Rail trail advocates say renovations fall short

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June 30, 2021

Leona Carter doesn’t remember the crash: her friend, cycling with her along the Haliburton County Rail Trail in 2019, does. “She said we were just riding along and suddenly she saw me just go flying over the handlebars,” Carter said, standing on the rail trail near where the accident took place. After hitting a large rock protruding the trail’s packed down gravel, Carter hit the ground head-first and lost consciousness. She only remembers waking up in the back of an ambulance.

In late May, the County announced it would use provincial and federal funds to improve safety on the trail, which is used solely by snowmobiles in the winter and a mix of ATVs, pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians in the other seasons.

However, the Friends of the Rail Trail (FoRT) advocacy group say the renovations don’t fully address the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

“Trail surface has always been a matter of concern. We’d like to think this funding announcement is good news, but there are caveats,” wrote FoRT chairperson Pamela Marsales in an emailed statement.

“A surface treatment over an unstable base is like glossing over old, peeling paint.”

Funds from $196,616 which the County received as part of the Investing in Canada Plan will go towards gravel overlay on 30 kilometres of trail, new benches, 500 metres of barriers and numerous signs outlining the trail’s history and ecological habitats.

But cyclists such as Marsales and Carter say that more needs to be done.

They say loose gravel is a difficult surface to cycle on, and large puddles, washedaway sections of trail and uncovered rocks are causing people to turn away from the trail system.

In an interview on the trail, Marsales said she’s heard from “many, many people who said ‘oh I tried riding my bike on it once and the surface was so bad I’d never go back there again’.”

According to Marsales, FoRT was not contacted by Haliburton County before the County announced the planned renovations – nor were they consulted about what might improve a cycling experience.

“What I’d like to see is open communication about health and safety on this corridor,” Marsales said.

Robert Sutton, director of public works for the County of Haliburton, wrote in an emailed statement that the County “have and continue to have numerous conversations, presentations, etc. from various user groups and concerned stakeholders regarding the rail trail.”

The County is set to host a Haliburton County Rail Trail roundtable discussion this summer at an undecided date.

According to Sutton, the granular overlay and compaction is a proven method for increasing the safety of the trail and rideability for cyclists.

“The existing granular base followed by the placement and compaction of granite screenings,” Sutton wrote. “This treatment method has proven to be very effective for all users of this multi-use trail, including cyclists and pedestrians.”

Marsales said work on the trail so far hasn’t resulted in safer riding conditions.

“The problem has been right from the beginning – I’d say since about 2005,” Marsales said. “The surface hasn’t been safe or adequate for all levels of cycling ability.

Sutton wrote he had a staff member follow up with Marsales and FoRT to hear specific concerns about the planned work on the trail.

In an email, Joel Bocknek of the Haliburton ATV Association said that the gravel overlay and other renovations wouldn’t have “much of an impact” on their riding community.

Local clubs provide recipes for change

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Sam Gillett

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June 30, 2021

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A new cookbook fundraiser produced by local community clubs aims to celebrate local cuisine while raising money for a school half-way around the world.

The “From the Heart of Haliburton” cookbook is a collection of recipes gathered from community members and produced by Haliburton Highland Secondary School’s Interact club, the local Rotary branch and Rotaract community club.

All the proceeds of the book’s sales will go directly to buying new school supplies and equipment for a school in southern India.

“It will have a huge impact. It’s a very basic school, in a basic concrete building – the money will go very far,” said Christine Carr, faculty advisor for the club.

“It will really help them have a more conducive learning environment for the students,” Carr said.

Over the years, HHSS has developed a school-to-school relationship with Mahatma Gandhi Sishu Siksha Sadan School near Kolkata. Haliburton’s Rotaract club also has a relationship with the school.

So far, the project has been a roaring success: they’ve doubled the size of their cookbook order due to early interest. Logan

Heaven, head of communications for the HHSS Interact club, said the idea came about after the group was brainstorming fundraisers which might address COVID-19-induced boredom.

“Everyone’s looking for something to do: we thought cooking would be a fun thing to do,” Logan said.

After HHSS Interact club collected recipes from around their community and sold ads to local businesses, Rotaract stepped in to help produce and distribute the cookbooks.

Scott Walling, a local artist and presidentelect of the Rotaract club, illustrated the recipes and designed the cookbook with fellow Rotaract member Vivian Colling.

