​Books in the Bruce receives donation from 100 People Who Share Bruce County

The 100 People Who Share Bruce County organization held its first meeting of the year, April 28, at Ainsdale Golf Course, celebrating its 10th year of giving back to the community.

Sixty-two people were in attendance, including presenters, several new members and the dedicated returning members. It’s exciting to see that member numbers are just above the 100 mark - the more, the merrier!

The evening began with a delicious ham supper, provided by Ainsdale, and committee leader Linda Bowers kicked off the meeting with a warm welcome, and an introduction to the other committee members. Brigitte Rauket, Melinda Smegal, Kylie Pike and Kimberlee Lowry work with Linda to carry on the legacy of giving created by Bill and Sharon Pike. The committee organizes the meetings, helps plan the meals, reviews nominations and manages all the other behind-the-scenes paperwork that keeps the group running smoothly.

The October, 2025, recipient was the Kincardine District Senior School Football Association. Regrettably, a representative was unable to attend to accept the presentation cheque. The group looks forward to welcoming the association to a future meeting to hear how the donation of $10,705 has helped support that organization.



Out of the current pool of 10 nominated organizations, the three chosen to speak were the Walker House, PRANCE and Books in the Bruce. Each group gave engaging presentations and shared the organization’s history, goals and vision for the future. Members took a break to think over the choices and cast their votes, as well as fill out a membership satisfaction survey.



A presenter talks to members of 100 People Who Share Bruce County, Monday night, April 28

After the group reconvened, it was announced that the April winner was Books in the Bruce, represented by Karen Ruetz. This is a free literacy program for families and caregivers with children, aged five and under. Ruetz manages the program herself, and it runs solely on donations and sponsorships. Everyone who attends a Books in the Bruce event receives a free copy of the book that was read, as well as snacks. Ruetz shared startling statistics about early literacy rates in children, and how Books in the Bruce aims to address these issues head-on in a variety of ways.

The next meeting of 100 People Who Share is July 27. If you are interested in learning more about this group, contact Bowers at linda@bowershomes.ca, or visit the Facebook page to read what this dedicated group has been up to. Everyone is welcome to join and help make a difference in your community!

Facebook: 100 People Who Share Bruce County
E-mail: 100PeopleWhoShareBruceCounty@gmail.com



Linda Bowers (right) of 100 People Who Share Bruce County, congratulates the April winner, Karen Ruetz of Books in the Bruce