The Oxford Community Foundation (OCF) is dedicated to making Oxford a better place for everyone. In 2024, the Foundation granted $216,203 to 54 charitable organizations and 22 students pursuing post-secondary education, bringing its total grants to over $2 million to more than 115 registered charities. These numbers go beyond statistics—they reflect real lives changed and renewed hope.
Local legacy funds allow donors to ensure their contributions stay within Oxford, with $163,878 granted from 40 local funds. In addition to keeping resources within the community, OCF also brings funding to Oxford. In 2024, $52,325 was granted through the Canada Summer Games Fund and the Maple Leaf Community Fund in honor of Harvey and Erma Beaty, supporting vital food security programs.
We’re honored to support community-driven initiatives throughout Oxford, and we hope the impact stories that follow inspire you.
ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE
Arts, culture, and heritage are vital to the vibrancy of our community, transforming spaces and enhancing quality of life. A diverse arts scene and the preservation of cultural heritage foster creativity, connection, and inclusivity, while offering opportunities to celebrate unique identities. This diversity strengthens community pride, as residents feel a deeper connection to their surroundings and a sense of ownership over their local identity. Engaging with cultural events boosts satisfaction and helps build a positive, resilient, and connected community.
THE INGERSOLL CREATIVE ARTS CENTRE
A $1,000 grant from the Ken & Lynda Whiteford Fund supported Inspired Connections: Art Therapy for Mentorship & Creativity, a special art-based event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County. With six mentor/mentee pairs participating, the event successfully used art as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression, strengthened relationships through shared creative experiences, and provided a fun, supportive environment to help reduce stress and promote well-being. Participants explored alcohol inks, experimenting with colour mixing and chemical reactions to create unique prints, and tried jelly-like printing plates. These beginner-friendly lessons were chosen to foster creativity, encourage self expression and expose participants to the new forms of visual art in an inclusive environment.
Good physical and mental health are key to improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. By promoting and adopting healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, individuals are less likely to develop preventable health issues. Access to healthcare services plays a crucial role in supporting these practices and ensuring timely treatment. When people stay healthy, they not only enjoy better well-being but also ease the burden on the healthcare system, helping the entire community thrive. In short, fostering health and wellness benefits both individuals and society as a whole.
THEATRE WOODSTOCK: LIVE ORCHESTRA FOR THE CABARET PERFORMANCE
A $2,500 grant from the William & Mary Mackesy Fund and $3,200 from the B&R George Cultural Fund supported the live orchestra for the Cabaret performance. Coordinated by Chuck Baxter, musical director, the orchestra was composed of eight full instrumentalists. Three of those individuals were also actors in the show, often scooting out from behind the curtain to play in the orchestra. Cabaret ran eight sold-out, public performances. It was an incredibly special show, and the orchestra took it to another level and elevated theatre in Oxford County. “Once in a while you come across a performance that blurred the lines between professional and community theatre…this was one of those shows.” The musical director has been nominated for a Western Ontario Drama League Award along with fifteen other awards for the show.
ADDITIONAL ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE GRANTS:
• $500 to The Grand Theatre Youth Program from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $29,800 to K2K Productions from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $500 to Stratford Festival from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $500 to Woodstock Art Gallery from Ross & Fran McElroy Fund
HEALTH & WELLNESS
SELAH TREATMENT CENTRE
Grants of $1,500 from the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce Community Fund, $1,200 from the Donald Post Community Fund and $370 from the Dolson Family Fund supported the Addictions Programs Enhancement. The program has improved addiction services by expanding therapists’ expertise through specialized continuing education. This training builds on existing skills, equipping therapists with evidence based techniques that improve outcomes, reduce relapse rates, and address the growing demand for qualified addiction professionals. The initiative also fosters greater awareness, reduces stigma, and strengthens community support systems, leading to a more compassionate response to substance use disorders. These improvements directly benefit clients, their families, and Oxford County residents, enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, by providing essential mental health and substance abuse support, the program contributes to efforts to reduce homelessness in Oxford County, offering individuals a path to recovery and stability.
DAYSPRING PREGNANCY & FAMILY SUPPORT CENTRE
Grants included $1,000 from the Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund for general initiatives, and $5,110 from the Maple Leaf Community Fund, in honor of Harvey & Erma Beaty, to support the Baby Brunch program. This program educates parents on choosing healthy, budget-friendly foods and addresses food security for families with young children facing financial hardship. Operating monthly in Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Tillsonburg, the grant allowed the purchase of 40 crockpots to distribute to participating families in need. One participant shared, “I am so appreciative for the Baby Brunch program. Money is really tight right now and with the food prices climbing, these helps ease the stress a little bit in our family. Thank you so much for doing this program!”
ADDITIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS GRANTS:
• $2,000 from William & Mary Mackesy Fund and $17,935.88 from Maple Leaf Community Fund in honour of Harvey & Erma Beaty to VON Ontario Student Nutrition Program
• $1,000 to Zorra Highland Park Public School Student Nutrition Program from William & Mary Mackesy Fund
• $2,000 to Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation from the Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $3,000 to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners from the Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $1,900 to the Tema Foundation for Thamesford Fire Peer Support Teams from the Thamesford Lawn Bowling Club Fund
• $1,000 to VON Sakura House from the Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $1,300 to Woodstock Hospital Foundation from the Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $500 to Woodstock Hospital Palliative Care Unit from the Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $1,000 to YMCA Woodstock from Ken & Lynda Whiteford Fund
THE ENVIRONMENT
A healthy, sustainable environment is crucial to our quality of life, impacting everything from clean air and water to green spaces. These elements support physical, mental, and emotional well-being, fostering peace and connection. A healthy environment reflects a healthy community, where people work together to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and promote sustainability. By prioritizing environmental health, communities create safer, more livable spaces, benefiting both individuals and society while ensuring a future where people and nature can flourish.
DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICES OXFORD (DASO)
A $1,500 grant from the Stevens Fund helped DASO improve lighting, reducing energy consumption and creating a brighter, safer space for women and children fleeing violence. DASO serves as a temporary home to a number of women-identified individuals, along with their children, who are fleeing violence in their family or in their relationships. The grant supported new lighting in staff offices, the kitchen, and the second-floor hallway, replacing outdated, dim fixtures that hindered visibility. The physical environment is incredibly important to support individual and family well-being. These upgrades enhanced the physical environment, promoting wellbeing and dignity for both staff and service users, and provides a more comfortable and supportive atmosphere as residents work to rebuild their lives.
ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENT GRANT:
• $630 from the Stevens Fund and $370 from the Oxford Environmental Fund to Oxford County Trails Council
SOCIAL SERVICES
Social services are vital in strengthening communities by supporting individuals and families in need, promoting equity, and improving well-being. Services like mental health counseling, housing assistance, and job training create a safety net that helps people navigate challenges and avoid hardship. By addressing basic needs and fostering stability, social services reduce crime, enhance education, and promote economic mobility, leading to healthier, more resilient communities where everyone has a better chance to thrive. They also help reduce crime, improve educational outcomes, and promote economic mobility, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
TOWNSHIP OF NORWICH FIRE SERVICE
Grants of $400 from the Norwich Township Community Fund and $600 from the Heroes Among Us Fund supported the Smoke/CO alarms door to door campaign. Twelve combination smoke/CO alarms were purchased and distributed during campaigns and emergency responses. This initiative supported individuals in the township who have demonstrated need. Derek Van Pagee, Director of Fire and Protective Services/CEMC, shared “There’s something truly rewarding about leaving a home with a working smoke/CO alarm where there was none before—it could very well save a life.” This important cause is making a real difference in our community.
YOUTH UNLIMITED NORWICH
Grants of $1,750 from the Tyler Arts Memorial Fund and $1,825 from the William & Mary Mackesy Fund supported The Forge Boys Night Out program. The program empowers high school boys (grades 8-12), teaching essential life skills, starting with cooking, baking, and car maintenance, while also focusing on mental and emotional well-being. Targeting high-risk youth, The Forge offers positive, engaging activities that help prevent boredom, which can often lead to trouble. This initiative not only nurtures well-rounded young men but also helps break cycles of hardship within families. The excitement among the boys was palpable and the program continues to inspire youth to choose positive paths, fostering a brighter future for them and our community.
ADDITIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES GRANTS:
• $5,000 from the Maple Leaf Community Fund in honour of Harvey & Erma Beaty to the YFC Woodstock, The Table Program for Youth
• $2,215 from Alabastine-Wilkinson Fund, $720 from Oxford County Youth Fund, $2,475 from William & Mary Mackesy Fund, $270 from Joland Family Fund to the Town of Tillsonburg VIBE Youth Space
• $3,000 to Community Options for Justice Oxford from William & Mary Mackesy Fund
• $3,500 from Maple Leaf Community Fund in honour of Harvey & Erma Beaty to Cycles of Life for Supportive Transitional Living
• $300 to Ingamo Homes from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $1,250 to Multi-Service Centre Tillsonburg from Henning Henson Memorial Fund
• $400 from Frank & Marion Smith Fund and $8,500 from First United Church Operations Sharing Fund to Operation Sharing
• $500 to Oxford County Animal Rescue from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $3,000 to Oxford County Community Health Centre, House to Home Fund, from William & Mary Mackesy Fund
• $500 to Oxford County Libraries from Oxford County Library Fund
• $5,275 from Maple Leaf Community Fund in honour of Harvey & Erma Beaty and $5,000 from the Stevens Fund to South Gate Centre
• $6,300 to Tillsonburg Multi-Service Centre, Meals on Wheels, from Maple Leaf Community Fund in honour of Harvey & Erma Beaty
• $5,825 to United Way, Ingersoll Light House, from Maple Leaf Community Fund in honour of Harvey & Erma Beaty
EDUCATION
Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal advancement, offering lifelong benefits that extend well beyond the classroom. Lifelong learning enables individuals to continually adapt to changing job markets, acquire new skills, and stay relevant in a competitive workforce. Education plays a key role in breaking the cycle of poverty, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to access better employment opportunities and improve their quality of life. By fostering a more educated population, societies can experience increased economic mobility, reduced inequality, and a more vibrant, innovative workforce that drives long-term prosperity.
