Midhurst/April 17, 2026 – The County of Simcoe is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week, taking place April 19 to 25, 2026, and to recognize the remarkable individuals who generously contribute their time, skills, and compassion across the County’s long‑term care homes, seniors services locations, Paramedic Services, and the Simcoe County Museum.
This year’s national theme, “Ignite Volunteerism – celebrating the power of civic participation and renewing Canada’s culture of volunteering,” reflects the spirit of the County’s volunteers, whose contributions continue to have a positive impact across the region.
“Volunteers are the heart of our communities,” said Warden Basil Clarke “Their generosity, compassion, and commitment strengthen our services and enrich the lives of residents across Simcoe County every single day. During National Volunteer Week, we proudly celebrate not only the individuals who give their time in support of the County of Simcoe, but all those who chose to champion a cause close to their heart. On behalf of County Council, thank you for igniting community spirit and helping us build a stronger, more caring Simcoe County.”
In 2025, 223 Simcoe Strong volunteers supported staff and residents at Georgian Manor and Village, Simcoe Manor and Village, Sunset Manor and Village and Trillium Manor, contributing more than 8,500 hours of their time to enhance programs and services. The Simcoe County Museum benefited from 43 volunteers who contributed 1,794 hours assisting with events, exhibits, and public programming. In addition, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services staff generously donated 740 hours of their own time to community education and outreach, including school visits, seniors’ clubs, career days, the annual Food and Toy Drive, and a variety of county events.
Recently, the County also launched the Resident Ambassador Program within Seniors Services, supported by the Seniors Community Grant Program. Approximately 30 Resident Ambassadors across Georgian Village, Simcoe Village, and Sunset Village have been leading workshops, hosting Veterans teas, welcoming new residents, and supporting community engagement. Plans are underway to expand this successful initiative into the County’s Long Term Care Homes.
To honour these contributions, the County is hosting a series of Simcoe Strong Volunteer Appreciation events across its long-term care and seniors services sites, featuring meals, gifts, photo presentations, and years of service recognition. The Simcoe County Museum will also continue its annual volunteer celebrations, including its popular holiday appreciation event.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
