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County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Launch 23rd Annual Food and Toy Drive – Give a little, help a lot

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Midhurst/November 14, 2025 – County of Simcoe Paramedic Services is proud to launch its 23rd Annual Food and Toy Drive, continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting children and families in need across our region during the holiday season.

Financial contributions can be made online at CanadaHelps. Additionally, new, unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, and gift cards (please indicate the gift card value) are welcome to be donated at the designated drop-off locations listed below. 

Over the past 22 years, the Food and Toy Drive has made a significant impact, collecting 130,831 toys, 88,970 lbs of food, and $289,321.57 in monetary and gift card donations for families in need across the county.

“Our County of Simcoe paramedics continue to show us what community service looks like, with compassion, generosity, and a deep commitment to the well-being of our residents,” shared Warden Basil Clarke. “This campaign brings hope and joy to families across Simcoe County, and we’re grateful to our incredible paramedics who give so much of their time, and to the countless businesses and individuals who continue to support this drive year after year.”

Paramedic volunteers kicked off the drive early this year, thanks to their colleagues at Georgian Manor and Village, who collected 130 lbs of non-perishable food, $109 in monetary donations and a few toys during a recent community event. These donations were delivered to the Georgian Bay Food Network in Midland.

DONATION LOCATIONS: 
County of Simcoe Administration Centre, 1110 Highway 26 in Midhurst between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and at the following County of Simcoe Paramedic Stations, where outdoor drop boxes are available until December 21: 

  • Alliston – 6933 Industrial Parkway, Alliston 
  • Angus – 1 Tree Top Street, Angus 
  • Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus - 110 Fairview Drive, Barrie 
  • Barrie Tiffin – 113 Tiffin Street, Barrie 
  • Beeton – 51 Main Street East, Beeton 
  • Bradford – 480 Miller Park Avenue, Bradford 
  • Coldwater – 1 Firehall Lane, Coldwater 
  • Collingwood – 169 St. Paul Street, Collingwood 
  • Craighurst – 2298 Horseshoe Valley Road, Oro-Medonte 
  • Elmvale – 17 Allenwood Road, Elmvale 
  • Midland – 395 Cranston Crescent, Midland 
  • Orillia – 68 West Street, Orillia 
  • Penetanguishene – 10 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene 
  • Springwater – 1110 Snow Valley Road, Midhurst
  • Stayner – 6993 Highway 26, Stayner 
  • Stroud – 2394 Victoria Street West, Stroud 
  • Wasaga Beach – 23 Oxbow Park Road, Wasaga Beach 
  • Washago – 401 Anchor Drive, Severn 

In addition to the above, many locations across the county will also be accepting donations and pop-up collection points may be in a community near you, including the following: 

Friday, November 14, 2025:

  • Collingwood Walmart ~ 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 15, 2025: 

  • Collingwood Walmart ~ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Orillia Walmart ~ 2 to 6 p.m.
  • Collingwood Santa Claus Parade ~ 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Barrie Santa Claus Parade ~ 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Alliston Santa Claus Parade ~ 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Bradford West Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade ~ 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 16, 2025:

  • Bradford West Gwillimbury Rattlers Hockey Game ~ Bradford Leisure Centre ~ 7 to 9 p.m.

Photo Caption: During these challenging economic times, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services encourages everyone to remember that even the smallest contribution can make a big difference. When we “Give a Little, Help a Lot,” together, we can make this holiday season brighter for those in need.

For an up-to-date list, visit simcoe.ca/toydrive.

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.­­­­­­

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