“It was a really nice collaborative effort, to be able to input my ideas, and have it work with what they were envisioning already, and have it come together quite nicely,” Walling said.

Interact club members went out and about in Haliburton collecting recipes; inside the cookbooks you’ll find everything from soups to scones. Cooks will also get to leave feedback: each recipe is accompanied by a five-star rating system to fill in.

“Some [recipes] in there, I’ve never heard of in my life,” Heaven said, mentioning he’s excited to try out a blueberry scone recipe.

“I’m not really a cooking guy,” Heaven said with a laugh. “It’s hard!”

Walling said that no matter the skill level, the cookbook is all about community and helping out a school in need.

“It’s totally accessible to most people as well – it’s a great way to be involved with the community and be involved in Haliburton,” Walling said.

Each cookbook is $20 – they’re expected to be available in the coming weeks. A link to order can be found on Rotaract’s Facebook page, RotaractHaliburtonHighlands

‘Rock ride’ cancer fundraiser rumbles into Highlands

By

Sam Gillett

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June 30, 2021

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A popular cancer fundraiser is expanding its annual two-wheeled photo hunt to the Haliburton Highlands.

Riders from around the province will be snapping selfies at notable Haliburton County locations – all while raising funds for cancer research.

The motorcycle-based Ride 4 Our Cancer Kids – called the Alphabet ROCK tour – has raised more than $500,000 for childhood cancer research centres across Canada since it began.

Since 2003, Bob Thomas and his family have been organizing the event since Thomas’ daughter, Samantha, passed away after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in 2002.

Motorcycle riders around Ontario raise funds while taking selfies in front of marked landmarks which correspond to letters. The rider with the most landmarks checked off, and the rider who raises the most, win prizes.

While Thomas lives in Sarnia, he spent much of his life in Wilberforce: this year, he’s expanding the event so that riders can explore the County’s roads while searching for landmark locations.

“The most beautiful roads in the province are up in Haliburton, Bancroft, Gravenhurst,” Thomas said.

There’s a fair number of riders who go up there on weekends and tour around,” Thomas said, “but I’ve never been able to bring that into the Rock Ride.”

Since COVID-19 meant the event is running virtually, all registration and fundraising takes place online: that means it’s easy for riders from anywhere near the landmark locations to take part.

Participants can snap selfies near the tank outside Haliburton’s legion, Cardiff’s dragonfly sculpture and many more local points of interest.

He said since the event is spaced out over multiple weeks, it’s the perfect year for Haliburton riders to get involved.

“This is the year built for them, up in that area,” Thomas said. “There’s so many roads out there to explore.”

He said he’s seen so many riders enthusiastically dive into fundraising – one participant has already raised more than $5,000 this year.

“Some people really get into it, and that’s awesome,” Thomas said. “Our participants really tend to take it to heart, and really get out there and fundraise.”

For 52 days this summer, from June 4 to June 30, and July 1 to 26, riders can tour the province finding the letter locations.

For every $25 raised and every photo at each landmark, participants get an entry into a draw for a $1,000 gas card. In place of the traditional event wrap-up, a virtual event will be held on July 31 to total up the amount raised.

So far this year, almost 50 riders have taken part: the fundraising goal is $30,000.

And no motorcycle is needed: this is the first year that cars can take part too.

“Anyone can do it,” Thomas said.

To learn more and register, visit rockride.com

Last roar – with pride – for Minden Lioness Club

By

Sam Gillett

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June 30, 2021

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After more than 35 years of community service, the Minden Lioness club is no more.

Lions International, the governing body of all Lions and Lioness clubs, announced they were cancelling Lioness club insurance effective July 1.

“We had no say,” said Lioness Janet Readman, current vice-president of the club. “Our members are sad.”

Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin said he hopes the club members can continue to work in the community – even after the Lioness club disbands.

“[Community groups] add all kinds of services and dimensions to our communities, to lose any of them is a tragic loss,” Devolin said.

Lions International has been gradually encouraging Lioness clubs to integrate into the main Lions club structure since 2018.

But for Readman, a Lioness in Minden since 1988, being a Lioness was a unique experience.

“We liked where we were,” Readman said, mentioning how the Lioness meeting schedule was easier to fit in her weekly schedule. “It worked out perfectly for us.”

