Ontario-based Community Foundation Grey Bruce has invested $219,300 to help children across Grey and Bruce counties get outside, explore, and play.
The foundation has awarded $219,300 through its 2026 Free to Play initiative to support seven community projects that will give more children safe and fun places to play outdoors. The funding will help create opportunities for kids across Grey and Bruce counties to be active, use their imagination, build friendships, and spend more time in nature.
The 2026 program received 29 applications requesting more than $1.2 million, showing strong community interest, and seven projects were selected to receive full funding. The recipients include:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey, Bruce and West Simcoe – Big Bunch: Play Without Limits
- Camp Quality Canada – Camp Quality Southern Ontario
- Friends of Historic Cargill Inc. – Cargill Schoolhouse Outdoor Play Space
- Grey Bruce Public Health, in partnership with the County of Grey Early Learning & Child Care, Bruce County Children’s Services, and Western University – Free to Play: Promoting Active Play Opportunities in Grey Bruce Child-Care Centres
- The Meeting Place – Tobermory – Trail Walk Play Coves
- Municipality of South Bruce – Strengthening Outdoor Play in South Bruce
- Ontario Track3 Adaptive Sports Association – Inclusive Slopes for Children with Disabilities
Free to Play is a national program that helps communities across Canada create more opportunities for children to enjoy outdoor play, explore nature, build confidence, and make new friends. In Grey and Bruce counties, the initiative is delivered by Community Foundation Grey Bruce, which works with donors and community partners to support projects that improve the lives of local families. The foundation hopes more organizations and supporters will get involved to expand outdoor play opportunities for children, with another round of funding expected to open in early 2027. You can learn more about Free to Play by clicking here.
Source: The Meaford Independent
