Hamilton, ON (December 26, 2022) – Leander Boat Club received a $35,300 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Like many sports and recreation facilities, Leander was forced to close on multiple occasions since March 2020 to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As Leander Boat Club was slowly able to resume operations, we were required to enforce stricter rules including smaller ratios of coach boat to rowing shells. With an aging fleet of safety boats, both hulls and motors, this put additional strain on our equipment increasing the occurrence of mechanical issues, along with logistical challenges when planning our competitive and recreational programs. With a decrease in our membership size during this time, we faced budget constraints that limited our ability to carry out the required maintenance and capital purchases.
With the Ontario Trillium grant, Leander was able to purchase 2 safety boat hulls, 2 four-stroke motors, new inflatable PFD belts for athlete-use, 10 sets of safety boat lights, 6 megaphones, 4 Mustang Survival Suits for coaches, multiple NK Cox Box batteries and headsets, and various first aid items including new defibrillator pads for our AED.
The addition of this new safety equipment has allowed us to do expand our recreational, competitive and high school programs, increasing our club’s overall membership base. This new equipment has also helped alleviate logistical challenges, allowing our coaches to take out smaller groups of athletes creating a more individualized and welcoming training environment.
“As a not-for-profit rowing club, we are so grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing such a generous grant. Safety is paramount to Leander Boat Club and the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant has helped us to replace expired and aging equipment that is fundamental to the safety of our coaches and athletes.” Kris Henry, coach & athlete, LBC
About Leander Boat Club:
Leander Boat Club is committed to making programs accessible for the Hamilton and
surrounding communities. We offer programs to high schools, competitive programs for both
youth and adults, as well as introductory sessions for individuals interested in trying a new sport.
For more information about our programs please visit www.leanderboatclubofhamilton.com.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation:
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of
Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384
community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities to strengthen the
impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery
by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit
otf.ca to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Andrea Jansen, President
leander.exec@gmail.com
Leander Boat Club