Lioness Kelly Moore agreed. She said being a Lioness also meant being part of a tight-knit community.

“We didn’t take ourselves too seriously,” Moore said. “We were always joking around, it was just fun.”

While Lioness clubs began as a way for women, initially barred from becoming Lions, to serve their communities, it flourished into an international collection of clubs focused on small-scale fundraising projects and community initiatives.

Moore and Readman agree their most popular fundraiser was the annual Canada Day rubber ducky race.

“It was kind of the finale for Canada Day,” Moore said. Since 1990, the race drew large crowds who cheered on scores of yellow plastic ducks which floated down the Gull River.

All the money raised went back into Haliburton County services.

“We figured we raised the money in the community so we should keep the money in the community,” Moore said. ‘

Fall through the cracks’ fundraising

On a table in the Minden Lions Hall, Readman and Moore spread out photos and plaques from Lioness history. Smiling Lioness members are shown cooking meals together, posing with Santa and collecting money in nightgowns during the infamous Bedpan Blitz fundraiser.

Readman said the Lioness club worked hard as a team. One time, they spent all day rolling, cutting and baking pies in the local arena. “We were baking pies until we dropped,” Readman said with a smile.

While the club didn’t have the membership to host large fundraisers or lotteries, Readman said they focused on community causes that might otherwise “fall through the cracks.”

One year, the Lioness club donated money to a man who needed $75 for a heated blanket to stay warm in an unheated house.

Another Christmas, Readman remembers that they searched the community for a family who could use “a little extra help” buying gifts.

They often pitched in with delicious food – catering weddings, community functions and Lions meetings.

Both Lioness club members say raising money for a guide dog was one of their club’s biggest achievements.

“That was our big focus,” Readman said. “For years we put money aside.”

They finally hit the target: $6,000. “For this club that was a lot of money,” Readman said.

After the club folds, they’ll be on the hunt for a Haliburton County resident who needs a seeing eye dog: the funds are reserved for the purchase of their canine companion.

The club has been spending the past weeks and months clearing out their bank account. They’ve sent money to the local cadet branch, Haliburton Highlands Health Services, camps around the region and multiple families in need.

No matter what, said Readman, the Lioness legacy will live on.

“We made a pact, we’ll still meet together,” Readman said.

The club’s official history sums it up: “we are proud to be members of the Minden Lioness Club. We are only eight members, but we are mighty.”

Members of the Lioness club during its last year include: Pat Stiver, Moore, Readman, Deloris Bailey, Phyllis Sutherland, Greg Readman, Suzzane Best and Mary Scarr.

Fleming dean recognized for ‘selfless’ leadership

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Sam Gillett

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June 30, 2021

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Angela Pind, acting dean for the Haliburton School of Art and Design (HSAD), has won one of Fleming College’s new spotlight awards for promoting a “positive, equitable and supportive workplace culture.”

“I was super shocked,” Pind, who assumed the position last fall, said.

Five staff members are being celebrated for positive contributions to the school’s learning environment.

Pind started her position just as HSAD was entering one of its most precarous school years to date.

“The challenge is the uncertainty,” Pind said, explaining how COVID-19 influenced the faculty’s operations. “We always know and have a clear focus on the students and achieving the goals they have.”

Pind was quick to mention that her team of administrative and teaching staff are key to the school’s success.

“The people that I work with at Fleming, are just the hardest working people focused on our students,” she said.

Shelley Schell, the Haliburton campus operation manager, nominated Pind. She also predicted Pind would be quick to deflect the praise to her educational team members.

“That’s just the type of person she is,” Schell said. “[Pind] is absolutely inspiring in her abilities, in her commitment: she is so deserving of this award.”

Schell said there has been countless moments when Pind’s leadership has made a difference in the lives of her and her colleagues. “She supports everyone, and cares about everyone. She is so selfless in her approach.”

Helping guide the school through the pandemic required, in Schell’s words, Pind’s “extraordinary ability to grasp the big picture.” That involved implementing new safety protocols, helping faculty transition courses to virtual environments and more.

While she splits her time between Peterborough and Haliburton, Pind said she’s appreciated seeing how well staff integrate into the community.

“I think that what I observe in each of the staff there, is that they are Fleming employees: they are Haliburton [County] community members.”

Pind said that an especially gratifying part of the job in Haliburton County is also seeing her students become communityminded while they learn techniques of art and design.

