Cobourg council has approved grant funding support for Beyond the Blue Box after Mayor Lucas Cleveland urged councillors to reconsider the organization’s original exclusion from the town’s community grant allocations.
During this week’s council meeting, Cleveland explained Beyond the Blue Box had initially been left out after submitting an application requesting capital funding, which made the request ineligible under the town’s grant policies.
However, after speaking with current and former board members, Cleveland said he learned more about the organization’s long history and community impact.
Beyond the Blue Box has operated in Northumberland since 1992, focusing on reuse, recycling and social enterprise initiatives while also supporting individuals facing barriers to employment and stability.
Cleveland said the organization has spent decades diverting reusable goods from landfill while quietly supporting members of the community.
Council approved a revised allocation motion that redistributed some previously approved funding while also incorporating an additional $3,000 that had not yet been allocated within the grants program.
Cleveland said the town also wanted to show support as Beyond the Blue Box works through rebuilding and future planning following a recent fire that affected the organization.
Council ultimately approved the revised motion unanimously.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
