By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The final list of this year’s Municipal Community Grants recipients was before Cobourg council this week, when Mayor Lucas Cleveland put forward an amended motion adding one final recipient.
Beyond The Blue Box had been eliminated from consideration originally, because it submitted a request for funding for a capital project, which is against the rules set out in the town’s bylaw.
“They are literally one of the second-most-successful social enterprises in Ontario,” Cleveland told council.
“Beyond the Blue Box got their application wrong because, for 30 years, they have never had to ask for help. They have been so self-sustaining that they are not used to having to ask for a hand-out.”
Beyond The Blue Box was established in 1992 to help divert reusable items from the landfill. And though they have won applause for the employment and volunteer opportunities they offer the developmentally challenged, Cleveland said, “they work with all kinds of people. There is no one that the Blue Box won’t take into their family.”
Keeping that kind of social services off the tax levy was invaluable, but things got harder for them after a devastating 2023 fire. Since then, they have not only had to face rebuilding, but also the permit fees that come with that duty. And while multi-million-dollar developers often come to council to ask for breaks on their fees, Cleveland said, Beyond The Blue Box never asked for such a hand-out.
Noting that one charity was recommended to get a $10,000 grant – the Rose Quest personal-care initiative – Cleveland found another $3,000 and wanted to split the $13,000 total equally between Rose Quest and Beyond The Blue Box for $6,500 each.
“It was their first year of application. I have no doubt that the Blue Box understands the money has to follow the grant policy,” he stated.
“If nothing else, this motion gives that proverbial boost, that proverbial ‘you’ve got a friend in Cobourg.’”
Cleveland’s motion subsequently passed.
