Your United Way is committed to bringing together relevant partners to address our communities most pressing social needs.

At our Annual General Meeting in June, we announced a new signature United Way Simcoe Muskoka program that will launch in the coming months: our Home Relief Fund. This fund will act as a “rent bank” for those who are employed but making less than a living wage who for whatever reason are at risk of defaulting on a rent or mortgage payment. Our plan is to collaborate with local agencies working with low-income families to arrange for interest-free loans as a means to preventing folks from losing their homes. This initiative will help hundreds of families avoid accessing a predatory loan that could ultimately bring them one step closer to bankruptcy.

This is a new venture for us, and I would like to commend the staff and volunteers that worked on developing the plan. I would also like to commend our Board of Directors for their commitment to doing something different to prevent homelessness.

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks and months and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about this innovative approach to homelessness prevention..

Together we can make a difference.

At our Annual General Meeting, we were delighted to celebrate our exceptional partners who are making remarkable progress in transforming lives from poverty to possibility.

We proudly recognized their efforts with our Stronger Communities Awards and Spirit Awards.

Allow us to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of our partners. Thank you for the work that you do.

Spirit Awards: 

The Champion of Change Award:
– Elizabeth Smith – ODSP Barrie
– Vicki Hartin – Costco Orillia
– Sarah MacGregor – City of Barrie

The Community Builders Award:
– VOA Auto-Liv
– TD Bank Group (Simcoe Muskoka)
– LCBO District 3
– LCBO District 15

Spirit Awards: 

The Game Changer Award:
– Dorset Environmental Science Centre
– Innovative Automation
– County of Simcoe

The Rising Star Award:
– Kimberly-Clark

In recognition of creating a sustainable impact.

Champion of Collaboration:
– Barrie Public Library
– CFS Counselling and Wellbeing
– County of Simcoe

Employee Spotlight: Brenda Rhodes, Relationship Manager

We are pleased to share that Brenda Rhodes will be joining our team at United Way Simcoe Muskoka. Brenda is the former Executive Director of the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce and currently is serving her first term as Deputy Mayor & District Councillor for the Town of Bracebridge. In her role, Brenda will focus on building relationships across the District of Muskoka to power your United Way’s efforts to address the most pressing social issues in this region.