President Daniel introduced Bruce Davis. Bruce had early career in the Canadian Forces, is a Chartered Accountant who worked at Wilkinson / Wilson Sports, was CAO of Brighton and former Brighton Rotarian.
Bruce joined us to provide an update and history of the Brighton Health Services Centre and the evolution to the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund.
The Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund distributes about $50,000 to the community every year.
It began with the Brighton Health Services Centre idea in 2001, with significant input from some Brighton Rotarians and other community minding individuals. The Brighton Creek Side banquet hall was underutilized and went up for sale for $425,000. The hall was purchased and with about $1,675,000 in upgrades / renovations it became the Brighton Health Services Centre. This happened with a donation of $50,000 from the Rotary Club of Brighton, borrowing funds from the Municipality of Brighton of $1,075,000 and significant fund raising and contributions from the community.
The YMCA were the first tenants in 2003.
They raised $1,000,000 by October 2004 allowing the BHSC to repay loans. The load from the Town was paid off in 2008.
In 2005 the Ontario Family Health Teams were launched from Brighton.
Brian Todd passed in 2011. In 2015 the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund was formed.
In 2017 the Brighton Health Services Centre building was sold to the Municipality. When dust settled, the Town is paid $430,000 for the building, at $50,000 annually until balance paid. However, this doesn't cost tax payers as building's revenue is about $80,000 annually.
With the $300,000 donation by the Masonic United Lodge 29 this year to the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund, they believe this fund can last at least to 2040 and possibly beyond, contributing about $50,000 to the community every year.
They support:
Safety initiatives,
Parks,
Accessibility initiates,
Doctor recruitment,
Health and wellness,
Food security,
Environmental projects,
youth and recreation,
Heritage,
school programs,
ENSS Scholarships and others
They have provided 115 grants and over $429,725 to the community since 2009.
Bruce encourages the Rotary Club of Brighton to work with BTMCF to leverage projects in the Community.