Barrie Community News

What started with a single $5 donation has now become an annual tradition for Owen Hewett, a 12-year-old from Napanee, Ont., who is passionate about ensuring less fortunate children have appropriate winter wear each Christmas.

Celebrating an Incredible Year of Giving – Thank You for Making 2025 Unforgettable! As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year for Federated Health Charities – and it’s all thanks to YOU, our incredible community of Ontario government employees, volunteers, and donors.

Many individuals seeking support have turned to The Salvation Army for food, clothing and practical assistance, with more than three million visits reported last year in Canada and Bermuda. Donors continue to play a crucial role in helping The Salvation Army provide essential services in 400 communities across Canada.

Charitable giving in Canada is on the decline, according to the Fraser Institute’s latest generosity index, which analyzed tax returns to track private donations across the country. The study shows that fewer Canadians are donating, and the value of donations has also fallen.

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing long-term reform alongside First Nations across the country—so child and family services put children, families, and communities at the centre of care. Today, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, announced that the Government of Canada will be submitting a detailed plan to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to reform the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program — one that respects regional approaches while operating within a coherent national framework.

Earlier this month, UFCW Local 175 Executive Board Vice President Wayne Bailey, Union Representative Julie Jodoin, and Union members Tom McCarthy, Jane Readman, and Lori Vandermeer presented a cheque for $3,000 to the Barrie Food Bank.