I LOVE my Brantford

What’s something you, or someone you know, has done for the local Brantford community?

• Share Building the cycling culture in Brantford on Facebook Share Building the cycling culture in Brantford on Twitter Share Building the cycling culture in Brantford on Linkedin Email Building the cycling culture in Brantford link

  Building the cycling culture in Brantford

  by Katie MacDonald, about 5 years ago

  Over the past decade, Duncan Ross has been the visionary behind the ever-growing culture of cycling in Brantford and surrounding area. It started in 2013 when he put together a small team of local cycling-enthusiasts who were eager to lend their time and expertise to explore the feasibility of a volunteer-run cycling club. Two years later, the Brant Cycling Club (BCC) was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization. The BCC's mandate is to increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy and health benefits of cycling. This is accomplished through group rides and events, youth... Continue reading

  Over the past decade, Duncan Ross has been the visionary behind the ever-growing culture of cycling in Brantford and surrounding area. It started in 2013 when he put together a small team of local cycling-enthusiasts who were eager to lend their time and expertise to explore the feasibility of a volunteer-run cycling club. Two years later, the Brant Cycling Club (BCC) was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization. The BCC's mandate is to increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy and health benefits of cycling. This is accomplished through group rides and events, youth mountain biking programs, advocacy for cycling friendly infrastructure and policies, and the maintenance and development of mountain biking trails.

  Under his leadership, the Brant Cycling Club has become a well-known organization within the community. Not only has the Club's membership grown to almost 200 members, the organization itself has developed and built partnerships with local businesses and organizations, such as the Brant Waterways Foundation. By working together, these organizations have increased their capacity and effectiveness, and have been able to leverage their areas of expertise to make projects happen!

  One of the most impressive projects that Duncan and his team spear-headed was the development the Brantford Rotary Bike Park. Nestled into the forest of Waterworks Park, the bike park features a series of riding features for varying abilities such as a pump track, ladder bridges, and jump lines. It has quickly become a popular place for local families to gather to develop their riding skills. The park has also received a great deal of tourism exposure and has thousands of visitors from surrounding areas each season. Duncan's inspiration for cycling projects like this come from his desire to provide future generations the opportunity to cycle for sport or recreation, as well as the pride he feels for Brantford's natural beauty along the river and his passion to share it with others.

  Most recently Duncan has set his sights on a series of new projects to develop sanctioned mountain bike trails in the area. His vision is to create a network of trails that compliment the existing rail trail system and to further develop the reputation that Brantford and area has of being the "Hub of Ontario Trails". Although the projects have changed over the years, one thing has remained the same is that Duncan is WHEELIE passionate about growing cycling and improving the community!
• Share Food-to-Go Brantford & Area Co-Creators on Facebook Share Food-to-Go Brantford & Area Co-Creators on Twitter Share Food-to-Go Brantford & Area Co-Creators on Linkedin Email Food-to-Go Brantford & Area Co-Creators link

  Food-to-Go Brantford & Area Co-Creators

  by Munroe.sara, about 5 years ago

  Terra Wilton and Mary Palka created Food-to-Go Brantford & Area, a Facebook group, early on in the pandemic. The purpose was to connect locals with the local food and drink offerings in Brantford, Brant and area (including Six Nations of the Grand River and North Dumfries). The page took off, and food businesses saw a huge uptake in following and ordering. Both Mary and Terra have spent countless hours, as well as a few other administrators, in keeping this page relevant, kind and honest. They've also run a few contests, as well as created an off-shoot group for Food Fairies... Continue reading

