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CONTACT Community Services hosts annual volunteer appreciation dinner

May 8, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

CONTACT Community Services provides a valuable resource and service to the community by taking a proactive approach to addressing social needs in South Simcoe.

The organization is committed to supporting anyone in need, and all services are offered free of charge.

Every year, CONTACT Community Services helps over 3,500 people in their personal journey to improve their quality of life and support the need to thrive.

This includes housing support for people who are experiencing, or who are at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness, as well as employment services that connect people seeking employment with meaningful work opportunities.

CONTACT’s community programs include the New Horizons social wellness program for isolated seniors, and the Needle Exchange Program to help keep those who use substances, safe.

The Clothes Line is CONTACT’s community thrift store that provides affordable items to South Simcoe residents and raises funds so CONTACT can continue with its valuable work.

All these programs and services are supported by volunteers who care about the community and those in need.

Around 100 individuals give their time to support these programs and keep the Clothes Line staffed and operating. This includes both the Alliston and Bradford locations.

CONTACT held its 19th annual Volunteer Potluck dinner at the Lions Club in Alliston on Wednesday, April 30, to recognize the valuable contributions its volunteers give every year.

“Today we are recognizing our volunteers,” explained Tina de los Santos, CONTACT Services executive director. “National Volunteer Week is coming up next week. We have around 100 active volunteers and many of them are here tonight. Many of these volunteers volunteer at the Clothes Line. We also have a Bradford location. They help us sell the clothes, accept donations, set up the floor, and do everything involved with the store. They raise over $300,000 per year for CONTACT through the store. And all that goes right back to the community. We have some volunteers that have been with us for over 20 years.”

At this year’s dinner, several volunteers were recognized for their special contributions.

Special recognition was given to Rita Threw, a volunteer at Bradford Above and Beyond.

Edith Steinmayr was recognized for five years of volunteer service.

Celebrating 10 years of volunteering were Lori Dixon, Lori Grimmer, and Margaret Walker.

Brenda Herring was recognized for 15 years of volunteer service.

Tina Stanley was recognized for 20 years of volunteer service.

Jean Marshall was honoured for her volunteer contribution of 35 years of service. 

The evening was a pleasant way to thank and recognize CONTACT Community Services volunteers for their support and help with the organization’s valuable work. 

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