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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.