Chapman’s provides crucial funding for Hanley Institute
There was lots of laughter and learning at the Hanley Institute in Flesherton, Ont. during March Break.
And among the community mentors, and in a particular way for executive director Jenny Hanley, that’s made even better by a generous grant announced by Chapman’s Ice Cream.
The funding of $25,000 for five years came as a massive relief. There was no hesitation, after Jenny reached out to ask for help - “It was really quick—he sent back, “Yes, no problem.”
Last year, the Hanley Institute spent $20,000 on food alone. They are a stand-alone charity—not part of a larger entity, or the municipality, as she said some think.
Ms Hanley said funding is “all of a sudden” starting to be harder to get, and monthly bills like the past month’s Hydro at $566 and gas at $1,456 are not going down. She said a large part of municipal help they do get goes right back to the municipality in taxes.
“We need the money,” she said. And the Chapman’s multi-year support can go where it is most needed.
For Ashley Chapman, he had heard from many people about the good work that goes on there, and knew the family.
“I think she saves lives doing what she’s doing,” he said.
“I think there’s no better way for Chapman’s to spend their money than to help children in our community,” he said, highlighting her work with at-risk youth—and they’re all at risk in some way, he added.
“This is just a sense of relief that she’s got that baseline money every year.”
In fact, Jenny shared that when she sent the request, it was tough looking at the financials.
“I was kind of at my wit’s end, and I said I’m going to reach out to him and see what happens.”
“Whenever he wrote back, ‘yes’ – I just started crying,” she said.
“It’s just going to be such a help.”
Mr. Chapman encouraged the community to learn more about the Hanley Institute what it does and what the needs are, whether it’s volunteering, sharing skill or contributing to costs.
“I would just encourage the community to learn more about the Hanley Institute,” said Mr. Chapman. “I really believe in what she’s doing.”
