Volunteer Barrie - Community News

Government of Canada Improves Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This past weekend, the Honourable Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced an investment of almost $600,000 to support the delivery of inclusive, culturally sensitive SRH services and resources to the communities across the country that need them. The announcement took place at the Positive Light Gala in Edmonton, AB, held in support of building a more inclusive and accepting society for all, including people living with HIV.

Two years after landmark report, renewed action is needed as homelessness continues to rise

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Two years after the release of her landmark report on homeless encampments, the Federal Housing Advocate continues to urge all levels of government to do more to address the human rights crisis of homeless encampments in Canada. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Canada continues to rise. Figures show the number of people living unsheltered has more than doubled in recent years – an increase of 107% between 2020-2022 and 2024. In Ontario alone, a report published in January by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario identified 85,000 people experiencing homelessness in the province in 2025. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people continue to be grossly over-represented in these numbers.

Improving the health of men and boys in Canada

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Government of Canada is engaging provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners and key stakeholders to develop a Men and Boys' Health Strategy. The goal is to create supportive and safe environments, challenge harmful stereotypes, reduce stigma and encourage men of all ages to seek help when they need it. Improving the health of men and boys is a shared effort. The factors that lead to poorer health outcomes for men and boys are complex and interrelated, and don't begin in adulthood. Complete the questionnaire by June 1, 2026.

Shifting Threshold of “Serious Non-Compliance” in Canadian Charity Law

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In Canadian tax law, being a “registered charity” is a mark of public trust and regulatory approval, granting the ability to issue official donation receipts. As the regulatory landscape evolves in 2026, there is growing concern that “serious non-compliance” is shifting from intentional wrongdoing to a focus on administrative accuracy. This trend prompts the question: must charities now not only pursue their social mission but also maintain impeccable internal controls and reporting?

Red Cap Program Teaches Children Skills to Prevent Bullying

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Across the country, The Salvation Army runs Red Cap, a program for children between the ages of eight and 12 that provides participants with tools to understand and manage their emotions, helping prevent bullying.

Canada Post Community Foundation

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The 2026 application form will be available from Monday, February 9 to Friday, February 27, 2026, at 2 pm ET. The Canada Post Community Foundation is a registered charity distributing grants to Canadian schools, charities and community organizations that provide programming to children and youth (up to age 21). Every dollar raised goes directly to recipients – Canada Post covers all administrative costs.

Breakthrough T1D Canada Mental Health and T1D Community Grants 2026

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Breakthrough T1D Canada 2026 Mental Health and T1D Community Grants Program is an incubator initiative that provides seed funding to organizations ready to transform innovative ideas into successful projects designed to support the mental health and wellness of people living with T1D and their informal caregivers (including parents or guardians, grandparents, partners, and other support networks).    The maximum amount per grant is $35,000. Grants will be a maximum of 18 months in length, with all project activities expected to be completed in that window.

Volunteers needed to help pups reclaim outdoor space after heavy snowfall

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

After months of heavy snowfall, the sheer amount of snow has made everyday tasks harder, especially for animals who rely on outdoor space. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Midland and District Animal Centre is asking for community help to dig out its dog yards so pups can safely return to using their outdoor areas.

Highway of Heroes procession honours Hamilton, Ontario soldier killed in Latvia

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Hamilton’s Sebastian Halmagean made his final journey Tuesday as armed forces members, police and those from the community honoured the life of a soldier killed while serving his country in Latvia.

Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s ParaTough Cup surpasses $3 million raised following recent Calgary stop

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Over $114,000 was raised last Thursday at the ParaTough Cup, the signature fundraising event of the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, which supports Para athletes at every stage – from community programs to the podium.

Secretary of State Long announces renewed funding for tax clinics for the 55th anniversary of the CVITP

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, announced the renewal of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Grant for the next three years. This grant provides eligible community organizations with financial support to help offset the costs of hosting free tax clinics, making it easier for them to continue their important work.

Community Tennis Grants introduces two-year funding…

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

After a year of record growth, the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grants, presented by National Bank, returns in 2026 with a new two-year grant available for past recipients, as Tennis Canada and National Bank’s investment grows to $125,000.

Get your hot chocolate here! Barrie kids brew up community spirit

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

A young Barrie family is warming up their neighbourhood — and giving back to the community — through a homemade hot chocolate stand raising money for charity. Alex and Ava Marks, along with their mother Leah, will be braving the cold again this Friday between 1 and 3 p.m., as they host their hot chocolate stand outside their Trevino Circle home, near Bayfield and Hanmer streets in north Barrie.

CICP 2026 Surveying Begins February 4

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Surveying for the 2026 Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP) officially begins on February 4, 2026, marking the start of another year of real-time insight into the experiences of Canada’s charitable and non-profit sector.

