It’s going to be another warm winter for Royal City Mission thanks to provincial funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The downtown charity received a $139,000 capital grant from the foundation to replace its failing boiler system.
The new boiler system replaces aging equipment that last winter operated at only 50 per cent capacity, putting the mission’s ability to serve over 2,300 individuals annually at risk, according to a news release.
“Our old system was failing, and repairs were no longer enough,” said executive director Kevin Coghill in the release. “Thanks to OTF’s support, we now have a reliable solution that lets us focus on caring for our community.”
The project and funding was announced on Sunday with MPP Mike Schreiner during RCM’s 'Do You Hear What I Hear: The Gift of Listening' event, an evening of music and storytelling to celebrate the holidays and recognize the completion of the project.
“I am grateful to the Royal City Mission for providing a welcoming place for people experiencing homelessness,” Schreiner said. “I hear from many constituents who are concerned about how unhoused people will stay warm and safe over the winter. This capital grant is vital to helping the drop-in and meal programs remain open.”
The OTF aims to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province, last year investing more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships.