STRONG START CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
A $2,000 grant from the William & Mary Mackesy Fund, funded the early reading intervention programs helping Oxford County children to become confident, lifelong readers. Children are paired with trained community volunteers, working one-on-one with them during the instructional day. Together, they play carefully designed games and activities that help children practice the names of the letters, the sounds they make, how to blend sounds together to build words, and how to decode and read words. Volunteer Ethan shared “It’s amazing how learning a few sounds can open a whole world of reading for them.” Helen Kelch Regional Program Co-Ordinator for Ontario West commented “ Our program thrives because of the dedication of our community Volunteers.”
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF OXFORD COUNTY & OXFORD COUNTY’S RAINBOW COALITION
Grants of $800 from the Doug & Yvonne Eckel Fund, $150 from the Heroes Among Us Fund, and $770 from the Oxford County Rural Fund supported Oxford County’s Rainbow Coalition educational series. The project equips residents with the knowledge and tools to understand, support, and advocate for 2S/LGBTQ+ individuals, helping to foster a more inclusive, respectful community. The training sessions covered identities, history, lived experiences, and practical ways to offer allyship. Participants reflected on how to raise awareness and improve daily support for 2S/LGBTQ+ individuals, ultimately contributing to better mental health outcomes for a group that faces heightened risks. Thanks to these grants, the Coalition was able to rent space in Tillsonburg and Norwich, making the training accessible across the county. The impact has been deeply felt and widely appreciated.
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION GRANTS & STUDENT AWARDS:
• $11,500 to Children’s Aid Society of Oxford for 7 bursaries from CAS Oxford Agency Endowed Fund
• $1,970 to Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for ISAN’s Nights for Truth: Conversation and Reconcili-ACTION series from the Stevens Fund and $30 from the Oxford County Rural Fund.
• $2,000 to St. Joseph’s Elementary School playground equipment from Lessif Family Fund
• $600 to United Way Oxford Supplies4Students from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $500 to Woodstock Public Library from Ross & Fran McElroy Fund
• $300 to Juan Martinez Alzate from St. Mary’s Catholic HS for the Cassandra Hawkins Memorial bursary
• $270 to Jenna VanBoekel, HPSS for the Joland Family Fund bursary
• $50 to Austin Bowers from St. Michael’s Elementary School for the Jordan Hawkins Memorial bursary
• $1,800 to each Damy Overdevest from HPSS and Ainsley Heggie from CASS for the Klosler Family Fund bursaries
• $300 to Mia Funnell, IDCI for the Laurie Hawkins Memorial bursary
• $2,000 to Jillian Hallman of WCI for the Lorna & George Roberts bursary
• $1,500 to each Julian Jean and Yocelyn Ticas from St. Mary’s Catholic HS for Oxford Manufacturing Skills Development bursaries
• $1,500 to each Jacquelyn Yates from WCI and Emily Bruinsma from IDCI for the Pat & Barry Smith leadership bursaries
• $500 to each Bridgette Capaldi and Andrew Power from IDCI for Tyler Arts Athletic Spirit Awards
SPORTS & RECREATION
Sports and recreation play a key role in developing healthy citizens and communities. They promote physical health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve mental wellbeing. Beyond fitness, sports foster social connections, teamwork, and a sense of belonging, building stronger, more inclusive communities. They also teach valuable life skills like discipline and leadership.
• $5,000 to the Thamesford Lions Club from the Thamesford Lawn Bowling Club Fund
• $540 to Woodstock Minor Hockey from the Hawkins Family Memorial Club
• $500 to Woodstock Minor Soccer Club from Ross & Fran McElroy Fund
• $3,378.60 to Woodstock Special Olympics from the Canada Summers Game Fund
• $2,143 to Zorra Township, Thamesford Arena Free Skating from the Thamesford Lawn Bowling Club Fund
GRANTS IN OTHER CATEGORIES
• $22,000 to Innerkip Presbyterian Church from the Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $3,700 to Knox Presbyterian Church from the Dr. I. Patricia Brown Memorial Fund
• $180 to Lyndoch Evergreen Cemetery from the Joland Family Fund
• $500 to Mothers with Heart for Ethiopia from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $1,000 to Oxford Baptist Church from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $500 to Presbyterian Cemetery from Ross & Fran McElroy Fund
• $2,500 to the Great Commission Foundation from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
• $500 to ELIC Fund from Dennis & Joan Vollmershausen Fund
Leaving legacies with impact. 