Orillia charity leads community-driven Christmas Drive to help most vulnerable
BARRIE, ONT. -
An Orillia organization is looking to help the most vulnerable this holiday season.
Uplifting Blessings has begun its Christmas Drive, a two-month initiative aimed at ensuring adults and children across Simcoe County have a merry Christmas.
The organization has six initiatives this year, from providing meals to toys to a simple note of warm wishes.
Uplifting Blessings needs help with four of its projects this year:
- Christmas Stockings for Young Adults and Adults
- Christmas Stockings for Children
- Christmas Dinners for Families
- Christmas-Themed Notes of Encouragement
A number of local businesses have partnered with Uplifting Blessings to help. Some businesses will match gifts or encourage people to buy extra for those in need by offering discounted products.
View the full list of participating businesses or Uplifting Blessings Facebook page for more information.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau promoting backbenchers in sizable cabinet shuffle coming Friday: sources
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday, and it's shaping up to see several Liberal backbenchers promoted to ministerial posts, sources confirm to CTV News.
Prime minister's team blindsided by Freeland's resignation: source
The first time anyone in the senior ranks of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office got any indication Chrystia Freeland was about to resign from cabinet was just two hours before she made the announcement on social media, a senior government source tells CTV News.
'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
Ontario town seeks judicial review after being fined $15K for refusing to observe Pride Month
An Ontario community fined $15,000 for not celebrating Pride Month is asking a judge to review the decision.
The Royal Family unveils new Christmas cards with heartwarming family photos
The Royal Family is spreading holiday cheer with newly released Christmas cards.
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE Canada's immigration laws 'too lax,' Trump's border czar says
Amid a potential tariff threat that is one month away, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan is calling talks with Canada over border security 'positive' but says he is still waiting to hear details.
Who received the longest jail terms in the Gisele Pelicot rape trial?
A French court found all 51 defendants guilty on Thursday in a mass rape case including Dominique Pelicot, who repeatedly drugged his then wife, Gisele, and allowed dozens of strangers into the family home to rape her.
Crowd crush kills 35 children at funfair in Nigeria, police say
At least 35 children were killed and six others critically injured in a crowd crush at a funfair in southwest Nigeria on Wednesday, police said.
Scientists think they know why Stonehenge was rebuilt thousands of years ago
Scientists made a major discovery this year linked to Stonehenge — one of humanity’s biggest mysteries — and the revelations keep coming.
Kitchener
-
One arrest, four suspects still wanted for armed robbery at Waterloo jewelry store
New details have been released about a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Waterloo.
-
Ontario launches review into pricey Italy trip by Catholic school board trustees
Ontario has appointed a reviewer to look into expenses at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board after four trustees spent $45,000 on a trip to Italy to buy $100,000 worth of art.
-
Inquest rules Fergus man's death a homicide after he was shot by police
A jury has ruled that a Fergus man's death in 2021 was a homicide.
London
-
33 teaching positions to be eliminated by the Thames Valley District School Board
"It's precarious work.” Occasional teachers likely to be affected most by staffing cuts.
-
Community in mourning after boy struck by vehicle while getting off school bus dies
The Lambeth and area community is in mourning after learning a young boy passed away after being struck by a vehicle while getting off his school bus Monday afternoon.
-
College faculty across Ontario take step towards labour disruption in January
Students at Ontario colleges enter their winter break under a cloud of uncertainty after the union representing faculty members raised the stakes at the bargaining table.
Windsor
-
'They are stuck in between': St. Clair College students concerned about potential faculty strike
Faculty, counsellors and librarians at Ontario’s 24 colleges will be in a legal strike position as of Jan. 4, 2025.
-
'It's a crisis situation': Food bank usage tops list of 2024 Food Stories in Canada as holiday hampers get handed out in Windsor
Local dignitaries and donors joined Unemployed Help Centre (UHC) staff Thursday morning in distributing 250 Christmas food hampers to preregistered food bank clients at the UHC – Hub of Opportunities.
-
Recognize them? Vehicle theft suspects sought in west Windsor
Windsor police are looking for two suspects after a vehicle was reported stolen outside an apartment building in the west end.
Northern Ontario
-
House destroyed in Capreol following afternoon fire
A house on Clement Street in Capreol has been deemed a total loss following a fire late Thursday afternoon. No one was believed to be in the home at the time.
-
Power outage affects 5,000 customers on Manitoulin Island Thursday evening
While the cause is still not known, 5,031 Hydro One customers on Manitoulin Island were without power Thursday evening.
-
Most properties in massive northern Ont. real estate insolvency sold
The 323 most profitable of 407 properties in northern Ontario owned by insolvent real estate companies have been sold.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Most properties in massive northern Ont. real estate insolvency sold
The 323 most profitable of 407 properties in northern Ontario owned by insolvent real estate companies have been sold.
-
Workforce survey highlights challenges faced by community, social services
The results of a survey about the challenges faced by community and social services conducted by Workforce Planning for Sudbury & Manitoulin are in.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
Ottawa
-
Busiest travel days of the year at Ottawa airport this weekend
The Ottawa airport is reminding holiday passengers to be prepared and to plan in advance for the peak of the holiday travel rush this weekend.
-
What to know about getting packages shipped in time for Christmas
Canada Post is ramping up its operations following a month-long strike but there's no guarantee mail or packages will be delivered by Christmas because of the backlog.
-
Christmas shoppers prioritizing savings this year
The countdown is on for Christmas with the big day now less than a week away. It means that stores are busy with last-minute shoppers who are trying to get everything done.
