FALL 2008  Grant Recipients

Sussex Area Community Foundation

distributes $8,000 in autumn grants

SUSSEX, NB – The Sussex Area Community Foundation (SACF) is building for the future with the latest grants to Kings County organizations during its autumn awards ceremonies.

Twenty people gathered at the Sussex Regional Library Nov. 26 to see eight groups receive $1,000 each during the second of two annual dispersals of funds. Demand for community funding continues to grow in the tightening economic scene as the foundation concludes its fourth year of grants.

“SACF was pleased to be able to help these organizations out but it should be noted that more than $130,000 was requested by 29 organizations last year. You can see that the need is there so it is very important that people consider giving to the Foundation so that we can meet more of these needs in our community,” chairman Richard Sullivan said.

Area children will get a solid start to their education thanks to SACF funding a variety of youth-oriented projects. From the Parent and Infant Learning series offered by the Preventative Action of Community Kids (P.A.C.K.) to hours of safe play through Apohaqui Elementary School’s Peaceful Playground initiative, SACF showed its support for young people both in and outside of the classroom. Still other recipients include Sussex Elementary School where students get extra encouragement and support through the Homework Club After School Program.

Children in need from Sussex to Moncton are enjoying healthy foods and warm winter clothing through the Danny and Jessica Angel Foundation. Judy Legere oversees the project named after her two grandchildren.

Grants to the $6 million Fundy Civic Centre and for a new digital ultrasound machine for the Sussex Health Centre will benefit the health and well being of all residents. The civic centre’s John Robinson said the committee is preparing the site and working to start construction in 2009. Sussex Health Centre fund-raising committee representative David Alexander announced the group has recently purchased the new diagnostic equipment that helps patients from expectant mothers to seniors.

When it’s time to relax, there will soon be new titles in the Sussex Regional Library audiobook collection to enjoy. Branch manager Fennella Brewer said this format of enjoying popular and classic works is a big hit with seniors, hospital patients and those with vision challenges.

The eighth grant will fund maintenance work at the Sussex Vale Transition House. This community venue shelters abused women and children and provides temporary housing for those in need.

The Sussex Area Community Foundation manages a capital fund of $1.5 million, with the interest from its investments disbursed around the greater Sussex area under the supervision of a volunteer board of directors. To learn more about the work of the SACF, visit the foundation’s web site at www.sacfi.org.