By the Brier Island Foundation
A community event was held on Thursday, April 23rd to celebrate the first year of accomplishments of the Brier Island Foundation. The Brier Island Community Gathering hosted at Hammer & Sky Studios was a great way to bring people together for learning and fun.
The Brier Island Foundation shared its 2025 Annual Report to give an update on what was supported in 2025. The total revenue brought in last year was $36,880. Financial statements for the Foundation are available, and the total funds raised were broken down by project. Only $1200 was spent on administration (insurance costs) and the rest of the funding went directly to community projects. The biggest project supported was nearly 25K for the Multipurpose Court project of the Westport Recreation Auxiliary. Other projects included food workshops, the Brier Island Board Game Club, and Hammer & Sky. Donations were also made to Brier Island Trails Committee, Save an Island Lighthouse, and Islands Historical Society.
The Foundation also announced that it is hoping to surpass last year’s total in 2026. So far since January, $26,700 has already been raised. That brings the total funds raised since inception to over $60,000 and counting! Funds this year are already set to support Phase 2 of the Multipurpose Court, the new Joshua Slocum Society, Hammer & Sky, and the continuation of the successful food workshops. There are also several new ideas in the works!
The Community Gathering was not only an opportunity to celebrate the Foundation. It was also a time to hear from other projects on the island to celebrate successes and new ideas. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase what is happening this year and where volunteers may be needed for projects. There was emphasis placed on collaboration opportunities between the groups.
Westport Recreation Auxiliary shared plans for Old Home Weekend in July. There is a great lineup of activities planned and space for partnership between the groups. The other major focus of the Auxiliary is to complete phase 2 of the court project. Last year was a successful phase with preparing the ground, adding new drainage, and paving the court. The goal for this year is to install fencing, basketball hoops, and purchase a storage shed and sports equipment. Another $10,000 is still needed for this project.
Save an Island Lighthouse discussed the Peters Island Lighthouse plans to continue renovations with new siding. Billets will be needed on Brier Island to house volunteers who come to the island to work on the project. This is a great volunteer opportunity, and meals will be shared together on the island so it’s mostly housing that is still required.
Hammer & Sky Studios is planning an exciting season for its artists residency program. There will be more artists coming to Brier Island this year than ever before. A new Fellowship program is being introduced this year to support artists who need support to be able to attend.
One of the newest groups on the island is the Joshua Slocum Society. Three board members of the new organization were present at the Gathering to share plans for the year. The Slocum Boot Shop historic site at 118 Water St will be opening up for several open house events this summer. They are also working on a Slocum Walk event at Old Home Weekend. The group is currently collecting sailing antiques and Slocum memorabilia and is working on a 19th century cobbler display.
Finally, the Westport Theatre Troupe created a buzz with its emerging plans for a possible theatre production this summer. This initiate came as an idea by one of the youths on the island who came to the Brier Island Foundation for support in getting the word out. The April 23rd event was the first chance to share this new idea with the community.
The Brier Island Foundation is thrilled to bring community groups and residents together to share and build connections for a fun year ahead. Please consider making a donation to support our work at www.brierislandfoundation.ca through our Brier Island Community Fund. You can also contact us directly at brierislandfoundation@gmail.com.