Barrie Families Unite welcome guests to new home
They’re not just a Facebook group anymore.
Nikki Glahn did start Barrie Families Unite (BFU) as a social media group during the lonely days of the pandemic in March 2020.
After seeing the shortfalls in the established agencies’ systems, such as an overloaded food bank, and no free clothing available, BFU's members began to collect food and items needed to distribute across Barrie.
“Timing was a big factor. We evolved because we began to find that despite all these amazing agencies, there are always gaps people are falling between,” Glahn said. “We had 18,000 (Facebook) members and we began to see a repetition of needs.”
Within a year, the group began to organize. Glahn incorporated Barrie Families Unite and moved to 49 Truman Drive, unit 31, to house the community's free goods donated – and needed – by the community.
Glahn said they now offer situational crisis support, such as after a house fire or leaving an abusive relationship.
They will accept and offer everything from toasters to hair dryers and help source what they can.
BFU also offers laundry services at three different laundromats each Thursday by simply filling the machines with change for the participants.
“We’re the largest agency supporting the Good Food Box program. We make a bulk purchase for 150 members on a list every month,” she said.
As Christmas approaches and Christmas Cheer resumes its annual food and toy drive at the Truman facility, BTU hopes to find space over the holiday season.
“Come NOV 15, we’re homeless. We need to find a satellite place for a few months,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
NEW From window blinds to motorcycle helmets, here are the recalls in Canada this week
Here are the various items Health Canada recalled this week, including motorcycle helmets, power adapters, and bicycle cranksets.
Opinion 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year
Rare is the movie that can ride the line between scatological and sublime, absurdist and acute.