At the end of the evening, the members of the South Dundas 100 Men Who Care Committee and the representatives of the two groups that had been selected took a moment for a photo. Front row, from left: Doug Jarvis, Nancy Van Allen-Marcellus and Kerline Hall, Morrisburg Waterfront committee, Arnold Scheerder, Dundas County Hospice board member, Wally Baker. Back row, from left: Chuck Irvine, Nick Lee, Jack Barkley, Scott Corden, Ryan Gilmer, Miles Harrison. Missing from photo: Mark Lewis, Matt Mulvihill. Tinkess Photo

MORRISBURG – The 2026 meeting on November 4 of 100 Men Who Care South Dundas brought together 97 men and before the evening had ended, they had raised $9,700 for local charitable organizations and community initiatives.

The event, held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Morrisburg, gave representatives of nine local organizations an opportunity to present their funding requests and explain how the money would benefit the community.

All of the participating organizations did an exceptional job presenting their proposals. Attendees acknowledged that choosing between the projects was difficult, reflecting the importance of the work being undertaken by each organization. The maximum any group could ask for was $5,000 and each contributor could vote for only two organizations.

The organizations and projects represented at the meeting included:

  • Community Food Share: $3,000 for personal care items.
  • Iroquois Marine Search and Rescue: $2,300 toward the purchase of a new Dyneema 300-foot tow line.
  • Morrisburg Waterfront Planning Committee: $5,000 to help complete the new all-season, multi-sport pad.
  • South Dundas Soccer: Funding to help repair the roof on its building, which is approximately 20 years old.
  • J.W. McIntosh: $2,000 for new, sustainable, long-term lighting and $3,000 for an automated external defibrillator (AED). The organization provides housing and community support services.
  • Historical Society of South Dundas: Funding to help replace the electrical wiring at Forward House.
  • Dundas County Hospice: Funding to support its day program and provide compassionate care services.
  • WDMH Foundation: $5,000 for 30 overbed tables at $169 each
  • Community Hub and Warming Centre: $4,000 for its Getting Ahead program.

Following the presentations, members cast their votes to determine how the donations would be distributed. The Morrisburg Waterfront Planning Committee received the strongest support, earning the full amount of its $5,000 request to help complete the community’s new all-season, multi-sport pad. Their hope was to be able to use the $5,000 to access other funding programs.

Dundas County Hospice finished second and received $4,700 toward its day program. Organizers indicated the organization could receive up to an additional $300 if further donations are received.

Organizers expressed their appreciation to the Royal Canadian Legion in Morrisburg for providing the use of its hall for the evening. By making the facility available, the Legion ensured there were no venue costs, allowing 100 per cent of the donations collected to go directly toward supporting local charities.

Men who were unable to attend but would still like to contribute are encouraged to do so. Cash or cheques can be given to any member of the organizing committee, who will ensure the funds are passed along to the participating organizations.

The 100 Men Who Care initiative demonstrates how relatively modest individual donations can have a significant collective impact. Through the generosity of 97 community members, two local organizations will receive financial assistance to continue providing important programs and services throughout South Dundas.