1) 50K Donation From Meridian To Redwood’s Short-Term Housing Facility For Families In Crisis

Release Courtesy of Barrie360.com, Published: Dec 4th, 2023

News release – Redwood Park Communities

Redwood Park Communities has received a $50,000 commitment from Meridian Credit Union to its Hope Through Housing Capital Campaign. In partnership with The Salvation Army, the Hope Through Housing Capital Campaign is building Simcoe County’s only short-term supportive housing for families in crisis.

Founded in 2009, Redwood Park Communities has been working to respond to the need for safe, affordable, hopeful housing in Simcoe County through partnerships with other organizations and supporters.

“Thriving communities cannot be created by any one organization. It takes everyone working together — we each hold a piece of the puzzle. Meridian’s financial commitment demonstrates they are a partner that is aligned with our purpose, and we thank them for doing their part to help families in crisis in Simcoe County have a safe place to stay,” said Tim Kent, co-founder and CEO of Redwood Park Communities.

Homelessness is not caused by the shortcomings of the individual who is experiencing homelessness. That individual is experiencing the symptoms of a breakdown of our community – and every member of our community has a role to play in repairing it; it can’t be left to the social service agencies and charities to solve. When this shift happens, we will end homelessness together.

“Our Meridian for Good Strategy is about supporting organizations like Redwood Park Communities that are developing solutions for families who are experiencing homelessness in Simcoe County,” said Sarah Saso, director of social impact at Meridian. “This grant will provide families in crisis that need short-term housing with a central community space to support their rest and healing.”

Meridian has chosen to have its support recognized through the gardens that will surround the 12-unit Family Short-Term Housing facility on Lillian Crescent.

2) Barrie Food Bank Benefits From Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign

Release Courtesy of Barrie360.com. Published: Dec 7th, 2023

News release – Barrie Food Bank

Tim Hortons has released the results of its Holiday Smile Cookie campaign in Barrie.

Launched in November, the campaign pledged 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Holiday Smile Cookies to local charities. In Barrie, the Barrie Food Bank and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps shared the proceeds from the campaign.

Local Tim Hortons restaurants in Barrie raised an impressive $130,397 from the sale of Holiday Smile Cookies and the Barrie Food Bank received $65,198.60, contributing significantly to the Barrie Food Bank’s ongoing efforts.

Sharon Palmer, Executive Director of the Barrie Food Bank, expressed gratitude, stating, “This is a major step forward in pursuit of our holiday campaign target of raising $1,000,000. We are grateful for the support of the local Tim Hortons restaurants and all those who purchased the Holiday Smile Cookies.”

The funds received will play a crucial role in addressing the growing issue of food insecurity in Barrie.

In November, the Barrie Food Bank provided food support to over 7,200 individuals, doubling the number from the previous year. Sharon Palmer emphasized the alarming growth in food insecurity within the community and highlighted that the donation gives them hope to be able meet the need in the community.