Perth and District Community Foundation

Are you part of a group or organization whose work contributes to strengthening community in any or all of the Town of Perth, Drummond/North Elmsley, Lanark Highlands, and Tay Valley Townships? The Perth & District Community Foundation is now accepting applications for 2027 PDCF Community Grants.

In 2026, PDCF awarded over 40 Community Grants ranging in value from just under $3,000 to $30,000. Visit www.pdcf.ca/grants for more information and to apply. Application deadline is October 31, 2026.

“When Harm Occurs: Becoming a Trauma-Responsive Community” is a virtual presentation by lawyer, educator and movement builder Myrna McCallum.

Wednesday, October 21 from 7:00-9:00pm. Free virtual event.

Participants are invited to gather in small groups to watch a one-hour virtual presentation, followed by a guided in-person Learning Circle to deepen your group’s knowledge, understanding, and ideas for action. Individuals are also welcome to attend.

To register as a group or individual, visit www.pdcf.ca/oct21

Great to see local students learning about and connecting with the outdoors. 💖

Looks like a wonderful event! 💖

Did you know The Table is hosting a new fundraiser!?

Get your tickets today for Comfort & Joy! October 3rd at Crystal Palace!

https://thetable.ticketsplease.ca/events/comfort-joy/

Cold weather around the corner can be a good thing! 💖

⛸️ Free Public Skating is back! ⛸️

Starting Saturday, Sept. 19, lace up your skates and join us at the Perth & District Community Centre for free Public Skating every weekend throughout the season.

- Saturdays from 6–7 p.m.
- Sundays from 1–2 p.m.

(Please note that occasional cancellations may occur due to scheduled tournaments.)

A big thank you to our seasonal sponsors, Perth Firedawgs and Norwood & Co., for helping keep Public Skating free and accessible for our community all season long.

Grab your skates, and we'll see you at the rink!

Life can be difficult and bad things happen. At our best, community comes together to understand and support each other in times of trauma. But without an understanding of trauma, communities risk responding to challenges and pain with punishment, exclusion, or further harm instead of restoratively.

Lanark County Community Justice and the Perth & District Community Foundation invite you to join us for a learning opportunity to strengthen the knowledge, skills and attitudes we need to be stronger together.

"When Harm Occurs: Becoming a Trauma-Responsive Community" is a free virtual presentation by lawyer, speaker and educator Myrna McCallum taking place on Wednesday, October 21 from 7-9:00pm. Learn more and register as an individual or group at https://www.pdcf.ca/myrna-event-2026/

Many thanks to PDCF Board Member, Alyson Colón, for her creative and impressive balloon sculpture. Drop by and check it out, while you’re taking in kids’ entertainment, the winners of the giant vegetable categories, and more in the Lindsay Campbell Barn at The Perth Fair this weekend! 💖

So happy to support our strong and vibrant rural communities through PDCF Community Grants. Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers at Watson’s Corners Community Hall for all you do!

Looking for support? The Perth & District Union Public Library maintains a Community Resources Directory with information about local services and supports, including mental health, counselling, youth and family supports, housing, food security, taxes, crisis services and other community resources. Visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-resources/

Ongoing court proceedings related to the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel may continue to be difficult and upsetting for many members of the community. The judge is expected to deliver his sentencing decision in late August.

Experiencing feelings of sadness, grief, anger, anxiety, confusion or renewed feelings of loss is normal. It is important for community members to care for themselves and one another. Young people may benefit from opportunities to talk about their feelings with trusted adults and supportive peers.

Looking for support? The Perth & District Union Public Library maintains a Community Resources Directory with information about local services and supports, including mental health, counselling, youth and family supports, housing, food security, taxes, crisis services and other community resources. Visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-resources/

As the court process continues, please be thoughtful about what you share, post or respond to on social media in order to prevent further harm. Take time to pause, think and evaluate whether your words will be helpful to those grieving this profound loss.

For more information, visit https://www.perthunionlibrary.ca/community-safety-working-group-encourages-community-members-to-access-support/