Members of the South Stormont Fun Raisers gathered for the announcement of a $40,000 donation to the municipality during the 2025 Community Christmas Dinner. From the left: Shawna Stewart, Kathy Coffey, Debbie Smith, Reg Coffey, Trish Lyons, David Smith, Andrew Webb, and Blain Thompson. Absent from the photo was Sandra Donnelly who was busy at the front door. Thompson Goddard Photo

LONG SAULT – A donation of $40,000 to the Municipality of South Stormont by the South Stormont Fun Raisers (SSFR) during the 2025 Community Christmas Party held on Sat., Dec. 13 at the community hall in Long Sault.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the South Stormont Fun Raisers for their incredible generosity and community Commitment. The $40,000 donation toward the construction of a waterfront bandshell is a remarkable investment.” commented South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis. He added the bandshell will create a place along the waterfront which “residents and residents and visitors will enjoy for generations to come.”

Approximately 130 people attended the event, hosted by the SSFR, which featured a full course turkey dinner, live entertainment and the opportunity to socialize while celebrating the holiday season. SSFR President Dave Smith explained this would be the last event for the club as it has reached its goal of raising money for the bandshell project and assisting many local organizations over the past four years.

“From the beginning of our registration with the Provincial government our Mission Statement is “A community group dedicated to providing recreational and cultural opportunities to residents and families in the Township of South Stormont”. We believe that we have accomplished our mission in providing funds and service to our community during the almost four years of our existence with a final donation of $40,000.00 toward the build of a Band Shell for our Community” commented SSFR President Dave Smith in a post event message.

Smith mentioned the not-for-profit organization had been established four years ago, with a goal of raising $10,000 for the project. Thanks to the dedication and work of the SSFR members and the support of local people and businesses a grand total of $40,000 was raised for the bandshell project.

In addition to this donation, the SSFR has assisted local organizations including the South Stormont Support Centre, noting how the membership had provided assistance to Ronald McDonald House during a fundraising event in Maxville.

He described several community events which the club had started, including the Ingleside car and bike show as well as establishing a euchre league in the municipality post COVID-19 pandemic. As the SSFR are disbanding, Smith was pleased to note these events will be continuing thanks to local organizations with more information being announced in the near future.

Smith expressed a heartfelt thanks to the volunteers for donating their time and energy over the past four years, the many local organizations and people who have supported the SSFR over the past four years.