Community Donation Story | Thanksgiving & Christmas 2020
Deep roots grow a legacy - 2020
Barrie Food Bank
April 2020
With Thanksgiving so close and Christmas just around the corner, there was no real question as to what organization we would donate to this month.
This is a time of year where many of us look forward to special gatherings and meals with family and friends, and the Barrie Food Bank works tirelessly to make sure everyone can share a meal together, even if it is a modest one.
In addition to providing food for those in need, the Barrie Food Bank encourages self sufficiency, as well as personal and family well being. We’ve seen the paper bags at your doors on our door-hanger walks so please consider filling one and delivering it to your closest drop off location!
Aubrey's Act
May 2020
When we discovered Aubrey’s Act this past month during infant loss awareness month, it was an immediate response that we needed to sponsor them. Leading up to our son Maxwell’s birth at 28 weeks gestation last year, we also spent 5 weeks in Mount Sinai’s high risk obstetrics unit, and saw just how quickly parents can go from scared but hopeful, to completely devastated. We were comforted in knowing that parents there were given time with their little angels before having to say their final goodbyes, so we’re so thankful that Aubrey’s Act took on the task of raising the funds for a CuddleCot for RVH to allow parents from our community the same chance.
No parent should have to rush their last goodbye, especially when it’s when they should be saying their first hello. No parent should have to worry about how they will pay for their baby’s funeral. No parent should avoid grief counselling simply because they can’t afford it.
For those reasons, and for the many heart broken parents left behind by their sweet babies born into heaven, we have decided to support Aubrey’s Act this month.
Ronald Mcdonald House Canada
June 2020
After our son Maxwell was born 3 months early, Ronald McDonald House Toronto housed us while he was being cared for at Mount Sinai Hospital.
In those days, I remember breathing a sigh of relief and tears rolling down my face as we stepped into our room. It’s strange how having a proper bed, a door that you can shut and know a nurse won’t come through in a few minutes (no matter how incredibly wonderful they may be), and some food that isn’t from a hospital or a take-out bag can have such an emotional impact on you after more than 5 weeks of hospital life. We could not understate just how much we appreciated RMHC, and in thanks for their care towards us and all those who stay there, they were the first charity Northshore supported.
Alegre Sonido De Dios, Scott & Tracy Blackburn
July 2020
The Blackburn family is dear to our hearts because we can so clearly remember their life-altering transition as we watched our fellow church-members leave everything they had – house, business, family, and friends – and move to Peru to follow God’s will for their lives. Not only is that exciting to see, but extremely encouraging, as the work they are doing is such a wonderful thing to be a part of, even if only through prayer and finances.
They now live in Puerto Maldonado with project Alegre Sonido de Dios, a home for children of all ages who have suffered at the hands of their abusers, and have cared for over 25 children who have come from varying backgrounds including sexual abuse, violent abuse, abandonment, and orphans.
Scott and Tracy provide a caring, loving home where the children can heal, so they may interact and maintain a close relationship with their new family, assuring a smooth re-integration into society.
Starlight Children's Foundation Canada
August 2020
Starlight is extra special to our family because not only have they given Tyson and the rest of our children many happy memories, they also had the same impact on their dad when he was a kid.
For kids who are chronically ill like Johnny, Starlight provides a break from the stress or even the pain of everyday life, and for kids like Tyson who are limited in the way they get to interact with the world around them, they provide opportunities for them to experience things they never would have been able to otherwise.
The thought that the program directors put into each event really shows, and because we are so thankful for the way they have given to our family, we’re happy to support them as they give to other families.
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
September 2020
RVH is our local hospital that continues to gain sentimental value for our family. It’s where Malachi was born, it’s where Tyson has had numerous appointments and fabulous specialists support him, and it’s where Maxwell spent 7 weeks in the NICU after being transferred from Mount Sinai. Currently, they are raising funds specifically for the NICU expansion. We are so very thankful for the care our son received there, but we know that this unit could benefit from some more room to maneuver in, as well as some privacy for parents during a very trying and emotional time of their lives. At the time of writing, they are currently running a 50/50 draw, so it’s an excellent time to consider supporting them in reaching their goal!
Christmas Cheer
October 2020
Christmas Cheer felt like a pretty obvious choice for this time of year. As they continue to grow every year, they now cater to nearly 1760 families in Barrie and the surrounding area that are in need over the Christmas season, and with COVID-19 having such a strong impact on our economy, we can only image that this year they will have an even higher demand. It’s not too late to help them reach their goal of $250,000, so please consider donating today!
Rooted Reviews
Choosing Northshore means choosing a partner who is deeply invested in your satisfaction and the well-being of your trees. We invite you to experience the Northshore difference for yourself. Deep roots grow a legacy, and we’re here to help you cultivate yours.
