Media Releases

Town of Amherst hands out Community Support Grants

Just under $98,000 in Community Support and ‘A’ Fresh Start Initiative grants were handed out by the Town of Amherst on Wednesday, July 10, to 30 organizations that help make Amherst a great place to live, work and play.

“It is organizations like the ones here tonight that help to make the Town of Amherst a strong, caring community,” said Mayor David Kogon, who along with other members of council, handed out the grants.

“Amherst couldn’t function without these very active community organizations. Their work, whether with children or adults, is priceless to this community. Their incredible contribution is one of the main reasons this town can encourage others to see why we love it.”

Kogon noted the town always receives more requests than it can fulfill.

“We would really like to do more, but budgetary constraints prevent us from doing so,” he said.

Receiving Community Support Grants were:

 - Amherst Little League Baseball Association, $2,000 to support its T-ball and Little League programs, which they offer to area children at no costs.

- Autumn House, $10,000, to assist them in their efforts to support victims of family violence.

- Cumberland Early Intervention Program, $500, to assist them with their Cumberland Smile and Shine program.

- Cumberland County Museum, $8,500, to assist them repair the museum’s front deck and to assist with the hosting of the Enemy Aliens exhibit.

- Cumberland County Seniors Safety Society, $6,500, in support of the many programs they offer to area seniors.

- Sexual Health Centre of Cumberland, $500, to assist them in running their program.

- Amherst Food Assistance Network, $2,000, to assist them in providing food to needy residents.

- Cumberland Y Service Club, $2,000, to assist them in running the Cross-border Challenge.

- Fibre Arts Festival of Nova Scotia, $2,500, to help them host the Fibre Arts Festival.

- Knights of Columbus, $300, to help them host the 2019 Knights of Columbus provincial bowling tournament.

- Lillian Allbon Animal Shelter, $360, to help them with their Spring Tea.

- Maggie’s Place, $10,000, to assist them in running their many programs that benefit people of all ages.

- Nova Scotia Community College, $20,000, for the NSCC Make Way Campaign, which provides assistance to students in financial need.

- Nova Scotia Health Authority Community Rehab, $1,500, to assist in the transportation of seniors to their programs.

- Pay it Forward Pantry, $1,000, to assist in stocking the pantry in Rotary Park.

- Phoenix Cheer and Tumbling Club, $500, for the purchase of equipment.

- Showcase Productions, $1,000, to assist in the operation of a summer theatre music camp.

- Amherst Artisan Gallery, $400, to assist in hosting the gallery’s jam sessions.

- Amherst Community Christmas Dinner, $1,500, to assist in hosting a Christmas Dinner.

- Amherst Fire Fighters Association, $5,000, to help host the Maritime Regional Fire Fit event.

- Royal Canadian Legion Br. 10 Amherst, $2,000, to assist in the purchase of replacement flags and poles.

- Amherst Sport and Social League, $500, to assist in the purchase of Amherst Sport and Social League logo designs and T-shirts.

- Bordertown Biker Bash, $2,500, to assist in hosting the fifth annual Biker Bash Festival.

- Canadian Cancer Society, $1,800, to assist in hosting the Relay for Life event.

- Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary, $500, to help host the Highland Fling.

- Amherst & Area Tae Kwon-Do Parents Association, $500, to assist them host the Maritime Open Martial Arts Championship.

Receiving ‘A’ Fresh Start Initiative grants were:

- Autism Nova Scotia Cumberland Chapter, $1,816.80, to help add a Lego Zone to their annual Walk for Autism.

- Multicultural Association of Cumberland, $2,966.40, to assist them in promoting diversity and multiculturalism.

- Lillian Allbon Animal Shelter, $3,120, to assist the host the Creepy Carnival Monster Bash.

- The Cumberland African Nova Scotia Association, $3,200, to support Multicultural Day activities.

- Eat Plants-Run Wild, $1,920, to assist in hosting the Amherst Ultra Fun Run.

The amounts received by those getting the ‘A’ Fresh Start Initiative grants are 80 per cent of the approved amount. The organization will get the remainder upon completion of their event and the filing of a financial statement.