  Terra Wilton and Mary Palka created Food-to-Go Brantford & Area, a Facebook group, early on in the pandemic. The purpose was to connect locals with the local food and drink offerings in Brantford, Brant and area (including Six Nations of the Grand River and North Dumfries). The page took off, and food businesses saw a huge uptake in following and ordering. Both Mary and Terra have spent countless hours, as well as a few other administrators, in keeping this page relevant, kind and honest. They've also run a few contests, as well as created an off-shoot group for Food Fairies who deliver surprise food to other community members. I know so many local restaurants are so grateful for this page and all their tireless efforts.
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  We Value Early Literacy

  by Sharon Brooks, about 5 years ago

  Kids Can Fly hosts the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children 0 - 5 in our community. This program mails an age appropriate book monthly to registered children and its FREE! Children are excited to have the books arrive in the mail and families bond over reading together. Research shows children on this program are better prepared for school. We currently mail over 2000 books each month to local children and have the largest affiliate in Ontario! This is possible thanks to generous supporters like S C Johnson, the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise and Donn Zver, hundreds of personal... Continue reading

  Kids Can Fly hosts the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for children 0 - 5 in our community. This program mails an age appropriate book monthly to registered children and its FREE! Children are excited to have the books arrive in the mail and families bond over reading together. Research shows children on this program are better prepared for school. We currently mail over 2000 books each month to local children and have the largest affiliate in Ontario! This is possible thanks to generous supporters like S C Johnson, the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise and Donn Zver, hundreds of personal donors and our hard working volunteers! We are also proud to be the charity of choice for the 2021 Mayor's Gala. To register online go to www.kidscanfly.ca

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Marian Summut, who volunteers with Community Resource Services Brantford Food Bank. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Facebook Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Marian Summut, who volunteers with Community Resource Services Brantford Food Bank. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Twitter Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Marian Summut, who volunteers with Community Resource Services Brantford Food Bank. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Linkedin Email I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Marian Summut, who volunteers with Community Resource Services Brantford Food Bank. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. link

  I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Marian Summut, who volunteers with Community Resource Services Brantford Food Bank. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford.

  about 5 years ago
  

  “It means the world to me to serve. All my life, just like my Mom, being a single mom with three sons, I too have been in need. It’s an honour to serve and give back,” says Marian. “So far, I have 40 plus years of volunteering in this community. Home and School Association, Hungarian Hall and Village, Brantford Blessings Centre, my church, Brantford Food Bank, Christmas Baskets, and Gretzky Hockey Tournaments. And now that I’m retired, I have more even time to give to my community and more quality time to share with my grandkids.”

  “It means the world to me to serve. All my life, just like my Mom, being a single mom with three sons, I too have been in need. It’s an honour to serve and give back,” says Marian. “So far, I have 40 plus years of volunteering in this community. Home and School Association, Hungarian Hall and Village, Brantford Blessings Centre, my church, Brantford Food Bank, Christmas Baskets, and Gretzky Hockey Tournaments. And now that I’m retired, I have more even time to give to my community and more quality time to share with my grandkids.”
• Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Sylvia McIver, who volunteers with Stedman Community Hospice. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Facebook Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Sylvia McIver, who volunteers with Stedman Community Hospice. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Twitter Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Sylvia McIver, who volunteers with Stedman Community Hospice. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Linkedin Email I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Sylvia McIver, who volunteers with Stedman Community Hospice. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. link

  I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Sylvia McIver, who volunteers with Stedman Community Hospice. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford.

  about 5 years ago
  

  “Volunteering has given me the opportunity to gratefully give back to the Brantford community after an enriching career in education. I volunteer with multiple organizations including my church, RWTO-Brant and PROBUS.” Sylvia said. “For the past 16 years, much of my volunteer focus has been at Stedman Community Hospice. I have filled many rolls supporting staff, patients, and other volunteers. During the pandemic, volunteering has given me a sense of direction and something positive to focus on. Currently, I am excited to be providing leadership for a new legacy project at the hospice that will benefit patients and create new... Continue reading

