Commentary, Opinion

Monthly Message: A season of gratitude, celebrating community impact at CONTACT

October 9, 2025   ·   0 Comments

With Thanksgiving approaching, we pause to reflect on the incredible generosity that surrounds us. 

At CONTACT Community Services, we know that no one should have to struggle to meet their basic needs. That’s why we are deeply grateful for the volunteers, funders, partners, and community members who stand with us in ensuring that families and individuals have the support they need to build stability and hope.

This gratitude is especially felt through initiatives like Coats for Kids, now in its 21st year. What began in 2004 as a small community effort has grown into a program that has provided thousands of children with warm winter outerwear. 

Each year, we are humbled by the outpouring of support from donors like Donna Ramsay and Ed Chambers, who have faithfully given new coats and snow suits for two decades. Their van full of winter wear has become a symbol of hope and warmth for countless families. 

We also recognize the many others – businesses, individuals, and community groups – who donate gently used winter gear and help us ensure that no child in our community faces the cold without protection. Seeing a child twirl proudly in a new coat, or a parent sigh in relief, reminds us why community solidarity matters so much.

Beyond Coats for Kids, our gratitude extends to the partnerships and people that make CONTACT’s work possible. Every success is powered by a community that cares. 

With monetary donations to the Community Hope Chest, we are able to provide community members with full wrap-around services that help to build belonging and stability that do not always fall within our funders’ priorities. 

When a young man came to the housing team hoping to find support to access affordable housing, the team also learned he had not been able to connect with his family because he did not have access to a phone. 

The Community Hope Chest was able to provide him with a refurbished phone, and his first call was to his mom to let her know he was okay. Beyond this critical call, he now has a means of communication for rental viewings, employment opportunities, and other community services. A phone may seem trivial or even frivolous, but it is the most vital means of connection we have.

We are also grateful for our community and the steady stream of gently used items donated to our Clothes Line thrift stores in Alliston and Bradford. Your contributions ensure we can raise the necessary funds to respond to families when they need us most. 

We are equally grateful for the endless hours our volunteers dedicate – over 10,000 since April alone – sorting donations, assisting in our stores and offices, helping community members, and supporting seniors. It is this generosity of time, resources, intellect, and spirit that allows our housing supports, employment services, and community programs to flourish. Together, we are building a place where dignity, belonging, and resilience take root.

As we celebrate this season, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to this shared vision — donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Your commitment ensures that families who are struggling right now know they are not alone.

From all of us at CONTACT Community Services, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving.

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