When you choose to donate to the Urgent Needs Fund* during the month of March, your gift will be matched thanks to a generous donation by our Board of Directors. That means your donation to the Urgent Needs Fund will go further, enabling us to help more people.
When we work together to empower and uplift those around us, we are all better because of it.
Scroll down to learn more about how the Urgent Needs Fund is changing lives in Simcoe Muskoka.
Show Your Local Love
Here are some of the words of hope that
Urgent Needs Fund recipients have shared:
“I am a single mom. We were desperate for winter clothing for my kids and myself … The funds came at a perfect time for us. We are now warm for the winter.”
“The funds did help me out so much. It relieved my stress so much. You have been so welcoming and don’t make us feel like we are getting a handout – so we are not embarrassed to ask for help.”
“It was such a respectful process – didn’t make me feel demoralized. Made me feel safe and let me keep my pride and that is very important.”
“I used the money for a medical test that I could not afford. I then was able to get further tests required…to find out more of what was wrong. It was like God answered a prayer getting this financial help.”
“All of my savings went to top up the deposit to get into our new apartment, so the money and gift card for food was just awesome. Because of your program, I could take my children to a new store with the gift card and buy groceries. They were so excited to be in the new apartment and to be getting food and good things from the store. We were so very thankful.”
“It was wonderful. (You) didn’t make me feel degraded at all when I picked up the money.”
“I need you to know how grateful I was to receive this help.”
About the Urgent Needs Fund
Every day across our region, more than 60,000 people are living under the strain of poverty and isolation. That’s 60,000 of our friends, family, neighbours, and coworkers, many of whom you likely see every day. Often their future plans and aspirations are put on the back burner as they find themselves preoccupied with things like:
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- Accessing medications or medical tests
- Filling their cupboards with food for the week
- Emergency childcare to attend a job interview
- Where they’ll find money for new glasses or dentures
- Finding warm clothes for their children
- Relieving the weight of an outstanding bill
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The Urgent Needs Fund (UNF) was created to fill a gap in existing services, providing timely, modest grants to those who cannot find help elsewhere. Even though the average UNF grant is just $250, the grants go beyond meeting these immediate needs. The short-term relief overcomes seemingly small but overwhelming barriers; it provides dignity and hope for a brighter future. Many recipients are also referred on to other services and programs to continue their path out of poverty.