On Tuesday, MPP Bob Bailey met with representatives of the Moore Agricultural Society, home of the Brigden Fair, to celebrate the $118,100 the organization received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation through two grants awarded in 2021.
“Thanks to the invaluable support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Moore Agricultural Society will be able to attract new visitors and inform the public about upcoming community events,” said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton, in a press release.
“For nearly 175 years, the Moore Agricultural Society and the Brigden Fair have provided agricultural programs to enhance the quality of rural and urban life through positive community leadership. It is an honor to recognize their fine work through this OTF funding.”
The first grant, the $68,100 Resilient Communities Fund, was awarded in March 2021.
It enabled the Moore Agricultural Society to develop a stronger digital presence at the fairgrounds by funding the purchase of touchless electronic equipment and LED signage.
The digital signage was placed along the main highway to bring awareness of activities and safety alerts to urban and rural residents, benefiting both the Moore Agricultural Society and other community agencies.
The second grant, the $50,000 Community Building Fund – Operating stream grant, was awarded in August 2021.
It funded the rehiring of staff and the purchase of personal protective equipment and touchless sanitizing dispensers to ensure the safety of staff and guests during the pandemic.
The Moore Agricultural Society (MAS) develops programming and provides a multi-functional facility for activities and entertainment to enrich rural life, shared heritage, and rich cultural diversity.
They host the Brigden Fair, which attracts 50,000-60,000 guests, along with life celebrations, 4-H clubs, youth programs, equine shows, agricultural/homecraft competitions, musical jamborees/events, walking clubs, church and school programs. MAS also makes yearly donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Food Banks, Bluewater Health Unit, Women’s Interval Home, Lambton County Nursing homes, and HIV/AIDS awareness projects.
Additionally, they serve as a “safe haven/warming/cooling site” and are part of the St. Clair Township Emergency Response Plan.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, is celebrating 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.