Student-led non-profit initiative hosts free thrift event for those in need

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Students from an Edmonton high school kept a non-profit charity initiative alive with a two-day event that provided free clothing and hygiene products to anyone who needs them. Christina Daniel founded Ross Sheppard High School’s Givology in 2024 as a Grade 11 student after learning one of her peers had been facing homelessness.

We want to hear how you would improve Barrie

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Over the years, BarrieToday has published countless stories, celebrated local heroes, informed the community on challenges we faced, recognized the good work of our neighbours and partnered with local businesses, non-profits and grassroots community organizations. Now, we are taking the next step in strengthening our community by bringing people together to talk, listen and chart a better path forward for Barrie by introducing our Community Conversation.

'We need people to stand up': More volunteers sought for Ontario Winter Games

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For the fourth time, the City of Orillia will host the Ontario Winter Games, set to officially kick off on Feb. 19. But without volunteers, community-run events like this can’t succeed, warn organizers.

Four charities stories to watch in 2026, including two happening now

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Goodbye, 2025: when it came to big announcements, 2025 was a relatively underwhelming year for Canada’s charities and non-profits. But what will 2026 hold for the sector? Below, we highlight four developments to keep an eye on in 2026. Already, two of these: the CRA’s move to “axe the fax” and the Lobbying Commissioner’s move to lower the registration threshold for organizations, are well underway.

2026: The Four Digital Strategy Imperatives for Canadian Nonprofits

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For Canadian nonprofits, 2026 won’t be defined by a single trend, technology, or threat. It will be defined by how well organizations adapt to an environment where demand continues to rise faster than capacity, fundraising models are shifting, digital transformation is uneven, and donors are more diverse in identity and expectation than ever before. In our work at Salytics, we see these pressures playing out in every engagement, from small social service agencies to large federated institutions and they are reshaping how leaders set strategy.

‘Strike Out Cancer’ goes national as mortgage industry aims to raise $1M in 2026

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The mortgage industry is once again lacing up its bowling shoes and taking another spin in a collective effort to “Strike Out Cancer” in late February.

A Newcomer’s Story of Strength and Courage (WATCH)

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Isaac, a caregiver student originally from Kenya, shares his journey of coming to Canada in search of a better future for his family. Arriving in Canada with only one small bag and little support, Isaac faced intense isolation, cold weather, financial hardship, and emotional distress.

Children's Miracle Network: $1B Health For All Kids Pledge

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Children’s Miracle Network® (CMN), the charity that focuses solely on raising funds to support the health of all kids, launched The Health For All Kids Impact Pledge today to demonstrate its participation in providing the necessary resources to support the country’s pediatric healthcare demands amid unstable funding sources. The $1 billion, two-year fundraising initiative greatly accelerates the heritage of CMN’s contributions-to-date, as the organization has raised nearly $10 billion for its network of 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada since its inception in 1983.

Canadian charity opens relief hub for children in Gaza

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

As advocates warn the world is turning away from the suffering in Gaza, a Canadian charity is opening a relief hub to give traumatized children in the enclave access to basic mental health supports and education. “The need is so urgent,” said Usama Khan, an adviser to the head of Human Concern International, a Muslim charity based in Ottawa.

Couchiching Conservancy seeks volunteers for 2026 conservation efforts

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

The Couchiching Conservancy is inviting community members to get involved as volunteers in 2026, supporting local conservation efforts across the region. Volunteer opportunities include land stewards, invasive species volunteers, bat monitoring, reptile monitoring, office volunteers, ambassadors, and special projects. Special project opportunities are available for individuals with experience in software or technical fields, as well as for students interested in completing thesis or research projects related to conservation. Training and support are provided for many roles.

January 2026 – Grants for Black-led Nonprofits and Charities

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Welcome to a new year with a new set of Grants Black-led/ B3 Non profits and Charities. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, scaling your impact, or need support for infrastructure and capacity-building, here some current grants to help fund your Black non profit in Canada to check out this month:

CNIB Partners With THE TEN SPOT® To Launch Braille Nails in Support of Braille Literacy

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

January is Braille Literacy Month in Canada, a time to recognize braille as a cornerstone of literacy, learning, and independence for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. That’s where your hands can help. Funds raised through Braille Nails will help support CNIB’s braille literacy programs, ensuring they have access to instruction, materials, and tools that allow them to learn to read and write independently. Just as we would never question the importance of print literacy for sighted children, children who are blind deserve the same foundation for success.

Young Donor Teams Up with The Salvation Army to Keep Children Warm

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Ontario Public Service Employees Raised $1.75M

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Tax-Deductible Year-End Gifts Make Twice the Impact for People In Need

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Canadians giving less to charity now than before, study finds

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Canada advances First Nations-led new path forward on long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Barrie Food Bank gets $3K from United Food and Commercial Workers

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Protecting fresh water: Canada Water Agency invests over $4.5 million in 39 new projects

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Today, the Honorable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, announced over $4.5 million in funding for 39 new freshwater projects.

