Communities Working Together – January 2026 Newsletter

1. February 13, 2026
2. 5 min read

It’s hard not to feel discouraged by what’s happening around us and across the world. During these heavy times, maybe you’re asking yourself, “Is there any good news?”

There is, and it’s happening right here in Muskoka. This month, I’m excited to share some encouraging news about the collaborative efforts between donors, community groups, and charities. From expanding health care access and supporting youth wellness to strengthening food security and cancer care, these updates remind us that our communities continue to be places where we find support and connection.

Mary Ellen McIntyre
Executive Director of the Muskoka Community Foundation
 

Community in Action

Windermere Golf & Country Club Members Raise $10,000 for Local Food Banks

The funds were raised at the 2nd Annual Turkey Shoot Classic Tournament on October 4 and will support food security initiatives across Muskoka. As food insecurity continues to affect many in our communities, food banks play a crucial role in ensuring people have access to nutritious food. This generous donation will help strengthen their capacity to serve those in need.
 

$10,000 Invested in Peer Tutoring Program

The Wansbrough Family Fund, established through our Foundation, made a $10,000 donation to The Door Youth Centre in Huntsville. This contribution will support the Peer Tutoring Program and provide opportunities for students to thrive with the support of others.
 

Giving Tuesday Gala Supports Three Charities With $9,000

In 2024, Jeff Barnes met with our Foundation about an idea: create an event where local charities could share their work with caring people who wanted to learn about it and help. From that conversation came the Giving Tuesday Gala, which recently raised $9,000 at its second annual event. Thanks to the generosity of its attendees, the gala donated $3,000 each to Enliven Cancer Care, Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP), and the Muskoka Community Foundation.
 

Second Grant of $30,000 for Youth Wellness

More young people in Muskoka will be able to access health care, thanks to the continued investment by the Dr. William S. Monk Community Health Care Development Fund. The fund has awarded a second grant to MiND-AID Muskoka to support its Nurse Practitioner position. This $30,000 contribution builds upon the fund’s first grant of $40,000 in 2024, which enabled MiND-AID to hire a part-time Nurse Practitioner and fund the items needed to outfit the new clinical space on its Mobile Youth Wellness Hub.
 

Community Collaboration Helps Return Primary Care to Port Carling

The Dr. William S. Monk Community Health Care Development Fund has contributed $20,500 to help establish Dr. Brenda Martin’s new family physician practice at the Port Carling Health Hub. This grant will equip two exam rooms with medical equipment, including wall-mounted diagnostic sets, an examination table, a vaccine fridge and carrier, desktop computers, a pulmonary function unit, and an autoclave. Owned by the Township of Muskoka Lakes, the equipment will stay in the community and support current and future health care providers.
 

New Community Fund Supports Huntsville Initiatives

We are excited to announce the creation of the Huntsville Community Fund in partnership with the Town of Huntsville. This fund gives residents a way to support local initiatives, with these projects now accepting donations:
 

Healthcare Professional Attraction and Retention

Donations to this project will be used to fund ongoing community initiatives that increase access to healthcare for Huntsville residents. Previous Town of Huntsville healthcare initiatives include the Physician Incentive Program and supporting the Annex Healthcare Clinic by providing operational facilities.
 

Unity Path

The Unity Path is a project designed to celebrate the diversity in Huntsville’s community with a dedicated safe space. The conceptual design honours veterans, accessibility, cultural diversity and both the Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ communities. The completed project will include a sign installation at Trinity United Church and an immersive experience along the pathway beside Town Hall.
 

Huntsville Pickleball Courts

Donations to the Huntsville Pickleball Courts project will be used to fund the installation of two (2) new pickleball courts in Huntsville. Once the initial funding target of $200,000 has been reached, Town Council will consider the location, overall cost of installation, ongoing operational costs, and future Town budget impacts. The overall cost of installation is to be funded entirely through community donations. As a result, the final funding target for this project will be set once the total cost of installation is determined.
 

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