Kincardine group receives $25,000 donation from Hydro One

A Hydro One representative was in Kincardine, Tuesday, to present a $25,000 donation to Drop-in at the Bridge, located in downtown Kincardine.

The money comes from the 2025 Energizing Life Community Fund which supports various programs, including fire safety education, an innovative program for individuals with developmental disabilities to develop culinary skills, environmental conservation programs for youth, and revitalizing an old trail system with deep Indigenous cultural significance.

Since 2018, Drop-in at the Bridge in Kincardine has strengthened community ties, especially among those who feel marginalized, isolated, or vulnerable, while ensuring access to healthy food and meaningful support. Now providing almost 16,000 nutritious meals per year to community members, the organization plans to expand programs, such as the Monday Drop-in, Mosaic Nights, Frozen Meal Delivery and Thursday Teen Lunch, to reach even more people in their community with funds from Hydro One.

“Drop-in at the Bridge creates a safe, welcoming space in which all people are encouraged to participate fully, to the best of their abilities,” said Wes Larson, founder and executive director. “A challenge for many who come here is the absence of family ties. We seek to offer support, community and a variety of programs to help individuals through challenging times. Thanks to the generosity of Hydro One, we will be able to provide increased access to food, flexible support for families, and opportunities for community connection and learning.”

“It’s encouraging to see organizations like Drop-in at the Bridge receive support for the important work they do,” said Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig. “Drop-in’s dedication to providing a safe place to enjoy inclusive company, eat good food, learn more about local culture, and receive help navigating life, is truly commendable, and this grant from Hydro One will enable the group to make an even greater impact in our community.”

Bronwen Evans, vice-president, sustainability, communications and marketing, Hydro One, echoed those sentiments. “Our 2025 recipients are powerful agents of local change, and we are excited to partner with them through our Energizing Life Community Fund. Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for your dedication to building a better and brighter future.”

Besides Drop-in at the Bridge, Hydro One supported 27 Indigenous communities, charitable organizations and municipalities, providing each with $25,000 in funding. The following organizations and communities were selected to receive the funding from the Energizing Life Community Fund:
 

• Animakee Wa Zhing No. 37
• Mishkosiminiziibiing (Big Grassy River First Nation)
• Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First Nation)
• Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
• City of Dryden
• City of Thorold
• Clean Up Barrie
• Community Living Walkerton & District
• District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board
• Eelŭnaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation)
• Friends of Swan Lake Park
• Friends of Wye Marsh
• Grey Sauble Conservation Authority
• Gull Bay First Nation
• Hamilton Paramedic Service
• Municipality of Bluewater
• Municipality of Clarington
• Municipality of Port Hope
• Nipissing First Nation
• Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre
• The Table Community Food Centre
• Town of Essex
• Township of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands
• Township of O’Connor
• Unemployed Help Centre of Windsor Inc.
• Village of Burk’s Falls
• Wiikwemkoong First Nation

“I thank Hydro One for making such an important announcement at Drop-in at the Bridge in Kincardine,” said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “The investment in 28 worthy community initiatives across the province is truly appreciated. I also acknowledge the amazing work by Drop-in at the Bridge, the Municipality of Bluewater, and Community Living Walkerton and District - all making a difference at the local level in Huron and Bruce counties. Hydro One’s investment will certainly energize these communities.”

Hydro One directs a minimum of 20 per cent of its corporate donations and sponsorships to support Indigenous communities and initiatives that serve them. Reflecting this commitment, approximately 28 per cent of the 2025 Energizing Life Community Fund grants will benefit Indigenous communities and organizations.

To learn more about the Energizing Life Community Fund, visit Energizing Life - Community Grants for Ontario Non-Profits | Hydro One.



Gathered at Drop-in at the Bridge in Kincardine for the presentation of a $25,000 donation to the organization, are volunteer Andrea Purdon (left), founder and executive director Wes Larson, Hydro One's Bronwen Evans, and Kincardine mayor Kenneth Craig; photo courtesy of Hydro One