MIDDLESEX CENTRE
Ilderton ~ Denfield ~ Arva

2008 awards launch held
ILDERTON - Middlesex Mutual Insurance Company launched the beginning of the 2008 Spirit Awards with a BBQ at the office located in Ilderton last Thursday.
Paul Vandenbosch from the company’s Board of Directors started off the event saying that insurance is a part of what everyone in the community needs. That they want their role in the community to have an outward view so by giving this award out each year they are giving back to the community they serve.
They are giving an award of $7,500 to a non-profit or service community group. Last year there were 24 applicants to the programme with a total of $10,000 awarded.
The winners of last years award were the Day Centre at Craigwiel Gardens in Ailsa Craig and the Medical Centre in Parkhill. In 2006 the award winners were Victim Services of Middlesex county and VON of Middlesex and London. Each of the past winners of the award spoke at the BBQ telling about the benefits that the past contributions have done for their organization. The VON used the funds to build a training centre room big enough to accommodate 50 people, they use the room for senior fitness, to monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular education.
Victim Services used their funds to make the office more welcoming to clients and create a private place in the back for counselling so people would feel more comfortable. The visits to the Centre increased they feel because of this. The Day Centre at Craigwiel Gardens used the funds to buy an automatic exercise bike for stroke victims so the muscles in their legs do not atrophy. Beth Briemer Day Centre coordinator said the bike has been well accepted and used all the time. The Medical Centre in Parkhill used the grant to make the clinic more wheel chair accessible. The entrance to the building was redone with a ramp put in and the bathroom was made larger. The whole project was $22,000. They also received a grant from Farm Credit to complete the project.
Nancy Preston manager of Middlesex Mutual welcomes all organizations to apply. To be eligible the organization has to be non profit, can only receive the award once in ten years, will be based on received applications, have applied by the 30 June 2008 deadline, be supportive of community needs, be willing to make a presentation to board of directors and willing to be featured in future media and press releases.
Applications can be picked up at their office or you can apply on line at www.middlesexmutual.on.ca

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