The Yellowknife Community Foundation, through the Federal Government’s Investment Readiness Program (IRP), has awarded over $440,000 in funding to 10 local organizations including beloved local business, Old Town Glassworks (OTG).
Old Town Glassworks’ co-operative ‘Yellowknife Glass Recyclers Ltd’ received $24,700 in funding to revitalize their services and products.
“We want to work with more creative materials, especially the materials that are otherwise discarded into the landfill,” Old Town Glassworks founder Matthew Grogono says. “Social enterprises are not as well recognized as traditional corporate businesses, but we’ve been working hard to remain a co-op and continue serving the North,” he adds.
Federal Minister of Social Development, Karina Gould says co-operatives such as OTG are an integral part of reshaping the Canadian economy.
“Old Town Glassworks’ commitment to rethink, reduce, reuse, and recycle materials is an incredible example of driving local solutions to build an economy based on the principles of equity and shared prosperity,” Gould says.
Old Town Glassworks will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year and according to the cooperative, the funds will help the future of their operations all while keeping waste out of the landfill.
