OLG Community Recognition Program Cheque Presentation

Representatives from the City of Woodstock, OLG and local agencies came together on Thursday at South Gate Centre to recognize the annual contributions the City receives from OLG as a casino gaming host community.

OLG presented the City with a cheque for $1,698,460, recognizing contributions from April 2024 to March 2025. The funding goes towards a variety of projects and initiatives, such as the City’s fee assistance and community grants programs and the Community and Social Well-Being Reserve Fund.

“Our partnership with OLG has a lasting impact in our community by providing direct support to local non-profit organizations, social service agencies, and individuals and families in need. This funding also helps to address critical issues in our city including mental health, homelessness and food insecurity,” said Mayor Jerry Acchione.

Following the cheque presentation, representatives from the Food Rescue Hub spoke about their work to rescue surplus food from restaurants, farms and other producers and redistribute it to those in need. South Gate Centre also offered a tour of their newly built facility, including the Rotary Community Kitchen space, which will use rescued food items from the Hub.

In 2025, Woodstock City Council approved a $100,000 donation from the Community Grants and Community and Social Well-Being Reserve funds to help the Food Rescue Hub secure space and equipment for a new facility.

“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Woodstock. Since the organization’s start in 1975, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals, OLG’s profits are hard at work in the City of Woodstock and across our province to build stronger communities. We also appreciate the contribution of gaming employees at Gateway Casinos Woodstock who are making life in your community that much better. When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario,” said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager.

The City of Woodstock would like to thank OLG for their continued support.