  “Volunteering has given me the opportunity to gratefully give back to the Brantford community after an enriching career in education. I volunteer with multiple organizations including my church, RWTO-Brant and PROBUS.” Sylvia said. “For the past 16 years, much of my volunteer focus has been at Stedman Community Hospice. I have filled many rolls supporting staff, patients, and other volunteers. During the pandemic, volunteering has given me a sense of direction and something positive to focus on. Currently, I am excited to be providing leadership for a new legacy project at the hospice that will benefit patients and create new at-home volunteering opportunities for others.”
• Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Brittney Martorano, who volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Facebook Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Brittney Martorano, who volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Twitter Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Brittney Martorano, who volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Linkedin Email I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Brittney Martorano, who volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. link

  I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Brittney Martorano, who volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford.

  about 5 years ago
  

  “To me, volunteering is being able to give back and help others. I volunteer because I love it. I love the ability to help make a difference in the world, even if it is just small. There’s no better feeling than being able to make someone’s day a little brighter.” Brittney told us. “I have volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie for 5 years. I’ve been a mentor to my little for over two years now, worked with the Circle Group program as well as the In-School Mentor program prior to being matched with my amazing little... Continue reading

  “To me, volunteering is being able to give back and help others. I volunteer because I love it. I love the ability to help make a difference in the world, even if it is just small. There’s no better feeling than being able to make someone’s day a little brighter.” Brittney told us. “I have volunteered at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie for 5 years. I’ve been a mentor to my little for over two years now, worked with the Circle Group program as well as the In-School Mentor program prior to being matched with my amazing little sister.”
• Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Mae Litt, who volunteers at John Noble Home. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Facebook Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Mae Litt, who volunteers at John Noble Home. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Twitter Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Mae Litt, who volunteers at John Noble Home. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Linkedin Email I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Mae Litt, who volunteers at John Noble Home. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. link

  I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Mae Litt, who volunteers at John Noble Home. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford.

  about 5 years ago
  

  “Volunteering is very important for me as it gives me great satisfaction for myself. I feel I get more out of it than I am giving. I have made many friendships along the way in the past 11 years. I feel a great sense of purpose and when leaving each time it feels very rewarding.” Mae said. “Prior to COVID-19, I volunteered at John Noble Home working with the residents and staff assisting with recreation programs, meal enhancement, the front desk, clerical work as well as working in the Skylight Café.”

  “Volunteering is very important for me as it gives me great satisfaction for myself. I feel I get more out of it than I am giving. I have made many friendships along the way in the past 11 years. I feel a great sense of purpose and when leaving each time it feels very rewarding.” Mae said. “Prior to COVID-19, I volunteered at John Noble Home working with the residents and staff assisting with recreation programs, meal enhancement, the front desk, clerical work as well as working in the Skylight Café.”
• Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Lorraine Good, who volunteers with Brant Community Healthcare System. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Facebook Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Lorraine Good, who volunteers with Brant Community Healthcare System. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Twitter Share I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Lorraine Good, who volunteers with Brant Community Healthcare System. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. on Linkedin Email I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Lorraine Good, who volunteers with Brant Community Healthcare System. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford. link

  I want to share the story of one of our amazing community members Lorraine Good, who volunteers with Brant Community Healthcare System. This is what she says about volunteering in Brantford.

  about 5 years ago
  

  “I Volunteer in the Gift Shop. I am missing it at the moment. I love when a patient or a family member come into the Gift Shop. Sometimes all they need is for someone to listen to them. If I am not busy I will lend an ear and listen. Some have talked to me for a long time. When they were done, they were very grateful that I was there to listen.” Lorraine went on to say, “I love the interaction with the public overall. I am a people person and I love to interact with everyone who comes... Continue reading

  “I Volunteer in the Gift Shop. I am missing it at the moment. I love when a patient or a family member come into the Gift Shop. Sometimes all they need is for someone to listen to them. If I am not busy I will lend an ear and listen. Some have talked to me for a long time. When they were done, they were very grateful that I was there to listen.” Lorraine went on to say, “I love the interaction with the public overall. I am a people person and I love to interact with everyone who comes through the door. It certainly does give me great pleasure to be able to give a helping hand or ear."