United Lodge 29 Legacy Grants

The Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund established its Masonic legacy granting program in 2020 following the dissolution of Brighton’s United Masonic Lodge #29, after having served the residents of Brighton for 165 years. “ The Mason’s principles related to community support align so closely with those of our own,” says Judie Mortlock, Chair of the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund. “This legacy grant series is our way of keeping the memory of Lodge #29 alive.”

2023

$13,500 in grants awarded

Save Our Heritage Organization – $4,000

The wooden stairs leading to the entrance to the Proctor-Simpson Barn Theatre has seen many feet on its treads since they were built in 2002. Now, twenty-one years later, they are no longer safe to use. This grant will see these stairs replaced with concrete steps to ensure that theatre patrons can once again enter the barn safely.

Brighton & District Curling Club (Junior Program) – $4,500

“The overall objective of the junior program is to grow the sport, while offering young people (ages 7 to 17) a chance to participate in a positive, confidence-building, energetic program. We encourage young people to learn this life-long sport, a sport that provides tremendous opportunity for socialization, team-building and plain old fun!” -Susan Ruffo, President. The Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund provided a grant of $4,500 for the purchase of two sets of junior curling stones. This grant was made in recognition of Brian Todd’s deep connections to Masonry and the Brighton Curling Club.

To honour the lives of two avid curlers who were instrumental in promoting the game of curling to Brighton’s youth – the late Brian Todd and Jack Dingle – the stones are engraved with their names.

ENSS Bursaries – $5,000

Cole Davis will apply his $2,500 bursary to his tuition at the University of Toronto and Centennial College, where he will begin his studies in their joint paramedicine program.

Payten Herrington will use her $2,500 bursary at Guelph University where she will study Human Kinetics.

2022

$6,500 in grants awarded

Supper’s Ready – $2,500

Supper’s Ready is run by a group of 100 volunteers who cook and prepare free dinners for Brighton residents every Wednesday night. Before the pandemic, sit-down meals were held in the hall at Trinity-St. Andrews United Church, but the operation pivoted to a drive-in model to keep its services available. This grant is being used to address the added costs related to take-out service.

ENSS Bursaries – $4,000

Two $2,000 bursaries were awarded to graduating students. Morgan Turk is thankful for this support, which she will use towards her Applied Life Sciences program at Lakehead University.

“My goal is to become a forensic or medical scientist”, says Morgan. Reid Bonter is continuing his studies at Durham College and apprenticeship training to become an electrician. Says Reid, “I am extremely grateful for the financial support provided by this Masonic legacy grant.”

2021

$8,035 in grants awarded

Brighton Digital Archives – $4,035

A United Masonic Lodge #29 Legacy Grant was awarded to Brighton Digital Archives to purchase upgraded video/camera accessories. “Heritage-based original videos enable Brighton Digital Archives to continue to collect and preserve Brighton’s history and heritage through the voices of those who have lived it. This grant will impact Brighton for generations, much like Brian Todd’s ongoing impact.” -Beth Bruder, Chair, BDA

ENSS Bursaries – $4,000

$2,000 bursaries were awarded to two ENSS graduates. “I would like to thank the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund for granting me this award. It will allow me to continue my education, just like my late grandfather (a Mason) had hoped for me.” (Ryleigh Spooner, Carleton University). “Brian Todd and the Masons have done a lot for this community. It is an honour to receive this bursary that is dedicated to Mr. Todd’s memory.” (Kieran Gerow, Colgate University).

2020

$4,000 in grants awarded

In this, the inaugural year of these Legacy Grants, the following award was announced:

East Northumberland Secondary School Bursaries – $4,000

For years, Brighton Masonic United Lodge # 29 has awarded bursaries to deserving graduating students of ENSS. The Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund is continuing this legacy with the annual awarding of two $2,000 bursaries. For 2020, these bursaries are awarded to twin sisters, Paige and Jessica Draaistra, who will be continuing their education at Fleming College (Business Administration Program) and Trent University (Teacher Education Stream) respectively.