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A community organization that helps North Simcoe’s most vulnerable population will get a big boost later this month.
After nearly two years of holding meetings virtually, Georgian Bay Gals Give, also known as GGG for brevity, will again hold the event in-person at the Midland Golf and Country Club May 30 with members raising money for Community Reach.
The initial launch of Gbay Gals Give was June 7th, 2018 at the Midland Golf and Country Club with members donating $24,000 to Georgian Bay General Hospital.
Since then, the group has supported a number of worthy causes, including the CLH Foundation, Hospice Huronia, the Guesthouse Shelter, Huronia Transition Homes and the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.
Group members often raise more than $36,000 for the chosen charity, meaning it's a big shot in the arm for the recipient.
Community Reach executive director Cathy Greer said they’re thrilled with the group’s support.
“Our riders will also be very happy to hear the news as they depend on us to take them safely to their medical appointments and treatments in addition to grocery shopping, access to other community services and social gatherings,” Greer said.
Greer said her organization provides an average of 400 rides per month to some of North Simcoe’s most vulnerable residents and doesn’t receive any provincial or federal government funding.
“They have no other means of transportation so our services allow them to remain in their own home and community that they love, alleviate isolation and improve their physical and emotional health.”
And what started out with relatively modest intentions quickly blossomed into a group that now features more than 200 women.
"We hoped we could each gather five friends to join us to give back to the community," said Michelle Mink, who’s been involved with the group since 2018 when Lyn Wolfhard and Kathy Elsdon Befort came up with the idea. "Well, we did that and more!"
Members commit to giving $200 twice a year to a charity that is nominated and voted upon by the membership.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of fundraising over the course of my life and this is the easiest way for me to give back,” said Mink, who was joined on the original fundraising committee by Eve Stewart, Sue Lyons, Sherry Middaugh and Barb Coxworth.
“I write a cheque twice a year for $200 to the chosen charity and the charity sends me a tax receipt. It’s an amazing way to give.”
Anyone interested in being part of the group or learning more, can contact GGG at [email protected] or check out their website.