“They’re learning that in the context of being a member of the community,” Pind said.

Pind herself has engaged with the community’s concerns: from gas station conversations about COVID-19 concerns to discussing community events at staff meetings.

Throughout the year, Pind said she developed ways to support staff and students with the waves of emotion surrounding COVID-19.

“It’s acknowledging that anxiety,” Pind said. She said that open communication – and lots of it – is her preferred method of leadership. “I think having an open door lets people bring in whatever they need to talk about.”

Archie Stouffer grads nailed resiliency

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 30, 2021

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By Kirk Winter

Archie Stouffer Elementary School in Minden hosted a virtual ceremony for their Grade 8 graduates June 21, featuring addresses by departing principal Jane Austin and valedictorian Emily Fitzell.

Dozens of deserving students were also recognized for their academic success, hard work, citizenship and willingness to help others.

Austin, who is moving to Ridgewood Elementary School in Coboconk this fall, reminded students that they were “transitioning from one part of their education to another.”

Austin spoke of choices the students will make and the impact those decisions will have on their future.

“Choices you make will lead you in directions you may have never imagined. The trick is to be confident and brave. Embrace opportunity. Look for adventure. Make the best choices with the information that you have and if you need more information take the time to seek it out so that you have what you need to make the best decision for you.”

Fitzell took the graduating class on a trip down memory lane in her address, reminding students of the shared experiences they have had together over the last 10 years. Fitzell spoke fondly of trips to the Yearley Outdoor Education Centre, sports that got a little too competitive, exploding pumpkins and the antics of friends that brought a smile to everyone’s faces.

“Archie (Stouffer) has not only taught us … math and science,” Fitzell continued, “but over these years has also taught us valuable lessons in patience, collaboration, courage, confidence, compromise, perseverance and responsibility. All of these have helped us prepare for the last year or so that no one could have predicted. We have gone from one routine to another, in school to online, over and over again. Just when we got used to one routine we would have to switch to another one. This, my classmates, has taught us resilience and we nailed it.”

The program was capped off by 25 different Archie Stouffer graduates being recognized with awards that included having an average of 75 per cent or greater, 80 per cent or greater and individual subject recognition for excellence in the arts, mathematics, English, French, science, geography and history. Nicole Lee was the only dual-subject winner being recognized for proficiency in French and the arts.

Awards

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Grade 8 honours awards with the following students being selected by staff as deserving:

• Academic Excellence Award – Logan Beers, Emily Fitzell, Nicole Lee, Alissa Mantle.

• Alan Walker Memorial Award for demonstrated citizenship – Miles Bascombe.

• Character Education Award – Adam Davis, Quinn Higgins.

• Sarah Bloomfield Award presented to a student who is always a spark in the classroom – Andy Lippolis.

• Principal All-Round Student Award for a student who has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, citizenship and extra-curricular activities – Emery Bagshaw.

• Arcadia Masonic Lodge Award for students who have worked hard to succeed—Dalton Fairey, Aaron Neave.

J.D. Hodgson graduation a two-day celebration

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 30, 2021

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By Kirk Winter

Students at J. Douglas Hodgson Elementary School in Haliburton were treated to a special graduation experience this year. It began with a virtual recorded graduation and awards ceremony posted to the school’s website June 22. Festivities concluded June 23 when grads and guests came to the school one at a time by appointment for a photo-op, to receive their diploma, awards and a gift from the school.

The taped presentation featured addresses by principal David Waito, trustee Gary Brohman, valedictorian Teagan Hamilton and a special message from newly enshrined Haliburton Sports Hall of Fame athlete Taly Williams who also spoke on behalf of his sister Lesley Tashin who will be joining him on the outside wall of the A.J. LaRue Arena.

Waito told students, “Grade 8 graduation is a rite of passage, marking a time when we formally leave one stage of life and enter into another. In our culture, Grade 8 graduation is often regarded as the end of childhood and the beginning of adolescence when our youth take a significant step towards adulthood. This is certainly something to celebrate and so we hope that wherever you are, whoever you are with, that you are celebrating today.”

The principal’s message also directly addressed the disappointment many graduates are feeling about a year truncated by COVID-19.

“I know that this is not likely the Grade 8 year or graduation you imagined it might be. It is OK to be disappointed if you are. I also wish we could celebrate differently together, and there are many things about this pandemic that are just not fair.”

