York Region’s francophone association has received a boost of funding to develop new programs and expand services in the community.
Dignitaries and guests joined members of Association des Francophones de la Région de York (AFRY) on April 3 for an announcement of a $200,000 grant from the provincial government.
“The government recognized organizations like us need to get a boost in order to generate activities,” said Alain Beaudoin, CEO of AFRY.
The funds, provided through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund, will be used for strategic planning and feasibility studies to ensure the long-term sustainability of its French-language programs, such as daycares and summer camps.
“We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for this generous investment that will empower AFRY in the first year to expand and evaluate our French summer camp offer and for the second year to assess social and cultural activities needed for the francophone community of York Region while developing a calendar of events in 2025 to 2026,” said Beaudoin.
The non-profit organization has served York Region for 30 years. It offers services to the francophone community by promoting French culture and language through programs and services.
“This funding marks a transformative moment for our francophone community,” said Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy. “It equips AFRY with the means to enhance their innovative programs to grow their presence and diversify their services for the francophone and francophile community in York Region. “We are committed to investing in projects that strengthen cultural richness and fortify the backbone of our communities.”
The association offers two French-speaking daycares in East Gwillimbury and Richmond Hill, two French summer camps, one personalized settlement and support service centre for French-speaking newcomers to York Region, and activities on St. John’s Day such as raising the Franco-Ontarian flag. The organization has created 150 jobs in French over the last decade.
"Organizations like AFRY enrich the lives of people in York Region while playing an important role in building a strong and prosperous Ontario,” said Gallagher Murphy.
