Avery Beach Park is now home to two new pieces of outdoor multigym workout equipment. The MOVE Fitness Park, which is the culmination of the Movement for Strength, Conditioning, and Active Lifestyles for Everyone (MSCLE) Project, is an open-air fitness equipment station that is free for the public to use and encourages an active lifestyle for all fitness levels and abilities.

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The organization is moving from its office at 94 Colborne Street West to Unit 3 at 250 West Street North. The new location will open on Monday, June 10 and serve as the new permanent location for the agency. Parking and access to the office are located in the courtyard. The office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

“Our services to the community are fully operational and we do not expect any service
disruption resulting from this move,” said Executive Director Geraldine Dooley-Phillips in a letter to SMFC community partners. “Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.”

For more information about Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, visit its website at www.familyconnexions.ca or call (705) 325-1005.

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“This is a great opportunity for us to partner with local organizations who provide great services to our communities,” says Mayor Kelley. “I am so proud that year after year we are able to continue to make this program available and it is amazing to see the great accomplishments happening across the Township.”

Community Grants provide modest levels of financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services, activities, events or festivals which are not already provided by the Township and Council has deemed to be in the community’s interest as they would enrich the lives of members of the community.

The program guidelines and application form, along with further information are accessible through the Township’s engagement platform www.engagemuskokalakes.ca. Applications can be submitted until 4:00 p.m. on April 19th to be considered for potential funding.

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The District of Muskoka (District) is excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Muskoka Community Grant program.  

The District is committed to making life better for everyone, especially those who need it most. One way we do this is through community-funded programs. Our Community Grant Program is all about bringing people together to support those who are most vulnerable.  

Arfona Zwiers, Commissioner of Community and Planning Services, encourages residents and nonprofits organizations to share their ideas to help make life better for everyone. Let’s work together to make our communities thrive. 

Grant opportunities available for 2024 include the Pay it Forward Community Investment Grant Program and the Community Enhancement Fund. 

Pay It Forward (PIF) 

PIF has been made available to grassroots Muskoka community groups since 2012 and offers grants of up to $2,500.  

PIF grants are awarded to community members or groups with innovative ideas that will bring people together and contribute to the well-being of our community. Grants are awarded to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change. PIF grants can help grassroots ideas become a reality. 

Community Enhancement Fund (CE) 

The CE fund has been made available to non-profit community organizations since 2020 and offers grants up to $10,000.  

Grants are awarded to non-profit community organizations that address poverty reduction, food security, housing and living conditions, education and training opportunities, volunteer and job development, and citizen engagement.  

Complete an Application Today! 

Applications for both PIF and CE can be made through our 2024 Muskoka Community Grant Project Page on the Engage Muskoka Platform at the following link:  2024 Muskoka Community Grants 

Applications close Friday, March 22, 2024. 

Learn More and Stay Informed!  

For updates regarding the program and available grant opportunities, please subscribe to the Community Grant Program Project Page made available on the Engage Muskoka platform at the following link:  2024 Muskoka Community Grants  

The post 2024 Muskoka Community Grant Program – Applications Now Open appeared first on Muskoka411.

This November the Lakelands Association of Realtors once again launched their Annual Turkey Challenge, which encourages their members to contribute $25 donations which are exchanged for grocery vouchers, placed in Christmas hampers by our local charities, and distributed to families in need in our communities to use as they see fit.

REALTOR Members who graciously donated $39,975 have provided 1,599 families in our communities with a festive meal this holiday season.

We extend our gratitude to all our members and brokerages for their unwavering support of the longstanding annual turkey challenge. Additionally, we appreciate our local charities, who will be executing the contributions throughout the holiday season.

REALTORS have the opportunity, beyond real estate transactions, to make a difference in our communities every day, therefore we are proud of our members for showing support during this elevated difficult time.

The Lakelands Association of REALTORS represents more than 1,600 REALTORS®. There are several major geographical areas within the Association’s boundaries, including parts of Severn and Georgian Bay Townships; Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, and portions of the Municipality of
Meaford, Grey Highlands. As well as the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, the Townships of Tay, and Tiny. In the heart of Canada’s Cottage Country; Parry Sound, Muskoka, Haliburton, Orillia, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes, Huntsville, and Lake of Bays. Most within our geographical area are located less
than a two-hour drive north of Toronto. Each offers a unique blend of properties ranging from residential homes to smaller towns and the rural areas in between, as well as a mix of waterfront homes/cottages on the many rivers and lakes that range from the smaller entry-level properties to the prestigious.

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IAG is a passionate and committed volunteer team of community members who advise Muskoka District Council on initiatives that align with the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism or Anti-Hate (IDEA). The IAG recognizes the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of community life, including education, employment, healthcare, and social services.

“We’re grateful for the dedication and passion of the IAG in supporting these nine deserving recipients,” said District Chair Jeff Lehman. “These organizations are taking the lead in delivering awareness and change to important issues in Muskoka.”

