OLDS — A total of $75,000 worth of Mountain View Power spring community grants has been divided up between five Olds and area organizations.
The money is derived from profits obtained by town-owned Mountain View Power via the MVP Community Grant Program.
Decisions regarding which groups receive money and how much they receive are made by a local grant committee and approved by town council.
This latest disbursement is the largest amount given so far in one term, a town news release says.
Eleven eligible funding applications were received. The total amount of money requested by applicants in the spring session was $223,500 but only $75,000 was available to be disbursed to community organizations.
Kirsten’s Place, the emergency shelter currently under construction in Olds for the Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society, received the largest grant.
They were granted $35,000. It will be used to buy mattresses, bed frames and bedding essentials as well as furniture for bedrooms in the facility.
“It is anticipated that they will be providing safety to 306 individuals per year,” the release says.
The École Olds High School Leadership group received $20,000 toward creation of a You Matter Outdoor Wellness Space on high school property.
“This student-led initiative will create a ‘You Matter’ area on the high school property, consisting of a concrete pad and sidewalk with an accessible picnic table. This is intended to further positive mental health in the school,” the news release said.
The Kiwanis Club of Olds was granted $10,000 to go toward creation of a warming shack at Centennial Park.
“This facility will enhance the use of the new outdoor rink year-round by providing a space to change footwear for skaters and pickle ball players and offering shelter in the winter,” the news release said.
“The additional tables and benches will offer space for small community gatherings and family parties.”
The Reed Ranch School Parent Advisory Council received $5,000 toward costs to build a new playground at the kindergarten to Grade 6 school, located about 17 kilometres east of Olds.
The Rotary Club of Olds was granted $5,000 to go toward creation of a fenced “food forest” north and east of the Rotary Athletic Park that surrounds Olds Creek.
Funds will be used to purchase perimeter fence and signage as well as various fruit trees/berry bushes and landscaping materials.
The grants announced above were made in the third round of approvals since the program was established in June, 2023.
So far, the program has invested $197,000 back into the community.
