“Thanks to this generous donation, we can invest in sustaining our client supports over the long term, turning today’s funding into tomorrow’s lasting impact. This donation strengthens our ability to respond to the evolving needs of those we serve and ensures that vital supports remain accessible for individuals and families. This donation will provide stability and hope, helping us continue to walk alongside those in our community who need us most.” — Eva Zachary, Executive Director.

Following Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Muskoka Victim Services was one of six organizations based in Ontario receiving more than $660,000 CAD combined in Airbnb Community Fund donations this year to support efforts focused on ending abuse and exploitation, combating human trafficking, and strengthening support for vulnerable communities—key priorities identified by the Airbnb host community.

This support will help Ontario organizations deliver essential services such as safe housing, counselling, and community‑based care for survivors of human trafficking and others at risk. By investing directly in frontline work, the funding strengthens the capacity of local groups to sustain and grow programs that respond to the real, evolving needs of people and communities across the province, ensuring more individuals can access safety, stability, and compassionate support.

The organizations receiving donations include:

• Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre Of Nipissing (North Bay, ON) to expand counselling, prevention, and advocacy services and strengthen capacity to deliver trauma-informed care and education.
• Canadian Mental Health Association, Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services (London, ON) to furnish apartments with items needed to support comfort and a sense of belonging for new tenants.
• Huronia Transition Homes (Midland, ON) to support programs providing safe housing, food, care, and resources for women and children.
• KCWA Family and Social Services (Toronto, ON) to expand mobile services programs that support newcomers and vulnerable families and strengthen community connection.
• Muskoka Victim Services (Bracebridge, ON) to sustain client support services and respond to evolving community needs.
• SafeHope Home (Ajax, ON) to provide safe housing, care, and support services for women and youth escaping human trafficking.

As part of ongoing global efforts at Airbnb to help end human trafficking and exploitation in all its forms, the company partners with subject‑matter experts to provide hosts worldwide with training to identify and report potential trafficking and exploitation. Working with ECPAT International, we helped launch a free online course—created with direct input from hosts—that offers practical guidance on recognizing, preventing, and reporting possible child exploitation, and is promoting it across its global community of more than five million hosts. Through the Airbnb Community Fund, we support organizations focused on combating abuse and exploitation, donating to more than 50 groups in 17 countries since 2020.

The post Muskoka AirBnB Hosts Donate $70k To Muskoka Victim Services appeared first on Muskoka411.

Each shoebox is packed with toiletries, cosmetics, clothing, snacks, and self-care items, then carefully wrapped and delivered to women’s shelters and community agencies that support vulnerable women throughout the District of Muskoka.

Some recipients include Christine’s Place, Alex’s Place, Muskoka Victim Services, Huntsville’s Table Soup Kitchen, the YWCA, West Muskoka Food Bank (Glen Orchard), CMHA, and Parry Sound Sexual Assault Services.

In 2023, volunteers fulfilled the request of 1,500 shoeboxes from nearly two dozen local agencies. In 2024, that number rose to 1,600. This year, 2025, Project Coordinator Heather Scott and her team of volunteers are racing against the clock to complete an even larger demand of 1,900 shoeboxes.

Although the team has been blessed with generous donations already, Heather estimates they still have 300–400 boxes left and may not have enough supplies to finish them.

The Shoebox Project is a volunteer-run, registered Canadian charity dedicated to uplifting and empowering women experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. For more than a decade, volunteers across the country have assembled gift-filled shoeboxes that offer comfort, dignity, and hope during difficult times.

Their new PSA, Secure Her Tomorrow, highlights powerful personal stories from women who have faced housing insecurity and found strength through community support and programs like The Shoebox Project.

“Every time we drop off boxes, we hear stories from women who say it’s the only gift they’ll receive all year,” Heather shared in a previous interview. “One woman told us it was the first gift she’d received in years. That’s why we do this.”

Your Muskoka chapter is now reaching out to the community for help.

The Shoebox Project website makes it easy to donate directly to the Muskoka Chapter, where 100% of proceeds go toward assembling shoeboxes valued at approximately $50 each.

Donors can also use the “build-a-box” feature online to personally select the items included. Remember, when donating, you want to select your Chapter/Campaign as ON-MUSKOKA to ensure your donations are directed to our district. Then you will receive a tax receipt. 

Click the link below to be directed to the donation page.

https://www.shoeboxproject.ca/virtual/ca-en/home

For those who wish to hand-pick and deliver a box themselves, donors are asked to wrap a standard-sized shoebox and fill it with new items totaling about $50. Think Christmas stocking. Some suggested items include:

• Gift cards
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc.)
  
• Cosmetics
• Snacks
• Warm accessories (mitts, hats, scarves)
• Self-care items (journals, face masks, colouring books)

https://www.shoeboxproject.ca/how-to-make-a-shoebox

Shoeboxes will be accepted until December 1, and can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Becker Shoes (Bracebridge, Huntsville)
• Greveatte GM (Bracebridge)
• Muskoka Lakes Public Library (Port Carling)
• Muskoka Natural Food Market (Bracebridge)
• Muskoka Paint and Decorating (Bracebridge)
• Pampered By The Bay (Gravenhurst)
• Royal LePage (Bracebridge, Huntsville, Gravenhurst)
• Stratus Financial (Gravenhurst)
• David’s General Store (Port Sydney)

“With your support, we aim to brighten the holidays for every vulnerable woman in our community,” Heather had said. “Your generosity boosts confidence, restores dignity, and reminds these women they’re not alone. We’re incredibly grateful.”

Currently, Heather sees 4–6 volunteers per day at the Chapel Gallery located at 15 King Street, Bracebridge, and more help is always welcome.

Knowing that the need is increasing each year, Heather says the team is already thinking ahead. “We’ve never had to do this before, but next summer we plan to start raising awareness and campaigning much earlier,” she said.

Although it remains uncertain whether the team will reach this year’s goal, one thing is clear: thanks to the volunteers, the community, local charities, and countless shoebox parties, more than a thousand women will receive a meaningful gift this holiday season in the District of Muskoka. A gift that helps heal and uplift spirits. A gift that will be cherished by mothers, daughters and sisters alike. All thanks to you!

https://www.shoeboxproject.ca/virtual/ca-en/home

The post Muskoka Shoebox Project Faces Rising Demands as December 1 Deadline Nears appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Our holiday fundraising has already fallen by 50%, and donors need more time to give,” says Lieut.-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications.

Funds raised during this period help to provide shelter, food, emergency disaster relief, and other vital services. A dramatic shortfall in donations jeopardizes The Salvation Army’s ability to provide these essential programs and services in the 400 Canadian communities where they serve.

The Salvation Army is urgently calling on the Government of Canada to take immediate action and extend the period in which Canadians can claim 2024 charitable donations to the end of February 2025.

“We request that Canadians be given additional time to support their favourite causes and assist charities in recovering from donation shortfalls,” says Lieut.-Colonel Murray

It’s a difficult time for many Canadians. In a recent survey by The Salvation Army, more than half of people accessing food banks are requiring assistance for the first time and parents with children are eating less so their children or family members have a meal.

“Given that, last year, more than three million visits were made to The Salvation Army for assistance such as food security, shelter and emergency disaster relief, the disruption in mail services is a big worry,” says Lieut.-Colonel Murray. “People are forced into impossible choices, having to decide between paying for food or rent, Christmas dinner or medication. The need for Salvation Army services continues to grow, particularly during the holiday season when so many individuals and families depend on us for support.”

The post Salvation Army Urges An Extension For The 2024 Charitable Donations Tax Credit appeared first on Muskoka411.