Your Guide to Great Local Charities:
Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? There are so many wonderful charitable organizations in Simcoe, Grey and Bruce Counties, it can be hard to pick who to support! To help, we’d like to take this opportunity to share some of our favourite local charities that are doing amazing work to strengthen the communities of Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Thornbury, Meaford, Owen Sound, Port Elgin & more.
Saugeen Memorial Foundation
This year, we have had the privilege of participating in several events to generate funds for a new CT scanning machine; “Bring Tom to Town”, for Saugeen Memorial Hospital in Southhampton. In the summer, Gerard rode for the Grand Fondo Lake Huron and just recently, he was a part of the Radiothon to support the cause. If you would like to learn more about the Saugeen Memorial Foundation’s efforts or to donate to them now, visit:
Habitat for Humanity
Every family should have a solid roof over their head. Habitat for Humanity’s South Georgian Bay and Grey Bruce chapters are doing excellent work to give families in need access to quality homes. At Buckley Mortgage Broker, we believe that supporting local families is key to setting our youth up for success. That’s why we have happily sponsored many events hosted by these charities including the Habitat for Humanity South Georgian Bay Lunch and the Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce and RAGBOS Golf Tournament. To see what they are planning for the holiday season, visit:
https://habitatgeorgianbay.ca/ or https://habitatgreybruce.ca/
YMCA
In Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, the YMCA enriches the lives of so many inhabitants of South Georgian Bay residents. In addition to the Y’s many standard wellness activities and community event hostings, Gerard and his wife Mary have funded extra programs through this establishment including the annual YMCA and Children’s Treatment Network Inclusive Halloween Party. This party accommodates the needs of all children with an extra focus on those with sensory differences or other disabilities so that all families can enjoy the celebration.
This year, The Buckley MacDonald Youth Fund also launched the Advanced Aquatics Scholarship program, giving 18 local youth the opportunity to learn life-saving skills and develop leadership qualities in the process. To find and support your area’s local YMCA this season, head to:
https://www.ymca.ca/locations?type=ymca,camps&amenities
Army Cadet League of Canada
Having participated in Cadets as a teenager, Gerard is a firm believer in the value of Cadet programs. He has served on the Army Cadet League of Canada’s Board of Directors for two decades, funding grants and scholarships that enrich the youth in these programs with things like biathlon and marksmanship training, musical instruments, citizenship activities and wilderness and outdoor exercises. If you’re interested in supporting the local chapter and helping more young people gain skills they can use for life, visit:
https://www.armycadetleague.ca/
Home Horizons
How do we offset the disadvantages of children and teenagers who have survived unstable homes? By supporting organizations like Home Horizons Barbara Wieder House! Changing the course of a young life starts with havens like these, where those between the ages of 16 and 24 can access counselling, therapy, life skills workshops and a safe place to rest their heads while they get on their feet. Buckley Mortgage Broker is proud to give to this transition home, participating in events like The Coldest Night of the Year. To donate to this life-changing cause, visit:
https://www.homehorizon.ca/barbara-weider-house
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is near and dear to Gerard and Mary’s family – as they think back to Mary’s late mother who spent 50 years volunteering to help those in need through this charity. In memory of her, Gerard has been very active in this year’s local Kettle Campaign. Funds from this campaign (one of the largest in Canada) are used to provide food and toys to families in vulnerable situations nationwide. To help this cause, visit:
https://salvationarmy.ca/christmas-kettles/#
Legion
Having served for 15 years in the Canadian Army reserve, Gerard devotes his time and effort to the veterans in our community, like by being a part of this year’s Poppy Campaign. The Legion Collingwood Branch helps to both honour veterans and RCMP members and their families while also focusing on ways to serve the local community by funding youth sport and educational programs, first responder events and so much more. In addition to participating in programs designed for youth interested in the armed forces, to support veterans right in Collingwood, get involved here:
https://collingwoodlegion.ca/about/our-branch/
Together We Make a Difference
This holiday season, we wish warmth and happiness to you all. By joining together to help those in need – especially during this time of year – we are changing lives and investing in the future of these communities that we hold so dear.
For more information about our past, current or planned charitable endeavours, get in touch with our team here.
