Events

Brant Community Foundation Events

Celebrating Community Changemakers

On May 5, 2026, the Brant Community Foundation hosted our Celebrating Community Changemakers event – an afternoon dedicated to recognizing the remarkable contributions of our fundholders, charities, community leaders, and volunteers. Guests heard inspiring remarks from fundholders, charitable organizations supported through Foundation funding, and members of the BCF leadership team highlighting the collective impact being made throughout our community.

Paula Thomlison, BCF Board Member and Grants Committee Chair welcomed everyone to the reception, sharing with the attendees – “I want to be clear about who the changemakers in the room actually are – they are all of you.” BCF Board Chair Jayne Carman provided a description of the Foundation’s growth since its establishment in 1997, from the first grants in 2001 totalling $103,000 to last year’s grants of $1,500,000. She introduced Donald Wilkin, who along with his wife Jo-Anne have created three unique funds over the last 15 years, supporting a wide range of charities and causes. Mr. Wilkin shared his inspiring story of why he and Jo-Anne chose to support their charities through creating funds at the Brant Community Foundation.

Representatives from two of the 99 local charities who received grants in 2025/26 shared their stories of community impact. Rita-Marie Hadley, Executive Director of the Lansdowne Children’s Centre described the incredible support and programming Lansdowne provides to infants, children and youth with additional and / or complex health and development needs, as well as their families and caregivers. Her speech underscored that support from donors and community grants, including from the Brant Community Foundation, is pivotal for ensuring these programs remain available and accessible to those who need them.

The attendees then heard from Heather Vanner, Executive Director of Community Resource Service, which operates the Brantford Food Bank. She emphasized the urgent issue of food insecurity, noting that it affects 1 in 4 households in our region. Her speech highlighted the vital role of donors, including grants through the Brant Community Foundation, in ensuring the Brantford Food Bank is stocked with food and other essential household items for those accessing their services.

Anne Marie Peirce, Executive Director of the Brant Community Foundation, provided the final speech of the event. She recognized the efforts of those who laid the groundwork of the Brant Community Foundation. Her words then turned to the future and protecting the long view. “Wherever this community hurts, and wherever it dreams, we intend to show up. The needs of 2030 will not look like the needs of today. Our grant-making will keep evolving to meet those needs.”

The Brant Community Foundation extends a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the Celebrating Changemakers Reception – we truly appreciate everything you do to create positive change in our community!