Valedictorian Teaghan Hamilton also spoke of the impact the pandemic has had on the graduating class.

“This past year has been one like no other. We have all lost something to this pandemic, but we have made it so far we can make it to the end. We may not have had the last year of elementary school look the way that we thought it would look but we still managed to have fun while still following all the safety measures.”

Hamilton congratulated all of the JDH graduates saying, “I know this is probably not what you imagined for your Grade 8 graduation … you have all worked so hard to get here. There may have been some times when you never thought you would get here but you did.”

Dozens of graduates were recognized for excellence in visual arts, media arts, drama, English, French, geography, history, math, music, health and physical education, science, dance and core French.

Cheyenne Degeer led the pack with excellence in five subjects followed by Sierra Moore, Parker Pietryszyn and Annabelle Borgdorff who were each recognized in four individual subjects.

The awards were divided into six categories covering the gamut of student strength and abilities, and the following students were announced as winners:

• Academic Excellence: Graydon Kubinec, Cheyenne Degeer and Teagan Hamilton.

• Outstanding Distinction for students who are well rounded academically, extra-curricularly and demonstrate good citizenship and leadership – Hannah Sharp, Sierra Moore and Parker Pietryszyn.

• Citizenship Award for helpful and pleasant individuals who always go beyond what is asked of them – Jackson Titus, Erika Hoare and Beckham Reynolds.

• OPC Award for students who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their class and community – Annabelle Borgdorff and Colby Coumbs.

• Rising Star for students who have demonstrated notable academic growth – Braiden Bailey, Isaac Lee and Nathan Morrison.

• Jaguar Spirit Award for demonstrating exceptional resilience and compassion, and effectively bringing people a sense of togetherness during the pandemic – Magnum Moshenko.

High notes not high prices for Opera Studio

By

Sam Gillett

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June 30, 2021

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The Highlands Opera Studio is partnering with accomplished local vocalists to provide pay-what-you-can singing lessons over Zoom.

Whether an aspiring pop singer or a practiced choir member looking to try out a new style, the half-hour lessons are open to any, at whatever rate they can pay.

“I think that singing is something that should be for everyone – it shouldn’t just be for people that can afford exorbitant prices,” said Lauren Margison, a singer who’ll be teaching with the studio.

The project was made possible through a Local Initiative Project (LIP) Grant distributed by the Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC).

Margison is an award-winning soprano who tours internationally and has shared the stage with Gordon Lightfoot and Rufus Wainright. She studied with Elaine Overholt, a vocal instructor who worked on Broadway blockbusters such as Chicago and Hairspray.

Each one-on-one lesson will begin with general introductions.

“It would be starting off with a Zoom consultation,” Margison said. “[I’ll] figure out what sort of genre and what their goals would be.”

Then, from her Zoom screen she’ll sing alongside her students, whether beginners or seasoned crooners, and offer pointers from her career.

“I’ve picked up these vocal tidbits,” Margison said.

But what if the thought of singing in front of a professional seems intimidating?

“I would say, give it a chance,” Margison said. “I am possibly one of the least judgemental people in the world. I make it a very, very welcoming experience.”

Valerie Kuinka, general & co-artistic director of Highlands Opera Studio, said she hopes the lessons can also alleviate the lingering mental health effects of COVID19.

“The ability to have fun together or alone by expressing oneself through the act of making music is a celebration of the human spirit and can be essential to mental health,” wrote Kuinka in a press release.

And the project comes as the musical world is emerging from a difficult past 14 months.

“It’s been really hard,” Margison said. While she hasn’t been able to tour or do shows, she said she’s enjoyed spending more time with her parents and becoming rooted in her surroundings – she splits her time between Minden and Stouffville.

During that time, she said she’s been finding some of her own inspiration in Canadian classics.

“I seem to be listening a lot to Canadian folk singers – the golden age of Canadian folk singers,” said Margison. “Because we are here in Canada, I’ve been lucky enough to look at the pandemic more philosophically. I’ve really kind of gravitated to loving where I am and loving the natural world.”

Now, she’s excited to share her love of singing with new and experienced singers alike over Zoom.

Pay-what-you-can lessons will be available until March 2022. People also have the option to sponsor lessons for others.

