$80,000 to Support Nipissing Legions
June 4, 2021NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing is pleased to announce that the Ontario government is providing over $80,000 to four area Royal Canadian Legions in Nipissing, through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant.
“While we work towards the province’s economic recovery, we’re proud to provide programs like the Ontario Small Business Support Grant that have made a positive contribution to our Royal Canadian Legions, here in Nipissing,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP of Nipissing. “Our government recognizes the tremendous value Legions provide to our Veterans and families by providing support and local community services.”
Four local Legions, that were required to shut their restaurants and halls down over the last several months, were eligible for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant funding, including:
- West Ferris Legion, Branch 599: $26,111.46
- Callander Legion, Branch 445: $23,684.60
- Powassan Legion, Branch 453: $20,000
- Mattawa Legion, Branch 254: $20,000
“Although our expenses were reduced, our income was also reduced significantly. The Ontario Small Business Support Grant allowed our Branch to continue to operate and support our Veterans and their families, remotely,” said Marc Picard, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 445 in Callander. “The funds have guaranteed that we were able to continue paying our fixed expenses, such as insurance, utilities, and telephone/internet, and ensured that we maintained contact with our members during these difficult times. Without this support from our Provincial Government, we would have been in dire financial troubles.”
“This funding is certainly going to be put to good use as we intend to have out building’s roof fixed. Thank you for this opportunity, and because of this, the Mattawa Legion will survive and still be here to help our veterans and the community,” said Diane Gallupe, Mattawa Legion, Branch 254 President. “We try and support our community in any way possible and this grant gives us that opportunity.”
“Life in our communities has had to virtually stand still during this pandemic. Revenues stopped or were severely limited, yet bills had to be paid, facilities maintained, and those in need of assistance still need our help. If it were not for the financial support through this funding, many more businesses would simply no longer exist. When it’s appropriate, our Legion will be able to open its doors and carry on its support of the community of Powassan,” said Ron Smith, President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 453 in Powassan.
“The members of our Branch are thankful for the small business grant money received from the provincial government. To date we have used the funds to offset the cost of utility bills. In addition, funds have been used to offset the costs of a full washroom renovation,” said Tod Russell, Secretary of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 599 in West Ferris.
Through the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, the Ontario government has provided $7.4 million in direct payments to our Legions. The grant provided help to small businesses that were required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.
Additional Information
- The Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant is now open until June 25, 2021 https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/otsb/#/