[Correction & Acknowledgement: In our previous publication, we inadvertently omitted coverage of the RCKCCFs December grant distribution. We regret the oversight and are pleased to now share the full story.]
The Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation (RCKCCF) exists to support, through a grant program, qualified organizations that serve seniors; provide poverty relief; assist individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities; offer immigration services; promote basic education, literacy, and employment training; advance environmental sustainability and education; support international development; and foster the arts.
In December, the Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation (RCKCCF) was proud to support seven inspiring projects with a total of $160,000 in funding, helping bring positive change to communities across Kings and Annapolis counties.
Since 2007, the Foundation—guided by a board of past Presidents from the Rotary Clubs of Kentville and Wolfville–Mud Creek—has grown to more than $3 million in assets and has distributed over $1.2 million in support of local initiatives. The seven projects that follow reflect this ongoing commitment to strengthening our communities and supporting ideas that make a real difference.
Read more to see how these seven projects are creating measurable, lasting impact. (larger picture also enclosed)
The Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation Fund Initiatives:
West Dalhousie Fire
On August 14, 2025, the first evacuation order was issued due to the West Dalhousie Fire and remained in effect until September 19. In response, the Rotary Club of Middleton mobilized immediately, donating funds and coordinating additional contributions from other Rotary clubs to support affected residents. After meeting with the Rotary Clubs of Kings County to identify urgent needs, a funding application was submitted.
The Rotary Clubs of Kings County Charitable Foundation (RCKCCF) was pleased to award $40,500 to support the purchase of essential household appliances for individuals and families who experienced losses and lacked the financial means to replace them. Appliance distribution is based on individual need and is overseen by a committee to ensure fairness and accountability. In addition, fifty families each received a $250 food replacement allowance in the form of gift cards to local grocery stores. Together, these supports are helping recipients regain independence and move forward with their lives.
During the wildfire emergency, the West Dalhousie Community Hall served as a refuge for residents forced to evacuate. The County of Annapolis provided a washer and dryer to support those affected by the fire, as well as residents experiencing dry wells due to the concurrent drought emergency. To further enhance these services, the RCKCCF awarded $15,640 toward the addition of a shower facility. This relief hub will serve as a long-term community resource during future emergencies.
L’Arche Homefires Wolfville
L’Arche Homefires in Wolfville is a thriving community serving people with disabilities in five homes, an independent Living Support Program, and day programs.
This award of $12,000 will enable L’Arche to modernize it’s delivery of medication training and thereby strengthen its ability to provide care and wellness support for its core members through the development of an online course for L’Arche programs and house assistants. This project will involve the creation of engaging and accessible training videos and course documentation for core member assistants and thereby enhancing consistency and confidence in daily care practices. The sustainability of this project lies in its long-term impact—ensuring improved safety protocols, supporting continuous learning, and keeping best practices up to date for years to come.
Valley After The Bell
Valley After the Bell is a community-driven initiative focused on addressing food insecurity among school-aged children in the Annapolis Valley by providing them with take-home meals for weekends. The project is overseen by a Board of Directors. Volunteers handle both purchasing and packaging the food, while Schools Plus or volunteers deliver it to local schools, where AVRCE Schools distribute it to the children. Most of the funding comes from community donations, grants from service organizations and some support from government sources. Operations are conducted from County Fair Mall in New Minas and the Food Hub in Hants Co. The program currently serves 12 schools in Kings County and 4 in Hants county, providing 200 bags of food every week during the school year. The $15,675 award will go toward fulfilling their mission of reducing food insecurity for school-aged children during times when schools are closed during the school year.
Meet Your Feet
Meet Your Feet (MYF) is an outreach program of Orchard Valley Pastoral Charge that provides free professional foot care and health education delivered by Licensed Foot Care Nurses (LPNs) in an accessible and welcoming environment. Established in 2017, the program now serves more than 500 individuals annually through its clinic at the County Fair Mall in New Minas.
With an aging population and a declining number of primary care providers, access to foot care and education on self-care is increasingly critical. Many MYF clients face mobility challenges, lack a family doctor, experience financial hardship, and/or have limited access to transportation. A significant number are seniors, and many are living with diabetes.
To enhance both the quality and comfort of services, Meet Your Feet has been awarded $12,685.99 to purchase new lift chairs, pneumatic chairs, exam lights, and a DV-3 Dust Vac. This equipment will improve client comfort and safety while also providing effective airflow and filtration to reduce occupational hazards associated with podiatry power drills
Landmark East School
Landmark East School is a day and boarding school for students with diagnosed learning differences and has been changing lives since 1979. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers are able to design individualized programs that support each student’s unique learning needs, helping them find their voice and build on their strengths for success.
Landmark East is currently undertaking a capital campaign to create a new recreational facility for students and the wider community. This space will provide much-needed indoor recreational opportunities, particularly during inclement and winter weather, and will serve as a venue for school activities such as science fairs and graduations. The facility will also be available for rental by other organizations for a variety of uses.
The new building will be located directly behind the Johnson Academic Centre on the Landmark East campus, with anticipated completion in fall 2026. The RCKCCF $50,000 award will contribute toward Landmark East’s goal of a fully equipped gymnasium, ensuring students have access to quality daily physical activity experiences that support and enhance their learning.
Horton High School Holistic Food-Based Program
The Holistic Food-Based Program is designed to engage and inspire students at Horton High School through hands-on learning focused on food production, sustainability, education, and community involvement. Through participation, students will develop essential life skills, cultivate a sense of responsibility, and build leadership abilities while actively supporting the local farming community.
The program consists of the following components:
- Freeze-Drying for Preservation and Fundraising
Students will learn the benefits of freeze-drying as a food preservation method by producing freeze-dried apple chips using locally sourced apples. These apple chips will be packaged and sold or offered by donation to help fund the ongoing development of the program.
- Microgreens Cultivation Program
Students grow and harvest microgreens, which are rich in nutrients and easy to cultivate in small spaces indoors. This activity will teach students about sustainable farming practices and the benefits of growing their own food. Microgreens will be used for Horton Salad bar offered during Lunch time and also packed so Horton community can take these home.
- Freezer Meals Using Seasonal, Local Ingredients
This program component focuses on preparing freezer meals using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Students will gain practical cooking skills while learning the importance of supporting local farmers and businesses. The meals will be available to students throughout the year for consumption at school or at home.
- Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Program
Students will grow oyster mushrooms in an indoor environment, gaining insight into alternative and sustainable food production methods as well as the science of fungi cultivation. Harvested mushrooms will be used in freezer meal production and packaged for distribution within the Horton community
- School Garden: Raised Bed Planting Program
Raised garden beds will be established on school grounds, allowing students to plant, maintain, and harvest vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Produce from the garden will be incorporated into freezer meal preparation.
The RCKCCF grant of $13,327.65 will be used to purchase essential startup equipment, enabling the program to launch successfully. This investment will support the promotion of healthy eating habits and sustainable practices, encouraging students to make healthier food choices both at school and at home.