“Thanks to this invaluable support by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Moore Agricultural Society will be able to attract new visitors and inform the public of upcoming community events. For nearly 175 years, the Moore Agricultural Society and the Brigden Fair have provided agricultural programs to enhance the quality of rural and urban life through positive community leadership. It is an honour to recognize their fine work through this OTF funding.”
Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton
First awarded in March 2021, the $68,100 Resilient Communities Fund enabled the Moore Agricultural Society to develop a stronger digital presence at the fairgrounds by funding the purchase of touchless electronic equipment and LED signage. With these funds, the digital signage was placed along the main highway to be used by both Moore Agricultural Society and other community agencies to bring awareness of activities and safety alerts to urban and rural residents.
A second $50,000 Community Building Fund – Operating stream grant, awarded in August 2021, funded the rehiring of staff as well as the purchase of personal protective equipment and touchless sanitizing dispensers to keep staff and guests safe during the pandemic.
Moore Agricultural Society (MAS) develops programming and provides a multi-functional facility for activities and entertainment to enrich rural life, shared heritage and rich cultural diversity (eg. Brigden Fair 50-60,000 guests; life celebrations; 4-H clubs; youth programs; equine shows; agricultural/homecraft competitions; musical jamborees/events; walking clubs; church & school programs; yearly donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Food Banks, Bluewater Health, Women’s Interval Home, Lambton County Nursing homes, and HIV/AIDS awareness projects). Established as a “safe haven/warming/cooling site”, they are part of the St. Clair Township Emergency Response Plan.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Michelle Evanitski, Director
Moore Agricultural Society
519-864-4889
Michelle.Evanitski@brigdenfair.ca