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R+T Park Announces 2026 Community Impact Fund Recipients
For 20 years, the R+T Park Community Impact Fund has been investing in organizations that strengthen Waterloo Region. Established in 2006 and housed at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, the fund has raised more than $300,000 through the generosity of R+T Park tenants and supporters, creating a lasting source of support for local charities and community initiatives.
Each year, grants are awarded by the volunteer-led R+T Park Community Impact Committee, a dedicated group of R+T Park volunteers who are passionate about supporting organizations creating meaningful change in our community. This year, the committee is proud to recognize three recipients whose work is advancing Indigenous food sovereignty, arts and culture, and youth leadership.
Wisahkotewinowak
Wisahkotewinowak, meaning “the first green shoots from Mother Earth after a fire has gone through the land,” is an Indigenous-led non-profit collective dedicated to strengthening urban Indigenous food sovereignty, Land-based education, and ecological restoration throughout the Grand River Territory and Waterloo Region. The grant will support the organization’s capacity to deliver experiential learning opportunities for urban Indigenous community members, increase access to culturally significant foods, and expand community-led food growing and education experiences.
“This grant will support our capacity to continue to deliver experiential learning opportunities for our urban Indigenous community members. It will allow us to bring more food to more plates as we continue to build a space for community-led food growing and education experiences.”
~ Hannah Wellings, Program Manager
MT Space
Founded in 2004 by Majdi Bou-Matar, MT Space has become a leading voice in amplifying diverse and underrepresented stories through theatre. Over the past two decades, the organization has grown into a cultural leader, bringing socially and culturally relevant performances from across Canada and around the world to audiences in Waterloo Region. This funding will help support local artists, administrators, and technicians while ensuring important stories continue to be shared on stage.
“We are so grateful to receive this recognition in the community, which helps us to put more towards keeping local artists, administrators, and technicians employed, connected and motivated to continue putting important stories on stage, bringing different communities together to create a community of difference.”
~ Pam Patel, Artistic Director
Fiddlesticks Community Centre
Since 1992, Fiddlesticks Community Centre has fostered community connection through the efforts of local neighbours and volunteers. With more than 225 active volunteers, the organization is committed to creating opportunities that help young people feel welcome, engaged, valued, and heard.
The grant will support the centre’s FYRE Committee (Fiddlesticks Youth Recreation Enthusiasts), a youth-led group of volunteers aged 12 to 18 who organize activities and events for their peers. Committee members have chosen to invest the funding in equipment that can be used at future events, creating long-term benefits for participants and future youth leaders alike.
“FYRE will use the funds to purchase equipment that can be used at all future events and benefit a greater number of people, as well as future FYRE committee members.”
~ Kim Fowler, Executive Director
Congratulations to Wisahkotewinowak, MT Space, and Fiddlesticks Community Centre, the 2026 recipients of the R+T Park Community Impact Fund. Their work is helping create a more inclusive, resilient, and connected Waterloo Region, and we are proud to support their ongoing impact in our community.
