CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Centre Wellington Community Foundation (CWCF) has received a “record-breaking single gift” from a Guelph business owner.
In a press release, Randall Howard, Chair of Centre Wellington Community Foundation (CWCF) Board of Directors, announced that the foundation has received $3.45 million from benefactor Russel Cox, who founded Cox Construction.
“I’ve been a builder for my entire life,” said Russel Cox “I’ve started many projects and finished them all. This gift is something I want to be a catalyst for the next generation, now and in perpetuity.”
This is not the first time Cox has donated to the foundation, in July 2022 Cox gave $500,000 to the CWCF.
“We are honoured and profoundly grateful for this second generous gift from Russel Cox,” Howard said. “This gift will allow us to drive new efforts and expand our impact with increased granting programs allowing us to better respond to urgent, and growing, community needs and priorities.”
The Foundation said a clear priority for Russel is that of food insecurity which has grown dramatically since the pandemic.
CWCF announced that the Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington is one of the first recipients.
Karyn Kirkwood, Executive Director of Children’s Foundation said in the release the donation will ensure students across Wellington County have access to nutritious food every day through our Keep Kids Fed at School program.
“Schools in the County have seen a sharp rise in the number of students relying on these programs, which coincides with a 14% increase in grocery costs over the past two years – an even greater burden in rural areas. This contribution will have a profound impact, helping to sustain these vital services to keep kids fed and ready to learn when at school.”
