Commentary, Opinion

Monthly Message: A New Year built on community generosity

January 22, 2026   ·   0 Comments

The past year truly showed the strength, compassion, and generosity of our community. Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 alone, the Alliston Food Bank served 2,326 individuals and families and raised 22,858 pounds of food. 

This represents an increase of 2,838 pounds over the same period last year. By the end of 2025, a total of 62,639 pounds of food had been raised, which is 16,208 pounds more than in 2024. Behind every number is a neighbour supported, a meal shared, and a community that continues to care for one another.

As we move into a new year, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown throughout 2025, especially during the holiday season. Christmas is always one of our busiest times of year, and once again our community stepped up in meaningful and generous ways to support neighbours facing food insecurity. The compassion shown during these months was felt across every part of our organization and by every family who walked through our doors.

Throughout November and December, food drives, fundraising efforts, community events, and volunteer initiatives took place across Alliston and surrounding areas. From large workplace collections to smaller neighbourhood efforts, every contribution mattered. 

Businesses such as All In 1 Supplements, Ideal Supply, Alliston Volkswagen, M&M Food Market, Briway Carriers, HOWA, Honda Canada, Simcoe Parts, Davenport, and Lake Simcoe Paramedic Services rallied their staff and customers to help stock our shelves. Many more businesses also contributed throughout the year, far too many to name individually, and we are sincerely thankful to each and every one of them for their generosity and ongoing support.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to FreshCo, Zehrs, Foodland, Giant Tiger, and No Frills for their continued support throughout the year. Their partnership plays a vital role in ensuring our shelves remain stocked and that families and individuals have access to nutritious food when they need it most.

Community events and seasonal initiatives also played an important role during the holidays. We are grateful to everyone involved in efforts such as the Home Hardware Holiday Market, along with many other local initiatives that brought people together in support of the Alliston Food Bank. Each event, whether large or small, strengthened our ability to serve the community during a time of increased need and growing demand.

We are also thankful for the continued support of community partners, including the OPP and Landmark Bus Lines, the Sugar Tones, and Kiwanis. Local sports teams such as hockey clubs, baseball clubs, badminton clubs, and the Ghost Riders gave back through games, tournaments, and collections. These efforts not only supported families in need but also helped build strong community connections and a shared sense of purpose.

Volunteers were truly at the heart of everything that happened during this busy season. Group volunteers from Honda and cooperators, along with our dedicated regular volunteers, gave countless hours sorting donations, stocking shelves, preparing hampers, assisting clients, and keeping daily operations running smoothly. We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their time, flexibility, and commitment. Every shift filled and every task completed helped ensure neighbours were supported with care, respect, and dignity.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to bakeries near and far for their generous donations of freshly baked goods throughout the holiday season. These donations were deeply appreciated and brought comfort, warmth, and a sense of normalcy to many households during a challenging time of year.

Schools and churches continued to support our work through food drives and collections, helping ensure families had access to nutritious food during the holidays while reinforcing the importance of caring for one another within our community.

Another valued initiative during the holiday season was the Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie campaign. We are grateful to our local Tim Hortons restaurants, their staff, and everyone who supported this campaign by purchasing cookies in support of the Alliston Food Bank.

As we begin 2026, we do so with full shelves and sincere gratitude. The generosity shown throughout 2025 is a powerful reminder that our community truly looks out for one another.

From all of us at the Alliston Food Bank, thank you for your continued support.

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