IDEA Grant Recipients: Benefiting Youth, Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The IDEA Community Grant Program was formed to amplify the efforts of the IAG by creating opportunities for community engagement and public education around the IDEA principles: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism or Anti-Hate.

Nine dedicated employers and community partners will receive funding to strengthen the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism or Anti-Hate (IDEA) throughout Muskoka and have committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable community. From promoting diversity in the workplace to supporting accessible community events, the potential impact of these initiatives is inspiring.

“The IDEA Advisory Group has worked hard to engage the community and encourage projects and initiatives that support Council’s vision for a Muskoka where we combat hate, celebrate diversity, embrace equity and choose inclusion. This funding offered an opportunity for local employers, organizations and community groups to create opportunities for increased awareness and education aligned with IDEA principles.” said Mark Nakamura, Chair – IDEA Advisory Group

This milestone marks a crucial step in the District’s commitment to empowering and supporting local initiatives aligned with IDEA principles. Get ready to be inspired by the IAG IDEA Community Grant Award recipients later this year:

• Community Living Huntsville: Disability Employment Awareness and Outreach
• Community YWCA Muskoka: Girlz Unplugged Spring Fling ‘Anti-Hate Campaign’
• Hope Arises Project Inc.: With Women: Taking Back and Celebrating Self
• Hospice Muskoka: IDEA in the Workplace
• Mind-Aid: At the Crossroads: Youth Mental Health in Muskoka
• Muskoka Parry Sound Coordinated Sexual Assault Services: Decolonizing Practice – Beginning a New Chapter
• Muskoka Pride: Diversity Signage Initiative
• Muskoka Queer Film Festival (MQFF): MQFF 2023 Festival – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia
• TimberBeast Productions: Connected – A Human Library Experience

To learn more about the successful applicants and the projects the funding will support, visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/idea

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The District supports the enhancement of community well-being with a focus on improving a positive quality of life for our most vulnerable population. One way of helping to achieve this goal is through community-funded programs. “The Community Grant Program promotes social inclusion for all cultures, life stages and ages, particularly for our more vulnerable populations” said Arfona Zwiers, Commissioner of Community and Planning Services. “We encourage residents and non-profit community organizations to bring forward their innovative ideas that will help support the well-being of our residents and help our communities thrive.”

Grant opportunities available for 2023 include the Pay it Forward Community Investment Grant Program and the Community Enhancement Fund.

Pay It Forward (PIF)

PIF has been made available to grassroots Muskoka community groups since 2012 and offers grants of up to $2,500.

PIF grants are awarded to community members or groups with innovative ideas that will bring people together and contribute to the well-being of our community. Grants are awarded to projects that fill a strategic need in the community, enhance community support and leadership, and create positive change. PIF grants can help grassroots ideas become a reality.

Community Enhancement Fund (CE)

The CE fund has been made available to non-profit community organizations since 2020 and offers grants up to $10,000.

Grants are awarded to non-profit community organizations that address poverty reduction, food security, housing and living conditions, education and training opportunities, volunteer and job development, and citizen engagement.

Complete an Application Today!

Applications for both PIF and CE can be made through our 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Project Page on the Engage Muskoka Platform at the following link: 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program

Applications close Wednesday, April 5^th 2023.

Funding for the 2023 Muskoka Community Grant Program is pending budget approval at the March 20^th meeting of Muskoka District Council.

Learn More and Stay Informed!

For updates regarding the program and available grant opportunities, please subscribe to the Community Grant Program Project Page made available on the Engage Muskoka platform at the following link: 2023 Muskoka Community Grants

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Hands has packed the month of October with a range of events and opportunities aimed at learning and engagement, from seminars and support groups to book reviews, tips, contests and Community Clinic Days.

Check out the calendar for the full range of activities.   You can stay up-to-date on all events and activities by following @HandsAutismServices on Facebook. You can also find the latest information about upcoming events, including Community Clinic Days on the Hands website.

“Creating and building awareness about Autism is important. It can be really stressful for new parents if a child is showing signs of Autism or a developmental delay, and some understanding of what is going on and what supports are available can be a big help,” said Paula Barnes, Manager of Autism Services at Hands. “At Hands, we recognize that no two people are the same and each family is unique, so we work to create a personalized plan that meets each individual’s needs and goals. We have been providing Autism services for more than 20 years, so we’ve witnessed how events like Autism Awareness Month help to develop a better understanding of Autism and individuals with Autism.”

Fall Foundational Family Services are now available

The Agency’s fall Foundational Family Services are open for registration. Clinics are now being offered in Parry Sound, Bracebridge, North Bay, and Timmins, with new offerings now available in Mattawa and Pembroke. Hands regularly delivers seminars, clinics, how-to learning series, virtual consultations and support groups across Northern Ontario.​​​​​​​

Families can register for service, and/or simply get answers to their questions by contacting Hands’ Family Services Team at ext. 1333 or autism@handstfhn.ca.

