Prior to wrapping up, the two winning groups and the 100 Women Who Care About South Dundas Board took a moment for a photo. Front row from left: Marije Harbers and Kristina McDermott, House of Lazarus, Michael Burton, Solar Crosswalk. Back row, from left: Christyn Veinotte, Janeen Wagemans, Tracey Veinotte, Joanne Ouellette, and Monika St. Louis. Missing from the photo, Marilyn Crabtree. Tinkess Photo

SOUTH DUNDAS – The 100 Women Who Care About South Dundas had to change the venue for their annual meeting this year, but it didn’t affect their ability to make a difference one bit.

Usually, the group meets at the Upper Canada Playhouse, but scheduling proved an issue this year, so they headed slightly north to Stonecrop Acres.

Five different groups presented their case for why they should be the recipient of some of the money gathered during this, the most efficient method of fundraising ever invented.

Eric Duncan, appearing as a volunteer rather than the MP for Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry, represented the Veterans Walkway, a plan to refurbish and relocate six local cenotaphs and monuments in the village, into a new walkway location along the St. Lawrence River. The estimated cost of the project is $140,000 and they were asking for $10,000.

Next came the Historical Society of South Dundas and Forward House. Represented by Judy Lugg. They want to add reinforcement to the basement of Forward House to support the main and second floor, which is estimated to cost $13,000.

The third group was represented by Nancy Waldroff, a member of the Morrisburg Waterfront Committee. Their plan is to construct a MultiUse pad that can be used for different activities year-round in Earl Baker Park. Their ask was for any amount to be used towards the $170,000 estimated cost of the project.

The fourth group was House of Lazarus, particularly the warming house in Morrisburg. They were looking for $5,000 for a second washer and dryer for the community hub and warming centre. They were represented by Kristina McDermott and Marije Harbers.

The final presentation was by Michael Burton, who was asking for whatever amount could be given to fund a $14,000 solar crosswalk at the intersection of Cruickshank Drive and Sir James Morris Drive. The crosswalk will help children and others cross the busy road safely from the ball diamonds to the park and public washrooms.

With the presentations complete, members were given a few minutes to stretch, get a refreshment and consider their choice before submitting their vote.

While the votes were being counted, representatives of the two groups selected last year, Cindy Ault-Peters of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) foundation and Cindy Morgan, from Dundas County Hospice, spoke of how the donation their organization received made a real difference.

With the votes counted, the two groups selected this year were announced. First was House of Lazarus, who would receive their ask of $5,000. Second, was the solar crosswalk, which received a donation of $6,350.00, with some donations yet to be received.

In just over two hours, one donation was made that would improve many lives in a small way, while the other had the potential to prevent serious injury. It’s amazing just how much individuals, acting together, can accomplish in a very short period of time.