Barrie Christmas Cheer still $128K short as deadline looms

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

With the holidays fast approaching, Barrie and District Christmas Cheer remains more than $128,557 short of its fundraising goal, prompting the local charitable organization to update its wish list to include a renewed call for community support.

Simcoe County charities make final push before holiday season

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

As many people prepare their final plans for the holidays, thousands across Simcoe County need help to even be able to celebrate, and now is the critical push for local charities to meet that demand. For instance, food bank dependence does not take a break during the holidays.

Charitable giving on the decline in Canada

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

There would have been 1.5 million more Canadians who donated to charity in 2023—and $755.5 million more in donations—had Canadians given to the same extent they did 10 years prior

Salvation Army Christmas campaign down nearly 50 per cent as kettles go unstaffed

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Nine days before Christmas, the Salvation Army is launching a desperate appeal for volunteers. The agency reports its seasonal goal is off by nearly 50 per cent, simply because of a lack of people to staff its Christmas kettles.

How culture shapes volunteerism in Canada

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

A recent Statistics Canada report shows differences in volunteerism rates by race and immigration status. About 70 per cent of racialized Canadians volunteered in 2023, compared with 74 per cent of white Canadians. Both groups were significantly more likely to volunteer informally, by directly helping people, than to volunteer formally with an organization.

Volunteers step up as Barrie Christmas charity struggles to meet demand

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

For the first time in its 51-year history, the volunteer-run charitable organization — which provides Christmas food hampers and gifts to families and individuals in Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Springwater and Oro-Medonte — was forced to close applications for assistance, president Sandra Yaquo told BarrieToday on Friday afternoon.

Lorem Ipsum News

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Lorem Ipsum News

Oshawa calling on volunteers for next downtown clean-up

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Oshawa residents, businesses and local organizations are encouraged to pitch in September 18 for the second of three scheduled clean-ups of the city’s downtown. The first clean-up on August 14 was successful and city officials are hoping they can get an even bigger turnout this Saturday.

Habitat for Humanity building new townhomes in Oshawa

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Affordable housing is a challenge for any city. Now the city of Oshawa is trying to tackle the issue, partnering with Habitat for Humanity GTA to build new 50 new townhouse units in the South end.

City looking to honour local volunteers

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Oshawa is looking to recognize local volunteers who contribute to community-based organizations. Individuals must be nominated for recognition by their volunteer organization. Each organization can nominate two individuals annually.

City of Oshawa looking for volunteers to help with diversity, equity and inclusion

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The City of Oshawa is looking for people to join their newest consultative committee – the Community Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The committee’s goal is to develop a community-driven model for supporting the implementation of the Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

Oshawa firefighters distribute food boxes to 100 local families

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Partnering with Global Medic, Oshawa firefighters dropped of food boxes to 100 families in need. Tiffany Wallace, a dispatcher with Oshawa Fire Services who helped organize the project, explains the food came from Toronto through a partnership with GlobalMedic and Hand Up Toronto.

Meet the volunteers sewing masks for hospitals and nursing homes

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Teresa Shaver used to sew about once a week. Now she does it every day to help fight the spread of COVID-19. The Oshawa, Ont., woman is one of the founding members and co-ordinators of Canada Sews, a volunteer organization that's making homemade masks for Canadian health-care facilities and communities.

A good time was had by over 6,500 at Whitby's Hometown Hockey

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

They came by the thousands over this past weekend to celebrate hockey in Whitby. Rogers Hometown Hockey, the travelling celebration of Canadian hockey that hits a town every weekend during the NHL hockey season, drew more than 6,500 residents, minor hockey players and members of the community to events at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre.

Oshawa, Ont. business helps brighten the holidays for youth at The Refuge

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Christmas is only sleeps away, and while the anticipation is building for many youth, it isn’t for all. A couple of businesses decided to brighten the holidays for some of the children who need it most, as they prepared a meal and gave away hygiene items at The Refuge in Oshawa Monday.

New organization focused on tree planting, promoting sustainability

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

A newly created organization in Oshawa is looking to motivate residents to get involved in environmentally-friendly and sustainable activities. Durham Trees For Life is the first Ontario-based chapter of The Global Foundation For Social Harmony and Sustainable Development (GFoundation).

‘We’re meant to connect’: Oshawa, Ont. man counters holiday depression through volunteering

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

It may feel like the most wonderful time of the year for some, but for others, the holidays can be filled with loneliness and depression. But one Oshawa man has found a way to thwart those blues. “Just another day,” said Kevin Owens, a volunteer at St. Vincent’s Kitchen.