Community Boost Recipients

Autism Ontario South Region and Habitat for Humanity Niagara have been selected for their positive impact on our community.

By Lisa van de Geyn

The 2025 recipients of CAA Niagara’s Community Boost, Autism Ontario South Region and Habitat for Humanity Niagara, each receive their $10,000 grant. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CAA NIAGARA

IN EVERY COMMUNITY, there are the unsung heroes — those groups that have taken up a cause, choosing to turn hope into action. These organizations endeavour to address urgent needs, creating programming to support those in the community who are disadvantaged or vulnerable. These organizations are admirable, but all too often are limited by a lack of resources.

CAA Niagara recognized the challenge and, in response, created the Community Boost program in 2019. This initiative provides support for two local non-profits by awarding them each a $10,000 grant, as well as a year of volunteer, marketing and fundraising support. This year’s recipients are Autism Ontario South Region and Habitat for Humanity Niagara. Both organizations prioritize volunteer efforts and community engagement in the name of bettering the lives of area residents.

CAA Niagara presents Autism Ontario South with a grant that will be used to support their annual summer camp program. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CAA NIAGARA

Autism Ontario South Region appreciated the opportunity to align with a well-regarded program that complements their mission. “CAA Niagara’s Community Boost program has built an exceptional reputation for supporting local charities and making a meaningful impact in the community,” says Janine O’Brien, the fund and volunteer coordinator. “Their philosophy of ‘amplifying the voices and missions of those working to make our region a better place’ deeply resonates with us. We saw an opportunity to demonstrate how our partnership could bring advocacy and positive change to the autistic community,” she says.

The $10,000 grant will support the organization’s annual summer camp program for autistic children, youth and adults. “CAA’s donation will directly assist us in maintaining a lower cost for families by covering some of the daily expenses it takes to operate the camp, including bus services, program supplies and outing fees,” says O’Brien.

CAA Niagara presents Habitat for Humanity with a grant that will support building six new townhomes in Welland. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CAA NIAGARA

Sarah Pritula is the director of philanthropy and major gifts for Habitat for Humanity Niagara. She says the donation will support the building of six new townhomes in Welland, which will be ready for families to move into by the spring of 2026. “We’re thankful CAA’s employees listened to our call to action and selected us. We’re grateful to be able to share our voice.”

Community Boost focuses on investing in Niagara regional initiatives. The program is designed not just as a financial measure: it is a multi-channelled solution which has a more supportive and significant impact. Additional help provided includes elements such as marketing, strategic partnerships and fundraising.

Pritula says it’s always important to look for local grants that go beyond financial considerations. “We will have one of CAA’s vehicles wrapped with our logo for five years, and that’s a nice piece for us,” she says. “Plus, being awarded this grant also gives us the opportunity to engage with CAA’s staff and to share more about what we do. I know the CAA team wants to volunteer with us — that’s win-win for both groups.”

O’Brien agrees. “The Community Boost program is a powerful example of community support in action.” CAA

Explore the Community Boost program to see if your non-profit could be considered for a grant.