Fairs, Sombra Museum and Habitat for Humanity among groups receiving Alix Foundation grants

370
Constructed in 1829 by Abraham Smith, the log cabin is the oldest building in Sombra. It was originally used as a temporary home and was later used as a milk house. It will be restored with a grant from the Alix Foundation

Electrical work at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood fairgrounds, a rural ReStore truck and the restoration of the oldest building in Sombra are among the seven projects receiving funding from the Judith and Norman Alix Foundation.

The foundation’s board announced $297,391 in grants Wednesday including;

  • $25,000 to the Municipality of Brooke-Alvinston for electrical upgrades to the fairgrounds at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre Complex.
  • $85,000 to Habitat for Humanity Sarnia-Lambton to purchase a cube truck to provide‘Pop-Up’ Rural ReStore Donation Centres for outreach into rural areas of Lambton County.
  • $57,391 to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario to fund a new natural playground space located at the Jerry McCaw Family Centre for use by YMCA members, and members of the community.
  • $35,000 to the Sombra Museum for the restoration of the Abraham Smith log cabin and the installation of interpretive signage.
  • $50,000 to Sarnia-Lambton Rebound for inventory improvements at the ReFound Store.
  • $25,000 to the Forest Fritter Friends to renovate the entrance of the building to make it fully accessible.
  • $20,000 to the Moore Agricultural Society for accessibility upgrades to the Multipurpose Building at the Brigden Fairgrounds.

The foundation has handed out over $6 million in 30 years, supporting community projects such as the construction of Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery, purchasing rare artifacts for the Lambton Heritage Museum, and portable bleachers for the Lambton Fairs Association.