$45,000 COMMUNITY GRANTS AWARDED TO SUPPORT FLEXspace Project
Deseronto, ON – December 7, 2022
Today we are excited to announce that Deseronto Public Library has been awarded a grant of $45,000 to support the FLEXspace Project which will bring a flexible and modern programming space to the Deseronto Public Library.
The purpose of the FLEXspace is to refresh and redesign the back rooms of the Deseronto Public Library, which were previously used as the computer lab and archives area. The project will result in a new resource for the community and surrounding area that will empower residents to explore new skills, build upon existing experience, and future-proof the Deseronto Public Library for whatever the future may hold.
This grant is part of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s new L.E.A.F. (Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund). The company invited community groups from across Eastern, Central and Western Ontario to apply for a total of $300,000 in grants that focus on learning and building the skills and capacity of local communities.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this generous funding from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. The L.E.A.F. grant is helping us bring new resources and possibilities to the Deseronto Public Library and it cannot be understated how important education opportunities are for anyone at any age.” – Julie Lane, CEO/Librarian of the Deseronto Public Library.
A step beyond typical funding, The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. (Learning & Engagement Accelerator Fund) is supporting community projects that focus on learning new skills and building resiliency and capacity for the long-term health of the communities.
"We had almost 100 applications and they were all worthy of supporting. Making the selection was difficult, but we feel the 2022 L.E.A.F. grant recipients represent a very impressive range of community causes that will result in a long-term community investment by funding the sharing of knowledge.” said Tim Shauf, President and CEO of The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. “We are excited to see these programs and initiatives across Commonwell Country come to life and serve the people and communities for years to come.”
About the Deseronto Public Library:
The Deseronto Public Library has been serving the community of Deseronto as a public library since May 1st, 1896. Providing safe, inclusive, and inspiring opportunities and resources to the community and surrounding area is what drives the organization to fulfill its mission to be the doorway to life-long-learning for every citizen. You can learn more by visiting their website at deserontopubliclibrary.ca or by contacting Julie Lane, CEO/Librarian, at ceo@deserontopubliclibrary.ca or by phone at 613-396-2744.
About The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group:
Established January 1, 2014, The Commonwell is a merger of three longstanding mutual insurance companies built on more than a century of hands-on commitment to the local communities it serves. Since its founding eight years ago, The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group operates on the same historical premise as its three legacy companies – maintaining a focus on local presence and service that builds strong long-term relationships to benefit the greater community. You can learn more in the first annual Care To Grow Impact Report 2022.