Those interested can email lauren@ highlandsoperastudio.com

All eyes on new Haliburton optometrists

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Lisa Gervais

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June 30, 2021

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By Lisa Harrison

Highlanders have more options to see clearly now that two optometrists have joined Haliburton Vision Care Centre.

Amardeep Bhogal and her husband, Kinderpal Singh, hail from Ontario and England. Singh has completed the International Optometric Bridging Program at the University of Waterloo.

“We’re excited to have the new doctors join our team at Haliburton Vision Care,” said Lauren Wilson, co-owner of the centre with her husband, Brett.

“They are very knowledgeable and … very nice people and have such positive attitudes on helping people and making sure they get the best possible care.”

Bhogal said she and her husband are “very excited to be here in the community.”

“We are looking forward to bringing our skills and experience to the practice to help provide our patients with professional and courteous care. We are continuously updating our professional knowledge to help provide the best service we can.”

The couple joins the centre’s optician, Elsie Deocampo, to round out the team. Bhogal and Singh will be at the centre on Mondays and Fridays. Evening appointments are available.

Bhogal received a B.Sc. with honours from Western University in London, Ontario and obtained her doctor of optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts in 2014. She has worked across the Greater Toronto Area since then and is also qualified to practice in England, where she worked in 2017.

“I always felt like vision was such a critical component of our day-to-day lives,” said Bhogal of the reason for her career choice.

“While in school, I enjoyed the physics and anatomy of the eye and was amazed with the connection to the brain. I felt like optometry was a great profession where I would have direct patient connections, while making a meaningful impact.”

Singh obtained a B.Sc. in Optometry with honours from the University of Bradford, England in 2013 and completed his clinical training near London, England. Family experiences led him to this career.

“Eye disease was very prominent in my family and I experienced first hand the effects it has on a person’s day-to-day quality of life,” said Singh.

“Accompanying my family members to all of their appointments really sparked an interest in optometry for me, which led me to where I am today.”

That route included independent work throughout England and attending and organizing international outreach trips to communities in need in countries such as Ethiopia, Greece, Lebanon and India.

Singh and Bhogal currently live north of Toronto and will commute for now. They’re familiar with cottage country, spending much of each summer in Muskoka, and look forward to experiencing the Highlands.

“We love being in nature and are avid travellers,” said Bhogal. “We enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing and gardening. We definitely believe the Highlands will accommodate our interests.”

Haliburton Vision Care Centre is located at 7217 Gelert Rd. next to LifeLabs in Haliburton. For more information or to book an appointment, visit haliburtonvisioncare.com or call 705-457- 9500

Point in Time AGM hears about extraordinary year

By

Sam Gillett

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June 30, 2021

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It was a year like no other for the Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth and Parents.

At the organization’s second virtual annual general meeting June 22, executive director Marg Cox thanked staff and board members for their work during extraordinary times.

“Everyone’s been feeling the pressure. I thank the staff so much for rising to the occasion,” Cox said.

The meeting was a chance for members to hear from the organization’s board, and take stock of a year where virtual program delivery took centre stage.

“We know that COVID has been hard on everyone,” Cox said. “We know that it’s really been a time where more people have been talking about their mental health.”

According to Point in Time, youth who received support from the centre reported that education and mental health was the biggest impact of the pandemic on their lives.

The centre reports that 201 teens attended the Haliburton Youth Hub in 2020, 209 children and families received counselling services, and 210 children received service from early intervention workers. Thirteen youth were supported through the youth justice centre and 30 kids attended last summer’s day camp program. Altogether, 769 children and youth attended Point in Time services throughout the year.

According to surveys, 100 per cent of youth served and 90 per cent of caregivers were satisfied with Point in Time’s services.

Cox explained how the centre’s staff all completed anti-oppression training and antiracism training in the past year. They’ve also begun trauma-informed training.

Thanks to community fundraising, Point in Time hit a fundraising milestone of $100,000 in their push for enhanced internet services for County teens.

The organization’s yearly audit was marked “clean,” meaning no noticeable accounting mistakes or risky financial practices. Point in Time is primarily funded by the Ministry of Health which contributed $1,191,137 this past year.

In total, the organization’s revenues increased: they reported $2.9 million in revenue, up from $2.5 million in the previous fiscal year.

In 2020, The Ministry of Health funded the organization with $97,529 in COVID-19 funding as well as $4,637 in grants funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.