MEDIA RELEASE November 18, 2023
Strong Play Awarded OTF Resilient Communities Grant to Support Vulnerable Youth and Seniors
Thornhill, ON: On Saturday, MPP Logan Kanapathi took part in a virtual meeting with representatives from Strong Play, a non-profit group that does vital work with vulnerable youth and senior communities in the area. During the call, MPP Kanapathi had the opportunity hear from Strong Play about the impact that their $149,900 Resilient Communities Fund grant has had with its work to reimagine and adapt its programs to be delivered virtually or as hybrid activities. The grant was awarded in 2022 and was part of a granting program to help non-profits across the province to rebuild and recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Community Fund grant of $149,900 to Strong Play is a testament to our community’s strength and adaptability in Markham-Thornhill,” said Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham-Thornhill, “This funding will enable innovative and inclusive programs for all ages, ensuring that our community emerges stronger and more connected. I am immensely proud of Strong Play’s commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents.”
Strong Play has continued its vital work with the vulnerable youth and senior communities in the region, providing support, education, and essential resources. The grant played a crucial role in supporting organizations engaged in community engagement, tourism, and recreation through a variety of attractions, experiences, programs, events, and activities.
“Strong Play is very grateful to have announced our participation with the Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Community Fund,” said Alexander Arthur, Manager of Strong Play. “This fund has helped us to continue to develop our online and in-person programs despite the various challenges faced by our communities during the pandemic. Our programs have provided youth and seniors with vital knowledge and fundamental skills across fitness, nutrition, and technology. OTF’s generous grant has been instrumental in enabling Strong Play to transform our programming delivery capacity, in the form of acquiring state-of-the-art interactive conferencing technologies, creating versatile spaces, and developing new and innovative programming to better serve youths and seniors, while ensuring Strong Play will continue to meet our communities’ ever-evolving needs,” added Arthur.
Strong Play’s mission is to enhance the sense of community, belonging, and well-being among vulnerable youth and senior populations. Over the course of the pandemic, Strong Play was honoured to have assisted 1,000 youth and seniors by providing access to educational programming that empowered individuals in these communities.
For more information about Strong Play, its activities, history in the community, and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.strongplay.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Strong Play
Email: [email protected]
