'Tis the Season of Giving

To: All Media

From: Jennifer Schnier, Director of Sustainability

Date: November 3, 2026

Subject: Township of Georgian Bay Launches Annual Holiday Giving Campaigns

Pages: 3

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‘Tis the Season of Giving

 Township of Georgian Bay, ON – The holiday season is just around the corner and the Township of Georgian Bay is inviting residents, businesses and community organizations to help make spirits bright.

Beginning November 1, 2026, three annual holiday giving initiatives will officially kick off: Sleighing Hunger, All Aboard for Giving and the Annual Toy Drive. Together, these campaigns aim to support local individuals and families, ensuring that everyone in our community has an opportunity to experience the warmth and generosity of the holiday season. 

As the cost of everyday essentials continues to place pressure on household budgets, community support is more important than ever. Whether it’s helping stock the shelves of a local food bank, providing essential items or making sure a child has a gift to unwrap, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. 

Sleighing Hunger for the Port Severn/Honey Harbour Food Bank

Help us fill the shelves and spread holiday cheer! The annual Sleighing Hunger campaign encourages residents and businesses to come together to support local food security. Donations of non-perishable food items and monetary contributions will help provide much needed assistance to individuals and families throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Last year the campaign raised over $56,000 with the matching campaign and multiple donations of food and hygiene products. Staff and volunteers have an ambitious goal to surpass these amounts this year!

All Aboard for Giving in MacTier

All Aboard for Giving brings the community together in the spirit of kindness and generosity. Residents are encouraged to participate and help support neighbours who may need a little extra assistance during the holidays. Pairing up with the CPKC Holiday Train that arrives on Monday, November 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM. 

Donations will be welcomed at the CPKC Holiday Train event as well as the local library, and MacTier Foodland. 

Annual Toy Drive

Every Child deserves a little holiday magic! The Township’s Annual Toy Drive returns to help bring smiles to children and families throughout the Township. Residents and businesses are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys to help make the holidays memorable for children in need. From toddlers to teenagers, gifts for all ages are welcome. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Township Administration Office Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the MacTier Home Hardware and any of the three Georgian Bay Library branches. Financial donations can also be made online.

“The holiday season is a wonderful reminder of what makes the Township of Georgian Bay such a special place to call home,” says Mayor Peter Koetsier. “Year after year, our residents, businesses and community partners demonstrate incredible generosity. These initiatives area about more than donations. They are about neighbours helping neighbours and making sure everyone feels supported and included during the holidays.” 

Staff encourage residents, local businesses, community groups and organizations to get involved. Whether through a donation, organizing a workplace collection or helping spread the word, there are many ways to make a difference. 

Catherine Brown, President of the Baxter Ward Lions Club stated, “As the holidays approach, the Baxter Ward Lions are filled with gratitude for the communities we are so proud to call home. In Port Severn, Honey Harbour and Waubaushene, our Lions give their time and hearts all year long, but this season holds a special place in everything we do. Every dollar we work so hard to raise becomes a gift in the hands of a child, a moment of warmth for a senior, and essentials like hygiene products on the shelves of our local food bank. Our members proudly give countless volunteer hours to events across the Townships of Georgian Bay and Tay, because being there for our neighbours is what Lions do.None of this would be possible without you. To everyone who has bought a ticket, dropped off a donation, or cheered us on, thank you. Your generosity is woven into every smile we see this season. We serve with gratitude, and we are so thankful to share the joy of the holidays with the people who make our communities shine.”

All three campaigns officially begin November 1, 2026. Donations can be dropped off at the Township Administration Office Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the MacTier Home Hardware and any of the three Georgian Bay Library branches. Financial donations can also be made online.

Donations to the Township of Georgian Bay Food Bank are welcomed year-round. Those wishing to donate, or access food bank services are encouraged to contact, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Trisha Walton, twalton@gbtownship.ca.