Stratford ANAF celebrates completion of $192K Trillium-funded upgrades

Murray Patterson, president of Stratford ANAF; Bob Parker, grant review team member for the Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Ontario Trillium Foundation; Stephen Cooper, past president of Stratford ANAF; Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae; and Mayor Martin Ritsma stand beside the new LED sign outside the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Unit 261 at 151 Lorne Ave. E.

By: Amanda Nelson

Last Friday, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae, Mayor Martin Ritsma and Bob Parker met with representatives from the Stratford Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Unit 261 (ANAF) to celebrate the completion of upgrades funded by a $192,100 capital grant from the provincial government's Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

"Our government is proud to support local veteran organizations that make a difference in people's lives," said Rae. "This $192,100 Ontario Trillium Foundation capital grant will improve accessibility and increase the use of the ANAF building, ensuring it can continue to serve the growing needs of our community for years to come."

The grant, awarded last summer, was used to replace the building's aging HVAC (heating and cooling) systems, purchase a new LED sign, replace and install a new dividing wall in the hall and install a state-of-the-art audio/video system with hearing-aid accessibility and assistance functionality.

"These types of improvements matter," said Patterson. "They help create more accessible, functional and energy-efficient spaces for everyone who walks through your doors for events, activities and meetings. This grant is more than just dollars – it's an investment in your ongoing work, your members and everyone in the community who uses this site."

The Stratford ANAF upgrades are now complete, allowing the organization to continue directing funds toward supporting local organizations rather than building improvements.

"The completion of this project ensures the army, navy and air force veterans at Unit 261 will be able to continue to provide improved services and help meet the needs within the Stratford community," said Murray Patterson, president of Stratford ANAF.

Patterson said the organization supports youth sports, local charities, the Stratford House of Blessing, the Salvation Army, the Stratford Hospital Foundation and many other community organizations. It also provides bursaries to local high school students and supports veterans through Parkwood Veterans Hospital in London.

"Once again, I would like to thank Matthew and Bob for your support and help in awarding the Army Navy this Trillium Grant," he said.