The Perth & District Union Public Library is thrilled to announce a $10,000 grant from The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.) to transform our meeting spaces into fully accessible hybrid environments. This project will equip our study rooms and larger meeting rooms with the technology needed to support virtual and hybrid gatherings, ensuring residents can connect for work, learning, and community programs both in person and online.
“Our library is more than a place to borrow books; it’s a hub for collaboration, education, and community,” said [Erika Heesen, CEO/Chief Librarian]. “This investment allows us to remove barriers, support remote workers, and ensure everyone can access programs and services, no matter where they are.” Thanks to The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. Grant, we can provide inclusive spaces that promote connection and life-long learning across our rural communities.
Administered by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, the L.E.A.F. initiative invested $400,000 in community grants this year, continuing its steady growth and impact across Ontario. Tim Shauf, President of The Commonwell, emphasizes the program’s impact, stating, “This year, the L.E.A.F. initiative saw an unprecedented $6.96 million in funding requests, underscoring how essential it is to the well-being of the communities we serve. At The Commonwell, we are committed to Building Member Value by caring beyond us and beyond now, and these projects represent real action behind that commitment, supporting communities where they are today and shaping stronger futures for the generations that follow.”
L.E.A.F.’s mission is simple: cultivate community resilience and capacity through program development and facility/resource upgrades in places where residents learn, play, engage, and gather.
For more details about The Perth & District Union Public Library’s “Connecting Our Community” project visit leaf.thecommonwell.ca.
About The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group:
For over 100 years, The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group has provided insurance for Ontario’s farmers, families, and businesses. With a focus on the rural lifestyle, The Commonwell believes in giving back to the communities it serves through annual philanthropy efforts, including the L.E.A.F. initiative. Learn more at thecommonwell.ca/impact.