The Hope Arises Project Inc. has officially been granted registered charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency.
The Huntsville not-for-profit organization is dedicated to strengthening cultural understanding between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.
Joyce Crone, President and founder of the organization, says they have worked “hard and diligently” since November 2022 as a not-for-profit to become a registered charity.
“This is a significant milestone in our organization,” said Crone. “With registered charity status, we can now better serve our community and ensure our vital work continues.”
She says they are thrilled to know everything they have done for the past three years has made a difference in the community, adding this new status “opens doors” for the organization.
With their new charitable status, they will be able to provide tax receipts for donations received from individuals, corporations, or businesses.
“As a retired teacher, my husband has seen me working beyond what I would as a teacher in terms of hours put in. I have a great team behind me. Our board of directors are so supportive. We have excellent support through the Town of Huntsville businesses and organizations,” Crone says.
She says the organization is looking forward to reaching out to other communities like Gravenhurst and Bracebridge.
“We are working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous to teach. Education is the key to change. That’s what we believe as an organization,” says Crone.
A volunteer information forum will be held tomorrow (April 23) at the Huntsville Library from 1 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for those interested in becoming volunteers and for current volunteers to help them understand what is in store for 2025.
