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SUSSEX - Nine lucky community groups and organizations were the recipients of more than $20,000 in grants June 18.

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Kelly / KCR

Representatives from groups receiving a spring grant from the Sussex Area Community Foundation gathered for the special announcement at the Sussex Regional Library last week. Front, from left: Sally Richards, Learning Partnership; Tanya Warren, John Howard Society; Joyce Sparks, Sussex Corner Elementary School; Theresa Teakles, Fundy Civic Centre and SACF chair Richard Sullivan. Back, Ann West, Kiwanis Nursing Home; Ottie Forgraves, Southfield United Church; Eric Nelson, Sussex and Area Seniors Centre; David Alexander, Sussex Health Centre; Andrew Ness, Belleisle Community Pool Association.

The Sussex Area Community Foundation (www.sacfi.org) recently held its first of two grant ceremonies for 2008 at the Sussex Regional Library. Projects to receive SACF grants were:

The Fundy Civic Centre added $5,000 from the SACF to its more than $700,000 in community donations to date for the indoor pool and recreation complex.

The grant brings the Sussex Health Centre one step closer to a new ultrasound machine. Fundraising committee member David Alexander said nearly 4,000 area residents will benefit from this diagnostic technology instead of traveling to Saint John or Moncton.

Visitors and residents will soon enjoy modern furniture in the lounges of the Kiwanis Nursing Home, purchased in part with a $1,200 SACF grant. "We are looking for comfort," said director of nursing Ann West.

The new wheelchair-accessible entrance to the Sussex and Area Seniors Centre is $1,000 closer to completion. The new funds will help landscape around the extension which has already been built.

Southfield United Church Hall was given $1,000 to help install a new emergency exit in its basement. This safety improvement was needed dearly by the small community church as the facility is being used more and more for functions.

The Belleisle Community Pool Association received $1,500 to help install ventilation equipment for ongoing renovations to the indoor recreation venue.

A $1,000 SACF donation helped the John Howard Society bring former heavyweight boxer George Chuvalo to Sussex in May. Chuvalo shared his tragic personal story of loss due to drug addiction with more than 500 students during his visit in Kings County.

The Second Step and Steps to Respect, violence prevention programs at Sussex Corner Elementary School, received $1,320 to help promote anti-bullying efforts among children.

As many as 660 children in Kings County will get a leg up during the 2008 school year thanks to a $3,500 SACF grant. The money will pay for Welcome to Kindergarten program materials in District 6.

There were more than $100,000 in grant requests made to the SACF this year.