MEDIA RELEASE
OTF Grant contributes to the improvement of the ventilation’s system at the Leamington and District Half Century Centre
Leamington –Following a grant of $5,800 from The Ontario Trillium Foundation, (OTF), the Leamington and District Half Century Centre was able to improve their ventilation system. Ceiling fans were installed along with moving the duct work around to allow for safe reopening. The Leamington Half Century Centre is a place for older adults to enjoy a variety of activities such as shuffleboard, darts, line dancing, card playing as well as large dinner parties and performances. The Centre also offers outreach programs to the entire community. These include Diabetes Wellness Classes and Support Group, Parkinson’s Exercise &Support Group, Income Tax Clinics among others.
Recognizing the grant, Rick Nicholls, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington said “Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s grant, Leamington and District Half Centre is now able to ensure a safe reopening to deliver their programming to seniors. Proper ventilation can make a world of difference when heating and cooling buildings, but also when trying to limit the spread of COVID-19. Upgrading the ceiling fans and rearranging the duct work to have proper air flow will help minimize COVID-19 transmission in addition to keeping the room at a constant temperature.”
Unluckily due to COVID-19 restrictions, a public unveiling of the updated ventilation system is not allowed at this time. “During this period of shutdown, we continue to make improvements to the building to ensure the safety of our members upon return. We are looking forward for our members returning as soon as the Health Unit gives us approval. Until then, we are open to assist low income individuals with Income Tax Returns and registering people for vaccinations.” stated Christine Lehn, Executive Director, Leamington and District Half Century Centre
Reflecting on the impact of the grant and the significance of the Leamington & District Half Century Centre in the community, Christine Lehn added “The impact of the grant cannot be underestimated. We currently have approximately 275 members and are always welcoming more. The Centre is very important in reducing social isolation.”
The Leamington and District Half Century Centre is a multi-purpose, community-oriented non-profit centre aimed at keeping older adults active, well, and living independently. We provide social, recreational, and educational programs and activities for people aged 50 and older, and opportunities for volunteering time and services.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.
Media Contact
Christine Lehn, Executive Director
Leamington and District Half Century Centre
519-326-252
Leamington and District Half Century Centre
160 Talbot St. E., Leamington, ON, N8H 1M2
Tel: 519-326-2521 Fax: 519-326-2348
email: halfcenturycentre@cogeco.net
www.halfcenturycentre.ca