A dedicated giving circle, “100 People Who Care Brant”, raised $26,565 in 2024 to support three local charities addressing pressing community needs in Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River. The group, composed of ordinary citizens pooling their charitable donations, continues to make a significant impact by providing one-time financial boosts to organizations tackling urgent challenges.
In the spring of 2024, Brant Food for Thought received $9,500 to strengthen Student Nutrition Programs across four local schools. The funds enabled the purchase of commercial refrigerators for North Ward School, Sacred Heart School, and Burford District Elementary School, as well as two Vitamix blenders for Cobblestone Elementary School’s smoothie program. The donation directly supported children’s access to nutritious meals, enhancing their ability to focus and succeed academically.
Willowbridge Community Services in Brantford received $7,560 in the summer of 2024, which allowed the organization to provide rapid-access counselling to 47 community members in crisis. The program offers immediate, solution-focused therapy to individuals facing urgent challenges, equipping them with safety plans and actionable goals. “We are humbled and excited to continue providing this critical service to community members in need,” said Devon Atherton, Communications & Project Manager at Willowbridge.
In its final donation of the year, the Salvation Army Brantford-Paris Food Bank was awarded $9,505 following an urgent appeal in August 2024. The food bank faced an unprecedented shortage, forcing it to close early for the first time in nearly 20 years. The timely donation helped restock shelves and resume critical services for families in need. “One of the great strengths of this group is how quickly we can respond to the needs of local organizations,” said Sarah Disher-Neddow, a member of 100 People Who Care Brant.
100 People Who Care Brant operates with a simple model: members contribute between $75 and $300 annually in three payments. These pooled donations create significant, immediate impact for local charities.
To learn more about 100 People Who Care Brant or to get involved, visit www.100peoplewhocarebrant.ca or email 100whocarebrant@gmail.com.
