By Craig Westcott
November 24, 2023 Edition
The Town of Bay Bulls has adopted a new policy to guide staff on how to handle donation requests.
"The Town of Bay Bulls is a big supporter of community groups and organizations," said Mayor Keith O'Driscoll in introducing the policy at last week’s public council meeting, which was held, as usual, by teleconference.
Under the new policy, O’Driscoll said, community groups can apply for an annual one-time donation to support their activities and programs.
"Council will allocate an annual amount each year in the budget process to support community groups and organizations," said the mayor. "The purpose of an annual donation program is to ensure that all donations are made in an equitable and fair manner to all eligible groups and organizations. The primary focus of the donation policy will be to provide financial assistance to community groups and organizations for the purposes of community initiatives and community programs. These guidelines will provide staff the means to process donation requests."
Earlier in the meeting, before the new policy was passed, council agreed to donate $250 to the Mobile Central High Scholarship Fund. The money is to be disbursed as five cheques of $50 each to accompany specific awards.
Council also agreed to donate $300 to the Kidsmas and Town tree lighting event.
"It's a great event and I'm glad to see it's going ahead again this year," said councillor Jason Sullivan.
"It's been growing every year, I think, since it's started, and it's great to see," agreed Mayor O'Driscoll.
Later in the meeting, council voted to provide a $200 donation to the Ferryland RCMP detachment for its Kids Ride On Program.
And finally, council also agreed to cover the cost of some 50 vegetable hampers for the Dean Patrick Cleary Council of the Knights of Columbus’ Christmas Hamper Program.
The motion was made by councillor Sullivan who estimated the value of the donation to be some $600.
The motion was seconded by councillor Ethan Williams and passed unanimously.
