Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions says it has reached a "significant milestone" by securing a permanent space for holding donations all-year long.
The non-profit, multi-service agency says this signifies stability and will have a “profound impact” on its day-to-day operations.
Most importantly, it will also result in greater and more reliable support for the children, youth and families it serves, the agency says.
“Historically, we have faced the annual challenge of securing temporary space to run our Holiday Program, coming with it the cumbersome process of moving donations out of and back into storage each year for the program’s duration of just a couple months,” Jerome Ben Tolila, bilingual manager of communications and community relations, stated in a news release.
“This new permanent space represents a transformative shift, eliminating the need for a recurring search and move each holiday season, and streamlining operations to focus more effectively on serving children, youth and families in need in the community," he added.
While the agency says this permanent space is cause for celebration, it also creates an urgent need for furnishings to fully optimize this facility and organize its donations, they say. Donations to cover the yearly rent costs, as well as the need for furnishing the space, are much-needed.
Industrial shelving, long (six to eight foot) folding tables, hanging bike racks and organizational supplies are at the top of the wish list, as they will serve as essential tools that will allow staff to handle donations effectively and enhance their ability to positively impact the community — not just during the Holiday Program, but all year round.
Anyone interested in supporting the agency in getting set up in the new space can view and shop its Amazon wish list by clicking here. Although these items can be purchased directly from the wish list and shipped to Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions head office at 60 Bell Farm Rd, Unit 7 in Barrie, officials say they will be just as grateful to accept any similar items a person would like to donate in another way.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the community, individuals and businesses willing to contribute to this exciting chapter in our journey,” Tolila said.
For more information, email [email protected] or 705-817-1140.