Toronto
-
'Tragic and sudden loss': Toronto police ID officer who died after suspected medical episode while on duty
A police officer who died after having a suspected medical episode on duty was executing a search warrant in connection with an ongoing robbery investigation in North York, Toronto police confirmed Thursday.
-
Man, 34, dies in drive-by shooting in Scarborough Village
A 34-year-old man has died in an overnight drive-by shooting in Scarborough Village, police say.
-
Toronto under winter weather travel advisory, snow could affect Friday morning commute
A winter weather travel advisory is in effect for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), warning of heavy snow that could affect Friday morning’s commute.
Montreal
-
Quebec professor charged for stealing scholarship money intended for foreign students
Quebec anticorruption police have arrested a former university professor for allegedly defrauding and extorting foreign students.
-
Sex trial: Quebec TV host Julie Snyder testifies against Just for Laughs founder
Quebec TV host and producer Julie Snyder told a civil trial today that she was sexually assaulted by Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon in Paris more than three decades ago.
-
Closure of West Island clinic threatens access to health care for thousands
Statcare Emergency Clinic in Pointe-Claire is facing closure, putting thousands of patients at risk of losing access to health care.
Atlantic
-
Snowfall warnings issued ahead of Friday night nor'easter in Maritimes
A developing storm moving northward just off the U.S. eastern seaboard looks likely to bring a heavy early winter snowfall to much of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the southeastern corner of New Brunswick.
-
'Theodore Too' refloated after partial sinking in St. Catharines
The life-size replica of Theodore Tugboat, Theodore TOO, is upright again after suffering a partial sinking Tuesday.
-
Police investigate robberies in Halifax and Dartmouth, N.S.
Halifax Regional Police (HRP) are investigating a robbery at a gas station Wednesday night.
Winnipeg
-
Birchwood Terrace tenant thrilled and anxious to move home
There is still a security fence around the Birchwood Terrace apartment building on Portage Avenue, but displaced tenants like Debby Ross can finally start going back.
-
Former Winnipeg teacher faces new charges involving underage girls
A former Winnipeg teacher who had been previously charged with voyeurism, sexual assault, and accessing child pornography is facing more charges related to a number of incidents throughout 2024.
-
Manitoba man wins $40M Lotto Max jackpot
A Manitoba man has won one of the top five largest lottery jackpots in Manitoba history.
Calgary
-
More people seeking mental health help this holiday season amid affordability crisis
The season of joy can also be overwhelming, and the Canadian Mental Health Association in Calgary says it's seeing a spike in people asking for help.
-
Measles exposure possible in Calgary after lab-confirmed case: AHS
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a warning about multiple possible measles exposures around Calgary after a person with a confirmed case was out in public while infectious.
-
Alberta government's Green Line report raises feasibility questions: Gondek
A report on the Alberta government's proposed alignment for Calgary's Green Line light-rail transit project raises questions about the feasibility of an above-ground track, says Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
Edmonton
-
Alberta's new pay model promises better conditions for doctors and patients
Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta's health minister are set to announce details on an updated pay model for family physicians Thursday afternoon.
-
Dozens of dogs surrendered to SPCA by Brazeau County man
Seventy-two dogs were recently surrendered to Alberta SPCA by a Brazeau County property owner.
-
Trudeau promoting backbenchers in sizable cabinet shuffle coming Friday: sources
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a sizable cabinet shuffle on Friday, and it's shaping up to see several Liberal backbenchers promoted to ministerial posts, sources confirm to CTV News.
Regina
-
Appeal dismissed in Sask. 'thumbs up' emoji case
An appeal to a legal case that made international headlines has been dismissed by Saskatchewan's highest court.
-
Manslaughter charge laid in death on Little Black Bear First Nation
A 20-year-old woman is facing a manslaughter charge in relation to a suspicious death on Little Black Bear First Nation.
-
RPS add mobile drug testing unit in time for holidays
The Regina Police Service (RPS) has added a Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) to its capabilities – as the service works to crack down on impaired drivers.
Saskatoon
-
How do THC gummies impact driving? Sask. researchers use simulator to find out
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan are conducting a study to learn how THC edibles impact driving performance.
-
Sask. man tries to 'opt out' of fentanyl trafficking trial as 'sovereign individual'
A Saskatchewan man has tried to convince a King’s Bench judge of his right to opt out of legal proceedings as a “natural, freeborn, sovereign individual.”
-
Appeal dismissed in Sask. 'thumbs up' emoji case
An appeal to a legal case that made international headlines has been dismissed by Saskatchewan's highest court.
Vancouver
-
'Lowlifes': B.C. family outraged over theft of outdoor Christmas decorations
Security footage from a home in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood clearly shows a man grabbing Christmas decorations from the front lawn, and then casually walking away with them.
-
Ousted B.C. NDP minister Selina Robinson releases tell-all book
Former B.C. NDP cabinet minister Selina Robinson recently released a self-published memoir titled “Truth be Told.”
-
Majestic annual Christmas display at Burnaby, B.C., home open for holiday season
A popular annual Christmas light display at a Burnaby, B.C., home is back up and running for the rest of the holiday season.
Vancouver Island
-
'Unclear what's going to happen': Canadian officials monitoring U.S. avian flu outbreak
The first severe case of avian flu has been recorded in the United States and the state of California has now declared a state of emergency.
-
B.C. police watchdog investigating death of Central Saanich officer
British Columbia's police oversight agency is investigating the death of a Central Saanich police sergeant who had been charged with sexual assault and breach of trust hours before he was found dead on Wednesday.
-
Youth support worker found guilty of sexually assaulting B.C. boy in government care
A former youth support worker has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in B.C. government care – an incident that followed months of secret hangouts and shirtless massages that were in clear violation of his employer's policies.
