’s Park. Its backpack program already helps children and youth succeed in school. We are proud of the agency's success with respect to advocacy on the cost of power, and we share many values including respect, accountability, caring and collaboration."

Nick Lovell, chairman of the board for the United Way of Bruce Grey, said the agency has partnered with Bruce Grey Child and Family Services for many years, providing funding to the foundation since its inception, and prior to that, to the Children’s Aid Societies serving both Bruce and Grey counties.

"Together, we have helped the most vulnerable children and families in our region," he said. "Today, we are thrilled to announce that our role in this existing partnership is expanding, as the important work accomplished by the foundation will now be achieved under the United Way’s leadership."

Donations will help families in Bruce and Grey counties live in safe places for children to grow up. Funds will also help purchase things, such as cribs, car seats, spots in summer camps, snowsuits and spots in recreation programs, as well as other items urgently needed by families.

Some examples of supports provided:
 

• 156 children attended camp in the summer of 2017
• 251 children and youth received a backpack in 2017
• 699 children received snowsuits and winter coats last winter