Elmvale Area’s Generosity and Creativity Makes Children Smile.
By Cathy Finlay, Feb. 23, 2025
In mid-February, just before leaving for Uganda, retired dentist Brian Cole, along with Brian’s mother, Marilyn Cole and former colleagues Heather Graham, Sally Miller and Tanya King, dropped in at Elmvale Presbyterian Church. They met 82 small, knitted comfort dolls (also called Izzy dolls) which members of the congregation’s craft group have been knitting over the past months. Each doll is unique and charming, just the right size to fit into a child’s hand or stow into a pocket. You may have seen them displayed in the social room at Let’s Do Lunch. Brian, Heather, Sally and Tanya will offer the dolls to children they meet through their work with Bridge to Health, a charity formed in Toronto in 2012. Working with local partners, Bridge to Health provides sustainable, cost-effective healthcare through educational programs, clinical service provision and medical devices that are appropriate for the needs of the community. Their actions are guided by global health ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality. If you would like to know more about this registered charity, check out their website at bridgetohealth.ca, They rely on the generosity of individual donors and grants for funding. Thank you to these four skilled and generous dental practitioners who offer their services in rural Uganda. And to all of the creative knitters, including Sandra Judge, Ann Day, Lila Beardsall, Gwen MacLean, Marlene Lambie and the anonymous people who dropped off dolls at the church building. Each of you will leave hope and Canadian creativity in the lives of these Ugandan children. We can hardly wait to see the photos this team brings back from Uganda!
Elmvale Lions have been busy this Winter
By Elmvale Lions, Feb. 21, 2025
It’s been another busy winter so far for the Elmvale Lions Club (and for everyone else who has had to do a lot of snow shovelling).
A few things we have been working on include:
- Donated last $10,000 for GBGH for MRI.
- $900 Big Brothers Big Sisters for upcoming Bowling Event.
- $3000 to Sledge Hockey for disabled athletes
- $2000 to help with transitional housing in Simcoe County
- Donated 40 medical devices in the last 3 months
- We hosted the local 4H Banquet
- Plus helping a number of local residents with special requirements
That being said we now accept all major credit cards AND debit cards. If you would like to support the Elmvale Lions Club visit https://www.elmvalelions.ca/ and purchase a truck draw ticket.
Coldest Night of the Year in Elmvale
Submitted by St. John’s United Church, Feb, 22, 2025
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the Coldest Night of the Year walk today. Every step you took and every moment you volunteered helped make a real difference for The Guesthouse Shelter in Midland.
Your generosity and dedication mean so much—not only did you help raise funds for an incredible cause, but you also showed that our community truly cares about those facing homelessness. A special shout-out goes to all our volunteers whose hard work and commitment kept everything running smoothly.
For those who haven’t had a chance to donate yet, donations are still being accepted. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us get one step closer to providing essential support and safe shelter for those in need.
A special shout out to our sponsors BMR Pro Elmvale , The Tiny Art Shack and Solly Family Dentistry.
Enough Already … Lets think Spring
By Linda Belcourt, Editor, Feb. 25, 2025
This one is for the history books.
A powerful snowstorm swept through Elmvale since the last edition, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and hazardous conditions to the region. The storm left motorists struggling with blocked roads, and deep snowdrifts.
The snowfall accumulation made it one of the most significant winter storms Elmvale has faced in recent years. Winds gusting up to 70 km/h (43 mph) created whiteout conditions, reducing visibility and making travel nearly impossible.
OPP issued a weather advisory, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Many were caught off guard. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear roads, and assist stranded cars.