Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions needs a Christmas miracle
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions has sent out an urgent plea for a Christmas miracle.
The formerly named Children's Aid Society needs a new toy shop for its annual holiday program.
For the last 20 years, it has helped more than 3,000 financially insecure children, youth and families across Simcoe County and Muskoka maintain a happy holiday tradition.
Despite its efforts, the family agency has not been able to find a suitable space to host its program for roughly three months.
"Our holiday program is a lifeline for so many families who face financial hardships during this time of year," said Jerome Ben-Tolila, communications and community relations manager.
"It's not just about gifts; it's about showing these children and families they are valued members of our community.
"We're calling upon the incredible generosity of local businesses and property owners to help us make this year's program a reality."
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Family Connexions is appealing to local property owners, real estate professionals, and businesses to come forward and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Ideally, it seeks a warehouse/industrial unit of about 4,000 square feet or larger. The space must be accessible, secure and available for the program's duration, which runs between mid-October and mid-January. It requires a place within a 20-minute drive from its offices on Bell Farm Road in Barrie.
Contact communications@familyconnexions.ca or call 705-817-1140.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Trump says he won't testify Monday at his New York fraud trial and sees no need to appear again
Donald Trump said Sunday he has decided against testifying for a second time at his New York civil fraud trial, posting on social media that he "VERY SUCCESSFULLY & CONCLUSIVELY" testified last month and saw no need to appear again.
Buckingham Palace releases this year’s Christmas card
Buckingham Palace released an image of the Christmas card that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be sending out this year.
Catholic priest in small Nebraska community dies after being attacked in church
A Catholic priest in a small Nebraska community died Sunday after being attacked in a church rectory, authorities said.
Saskatchewan is a safe space to buy 'sustainable oil,' Scott Moe says
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is working hard to use a global climate change conference as an opportunity to market the province’s non-renewable resources.
Al Gore calls UAE hosting COP28 'ridiculous,' slams oil CEO appointed to lead climate talks
Climate advocate and former Vice President Al Gore on Sunday called into question the decision to hold the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, a leading producer of the world’s oil.
'No one else has done this on the planet': Guilbeault insists emissions cap delay is due to novelty
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault says the delay in announcing details of his government’s proposed oil and gas sector emissions cap is due to its uniqueness and to wanting to get it right.
'People are confused': Survey suggests Canadians need education on Charter rights
While one-third of Canadians say they have read the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, many fail to distinguish between its text and that of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, a new survey suggests.
Canada has a secretive history of adoption, and some want it brought to light
In a theatre in St. John's, N.L., a murmur spreads through the audience as people timidly raise their hands. They have been asked if they saw their own stories reflected in the film they just watched -- 'A Quiet Girl.'
In inaugural speech, Argentina's Javier Milei prepares nation for painful shock adjustment
It wasn't the most uplifting of inaugural addresses. Rather, Argentina's newly empowered President Javier Milei presented figures to lay bare the scope of the nation's economic 'emergency,' and sought to prepare the public for a shock adjustment with drastic public spending cuts.