R+T Park fund awards $15.7K to local nonprofits 

Supporting the community and the nonprofits doing great charitable work is critical to the David Johnston Research + Technology Park’s mission. In 2006, R+T Park established the David Johnston R+T Park Community Impact Fund with the Waterloo Region Community Foundation to support our tenants’ passion for making the community and the world a better place.

This year, R+T Park is proud to continue that commitment by awarding $15,700 through the Community Impact Fund to four deserving charitable organizations.  This annual grant supports local groups that make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.

The Quilt of Belonging

The first recipient, The Quilt of Belonging is a touring, collaborative textile art piece that shows there is a place for all in the fabric of society.

At 36 metres (120ft) long and 3.5 metres (10.5 ft) high, its 263 blocks portray the rich cultural legacies of the First Peoples in Canada as well as every nation in the world representing all the people who have found a home here.  

From beaded caribou hides and gold embroidered silk to butterfly wings and cowrie shells, the astonishing range of materials and their stories connect the threads of our past to the limitless possibilities of our future.

“Through the support by funds like the David Johnson R+T Park Community Impact Fund the Quilt of Belonging charity is able to keep its educational programming current and relevant as we build a new home and museum for the Quilt at the TriSisters Art House in St. Jacobs.”

~Adrienne Carter, Project Manager

Over 3 million visitors have seen the Quilt while the Quilt of Belonging companion book is in its fifth printing.  This artwork is also used in a variety of projects and education programs, creating an impact nationally and around the world. 

“Through the support by funds like the David Johnson R+T Park Community Impact Fund the Quilt of Belonging charity is able to keep its educational programming current and relevant as we build a new home and museum for the Quilt at the TriSisters Art House in St. Jacobs” says Adrienne Carter, Project Manager.

Jax Rula, Artistic Director at the TriSisters Art House shares the “great joy it brings us to be so lovingly embraced by our own community as we welcome the Quilt to Waterloo Region”.

rare Charitable Research Reserve

The next charity plays a key role in conserving ecologically important landscapes and promoting long-term environmental stewardship.

rare is a community-driven urban land trust and environmental institute protecting more than 1,550 acres of ecologically significant land across Waterloo Region and Wellington County. Through conservation, research and education, rare connects people to nature and inspires collective action toward a sustainable future. From trail access and ecological restoration to programs like Every Child Outdoors (ECO) education program, rare empowers its communities to protect the environment for generations to come.

“We’re deeply grateful for this support from the David Johnston R+T Park Community Impact Fund. This grant will help grow our ability to support rare’s research, conservation efforts and education programs. Together we’re building a more sustainable future by protecting biodiversity and sharing the beauty of nature with our community.”

“We’re deeply grateful for this support from the David Johnston R+T Park Community Impact Fund. This grant will help grow our ability to support rare’s research, conservation efforts and education programs. Together we’re building a more sustainable future by protecting biodiversity and sharing the beauty of nature with our community.”

~rare Charitable Research Reserve

The Working Centre

The next organization receiving funding is equally dedicated to supporting local needs. The Working Centre is an integral part of the social service fabric of Kitchener-Waterloo. This month, The Working Centre has moved St. John’s Kitchen into its new space at 97 Victoria while also setting up a medical clinic and 44 purpose-built dorm units designed for those experiencing the most severe homelessness and the realities of rough street living. Renovations at 87 Victoria will add eight more dorm units, and work continues on the Queen Street Commons café renovations. This operational progress is happening even as the organization continues to serve some 400 people per day at St. John’s Kitchen, another 200 daily at the Job Search Resource Centre, and 120 individuals with deeply affordable housing.

Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region

The final organization receiving support this year plays a crucial role in fostering safety, healing, and education within our community. For 35 years, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASC) has wrapped survivors of sexual violence in community care, offering counselling, court support, advocacy, and more. Alongside these direct services, SASC’s Public Education Program works to create social change by developing and providing curriculum, workshops, and resource materials to schools, professionals, organizations, and the community. SASC empowers individuals and workplaces to prevent and address gender-based violence.

By supporting these four organizations, R+T Park continues to invest in meaningful, community-driven change. The Community Impact Fund reflects R+T Park’s commitment to fostering stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. R+T Park looks forward to continuing its partnership with local organizations and helping create a lasting, positive impact for years to come.

About the R+T Park Community Impact Fund

The David Johnston R+T Park Community Impact Fund began in 2006 and is housed at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Over the past 18 years the tenants and friends of R+T Park have raised more than $300,000, creating a sustainable, ongoing investment in local charities. Raising money for the fund and disbursing the annual grants is overseen by a dedicated group of volunteers from R+T Park who make up the R+T Park Community Impact Committee.