Heersink Family Foundation Donates $50,000 to Aquatic and Wellness Centre

The Town of Saugeen Shores is pleased to announce a generous $50,000 donation from the Ewout and Lynn Heersink Family Foundation in support of the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre (AWC). 

"We are grateful to the Heersink family for their generous support of the Aquatic and Wellness Centre, a facility that will become such an important hub for our community," said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. "Their gift reflects the deep sense of community that makes Saugeen Shores such a special place to call home.” 

The Ewout and Lynn Heersink Family Foundation is a private charitable organization dedicated to supporting community-focused initiatives, particularly those with personal or familial connections. With a focus on projects that promote community development, education, health, and overall wellbeing, the foundation saw the AWC as a perfect fit for its mission. 

The Heersinks have a strong connection to Saugeen Shores through their daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren, who call the community home and are frequent users of the current pool. Seeing the potential of a new, modern facility to benefit their family and the wider community inspired them to support bringing the facility to life. 

"The Heersink family is thrilled to support the new community pool in Saugeen Shores, which will provide a bright, welcoming space for people of all ages to gather, exercise, and enjoy," said the family in a joint statement. "Whether it's children learning to swim, adults staying active, seniors finding wellness and connection, or the Breakers swim team practicing and competing, we believe this pool will serve as a valuable resource for the entire community for years to come." 

The Heersink family’s gift is a significant contribution to the ongoing fundraising efforts for the state-of-the-art facility. 

Looking for a way you can support the AWC? The Commemorative Brick Campaign offers a unique way to support the project by purchasing a personalized brick that will be displayed at the facility. Engrave a brick for your family, in memory of a loved one or even for your business as a gift that builds community and leaves a lasting legacy in Saugeen Shores. Learn more at www.justaddwaternow.ca.  

The AWC is designed to be a regional hub for recreation and wellness, offering an 8-lane competition pool, leisure pool, fitness centre, walking track, gymnasium, and multi-purpose program rooms to serve people of all ages and abilities. Construction of the Aquatic and Wellness Centre is a Major Initiative for the Town’s Community Services department, as outlined in the Saugeen Shores 2025 Business Plan.