Canada 150th Committee Administrative Coordinator Heather Lorenz takes her first selfie with Saugeen Shores Celebrates Canada’s 150 Adhoc Committee members and sponsors at the Southampton Town Hall May 31.

Hub Staff

The Saugeen Shores Celebrates Canada’s 150th Ad Hoc Planning Committee received a big boost of community support from sponsorships totalling $31,938. Saugeen Shores Celebrates events are taking place June 30 through July 2 in Southampton under the big flag and the Canada 150th Beach Blast in Port Elgin July 8 with organizers hoping to thrill the community.

Heather Lorenz, Administrative Coordinator for the Committee said in a June 1 media release that they’re fortunate to receive the funding. “Sponsorship support of these local community events celebrating Canada’s sesquicentennial has come from several corporate community sponsors and we are here to recognize them and highlight their gifts to our community events,” she said.

Sponsors included Bruce Power, $20,000; Ontario Power Generation, $7,500; Bruce Telecom, $1,000 plus selfie-sticks; the Southampton Residents’ Association, $1,000 towards picnic tables; The Society of Energy Professionals, $5,000; and the Community Foundation Grey Bruce, whose total was unavailable at the time of publishing.

Funding from Bruce Power, OPG and The Society of Energy Professionals will be used to help fund the two weekends of events and entertainment with a portion of these funds being used to enhance the July 1 Canada Day fireworks show.

Bruce Telecom’s donation will go towards a colouring mural that will be located at both Port Elgin and Southampton locations, as well as supplying Wifi to both event heritage tents and hosting the “Selfie Zone” in Southampton from June 30 through July 2.

“We’re very thankful,” said Neil Menage on May 31 at a cheque presentation at the Southampton Town Hall. He added that the donations are going to make the July 1 fireworks better than they’ve ever been as well as give the committee an opportunity to make the Beach Blast and Rotary Ribfest in Port Elgin on July 8 very entertaining.

Saugeen Shores Celebrates Canada’s 150th Committee has also been awarded a Community Foundation Grey Bruce grant for the Children’s Heritage Day events taking place in Southampton July 2 at the Heritage tent.

“Throughout the Canada 150th events any funds raised by the Canada 150th Committee will be put towards a Canada 150th Legacy Project,” said Menage, adding that the project was still being determined but announcements will be made once the 150 events were completed. “You name it, we’re interested in it.”

Bruce Power Communication Specialist Christine John (bottom right) presented $20,000 to Canada 150th Committee Administrative Coordinator Heather Lorenz May 31. From left, Canada 150th Adhoc Committee members Joanne Robbins, Jack Drury, Faye Menage, Neil Menage, Ann Marie Johnston and David Lennon (right).

Lynda Cain of Ontario Power Generation (red hat) donated $7,500 on behalf of OPG to the 150th Committee May 31. From front left, Joanne Robbins with Heather Lorenz accepting the donation. Back right, David Lennon, Faye Menage, Connie Barker, Neil Menage, Ann Marie Johnston, and Jack Drury.

Stephanie Brunato (bottom right) and Dan Waechter (centre) of Bruce Telecom donated $1,000 plus selfie sticks to the 150th Committee which were accepted by Heather Lorenz, May 31. From left, Joanne Robbins, David Lennon, Faye Menage, Neil Menage, Ann Marie Johnston and Jack Drury.

Ann Marie Johnston of the 150th Committee, also a member of the Southampton Residents’ Association, donated $1,000 on the Association’s behalf May 31.