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Nine-year-old Khai Tonello’s tackle box was sitting on the dock when he left for school on Sept. 26 and gone when he came home that afternoon. Khai faces the daily challenges of growing up with ADHD and several other conditions, said his mother Brittany, and fishing is one of the few activities that truly calms him down and focuses his energy. To see him happy is a parent’s dream, she said, so she posted about the tackle box on Facebook in hopes of getting it back. 

“Khai is special needs, and fishing is one of his outlets,” Brittany said. “When that happened, as a mother, my heart broke.”

The heartache didn’t last long, though, as around 100 messages flooded in of people wanting to donate money or supplies. Khai was shocked each time someone showed up. They had a lineup of cars coming to their house to bring donations the first day after the post. 

Several tour companies also offered to bring him out on the water. They took Hooked Young Fishing Charters up on their offer last Saturday, marking Khai’s first ever official tour. 

“I’m blown away how fast the word got out,” Brittany said. “He may not have got his tackle box back, but he learned so much from the community.”

Nicole Jones, manager of the Canadian Tackle Store in Orillia, was doing her morning scroll through Facebook when she saw Brittany’s post. She figured they could donate a few lures to help them out, and then she got an idea.

“We’re very much about young anglers and getting them into the sport and being supportive of the community,” Jones said. “I kind of thought, well, you know what, I probably can take it up a step and post it on our social media and see if anybody else wants to contribute to Khai.”

People and businesses from Ajax to Huntsville stepped up to donate. Companies like Trombly’s Tackle Box, Tackle One Sales and Canadian Tire donated supplies while others like WAM Baits sent care packages directly to Khai. They also had monetary donations ranging from $5 to $100, many of which came from Canadian Tackle’s customer base.

Jones used the money and donations to put together a new tackle box for Khai and drove it up to him in Bracebridge. She thought the donations would stop after the first day or two, but they kept coming in, so she ended up making two trips.

“He had mentioned he needed a new rod and reel, so we provided that along with a scale and a few other things for him,” Jones said. “The second time I saw Khai, he came out to me and he said, ‘Is it okay if I give you a hug?’”

Jones was happy to oblige, and she wants to thank all the people that made the donations possible. The fishing community is relatively small, she said, but they always pull together when they need to. She’s glad she could help out this time around, and she hopes it will remind people of the importance of being kind.

“I started fishing at a young age myself, and it’s something that I do personally to calm myself, to be in touch with nature and learn respect for things,” Jones said. “I can appreciate that Khai has some challenges, and if he found an outlet that supports him and makes him feel at ease, obviously, I think anybody would want to support that in a child and have them feel supported and good about themselves.”

Because of the overwhelming response, Khai feels that he has enough equipment and plans to pass along the extra items to another local child.

“Thank you for helping me, and I feel very lucky,” Khai said. “I’ll be sure to donate to other people too.”

Khai and his mother have been putting together a tackle box for the donation to help “somebody else become a little fisherman,” she said. They will add to it using the monetary donations they’ve received before passing it along to another local boy or girl.

Brittany plans to document Khai’s shopping trip and donation so he can share it on his Instagram and TikTok accounts. She wants to show people where their money and supplies are going while also thanking them profusely for their support.

“I cherish everybody’s generosity,” Brittany said. “It’s not even I appreciate it, I cherish it. They’ve made my boy’s dreams come true.”

Anyone interested in contributing to the donation of supplies to another local child can reach out to Brittany Tonello on Facebook.

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Grant applications were evaluated by the Community Grants Staff Review Committee. The Staff Review Committee recommended them to the Commissioner of Community and Planning Services for approval and grants were awarded in August 2022.

2022 Muskoka Community Grant Program recipients have now been announced. To view the complete listing and to learn more about how these grants support our community, visit our online engagement platform at www.EngageMuskoka.ca and click on the 2022 Community Grant Program project page.

Pay It Forward (PIF) Grants have been available since 2012. These grants offer up to $2,500 to grassroots community groups. Grants are awarded for projects that fulfill one or more of PIF’s strategic goals, such as:

• Supporting a healthy, vibrant community
• Building community capacity and leadership
• Creatively problem solve to fill a community need
• Fostering volunteerism and encouraging community engagement

Details on recipients and their projects can be found on 2022 Community Grant Program project page.

Community Enhancement (CE) Grants have been available since 2020. These grants offer up to $10,000 to non-profit organizations. Grants are awarded for projects that address one or more of the CE grants’ strategic needs, such as:

• Poverty reduction
• Food security
• Housing and living conditions
• Education and training opportunities
• Volunteer and job development
• Citizen engagement

Details on recipients and their projects can be found on 2022 Community Grant Program project page

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