Cambridge, ON – On Friday, Kitchener Centre MPP Aislinn Clancy provided greetings to the members of The Ventures to hear more about the $41,900 Resilient Communities Fund from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to rebuild and recover from impacts of COVID-19 by revamping our brand, recruiting youth, and re-engaging the community to participate in a unique Sport of the Arts Youth Program. The project will engage all and any youth in Ontario, specifically the Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge/Brantford region to participate in a Sport of the Arts programming. We are an inclusive organization that welcomes diversity and includes youth from various backgrounds and experiences.

In a statement provided from Hon. Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre:

“Greetings to the Ventures members, family and friends, staff and volunteers! Congratulations on receiving this generous grant of $41,900 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation! As your Member of Provincial Parliament, I am proud that our community is home to the only winter guard program in the province. I celebrate your leadership and resilience, especially after the challenges of the pandemic. We know that many of our local arts and sports organizations faced significant struggles during that time, but this is a shining example of how, with the right support, our local organizations can recover and come out stronger.
The Ventures has been a part of our community for more than 50 years, helping young people discover their passions and creative abilities. Over those years, you have adapted and evolved through many changes, but have always maintained the spirit of excellence and leadership.
With this funding, that proud legacy continues.
Through the purchase of new equipment and marketing tools, I am excited to see The Ventures expand its reach and bring its unique programming to even more young people across the Region. I wish I could be there to celebrate with you, but I am confident that this will not be the last celebration. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved grant, and thank you for everything you do for our community.”
 
In a statement, The Ventures President Tracey Sanders said:
 
“The Ventures organization is delighted to announce our receipt of the Trillium Grant, which has been instrumental during a pivotal moment for our organization. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, when our future was uncertain, this grant provided crucial support in maintaining the integrity of the Ventures and continuing to engage children interested in our Winter Colour Guard program. Thanks to this generous grant, we acquired a new equipment truck to facilitate the transportation of our floors and equipment to rehearsals. Additionally, we enlisted the services of a videographer to create a professional recruiting video that will serve our organization for years to come. These initiatives represent just a few of the significant projects made possible by the grant funding. The Ventures Winter Guard extends our deepest gratitude for this invaluable support.”

For over 50 years, The Ventures has been committed to the personal, societal, and artistic learning of each participant. Our mission is to learn, grow, lead, and excel together.
 
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
 
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than
$110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Our Executive Director, Jacquie Renaud, is by far the most integral part of our organization. We would like to highlight how great of an impact Jacquie has had and continues to have on the Kitchener-Waterloo community; specifically our Ventures Youth through her never ending hard-work, tenacity, passion, and dedication. We are the most grateful to have a woman like Jacquie in our community who spends hundreds of hours of her time to help deliver our unique Sport of the Arts Program! 

Jacquie Renaud is a nominee of the K-W Women of the Year 2023 under the Lifetime Achievement and Arts & Culture categories. Check out her nomination here!

We're over the hill!
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Please join us in celebrating 50 years—a milestone achievement! Although a couple years late due to gathering restrictions, we look forward to hosting our Ventures Alumni Reunion. This is for all Ventures alumni— Drum Corps, Winter Guard, and volunteers!

Keep your eyes peeled for ticket information! We're looking forward to seeing everyone together soon.

It is with great excitement that we have moved our 2023 Guard up a class level to A1 from Regional A. We look forward to the challenge and building our skill and show out for the rest of this competitive season.

We invite you to view our 2023 program "I'm a Believer" at the upcoming NECG circuit competitions: Lancaster, Medina, and Rochester.

The Ventures would like to announce that we have received a Resilient Community Fund grant offered through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, funded by the Government of Ontario. This fund supports the recovery efforts of organizations impacted by COVID-19 and helps them respond with immediate, medium, and longer-term recovery projects. The Ventures is looking forward to utilize this support to continue our Sport of the Art programming for youth in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

The Ventures has received $41,900 to aid in the next 12-months to improve brand awareness, recruitment efforts, re-engaging community and delivery of our unique and established program to children and youth.
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"The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation-Resilient Communities Fund grant has allowed our small but mighty organization to continue our long-standing legacy in the region. We are thrilled to have community supports such as this grant, that allow us to continue and increase access to our affordable and inclusive program that is not only entertaining to witness, but memorable to be a part of. We are looking forward to welcoming back veteran members and excited to offer our one-of-a-kind program to new faces." – Natasha Gonzalez, Ventures Alumni and Board Member