Meaford Rotary House has developed a full community support effort over the past two years. Poverty relief is found inside at the Meaford Food Bank and Outreach, and the Rotary Thrift Shop. Meaford Rotary House also provides the community private space for:
- counselling and therapy services for at risk families
- Seniors’ essential foot-care
- Brockton and Area Family Health Team Registered Nurse services
- United Way of Bruce Grey’s award-winning team of Supportive Outreach Services.
Our municipality, with a population of about 11,500, is home to many who struggle to make ends meet. Meaford Rotary House is a one-stop community outreach centre that serves upwards of 780 individuals and their families each month. In addition, Meaford Rotary Thrift Shop is gifted with more than 25 volunteers from our community.
Many sponsors, volunteers, and fund raisers keep Meaford Rotary House operating. The Coldest Night of the Year is a fundraising walk in support of United Way Bruce Grey and the Meaford Rotary Club.
The funds raised through the Coldest Night of the Year 2024 ($7,000) have helped provide a free-for-use outreach room for counselling community members who are at risk and has helped to affordably house the Meaford Foodbank and Outreach Services.
Funds raised through this year’s winter walk will continue to support Meaford Rotary House and specific Meaford programming from United Way Grey Bruce. Join in on February 22, 2025, to support those among us who experience hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
United Way Bruce Grey and Meaford Rotary Club have provided students’ backpacks and lunch programs. Together United Way Grey Bruce and the Meaford Rotary Club support individuals who otherwise could not afford to participate in many aspects of the community – from independent living to sports and culture.
For more than 85 years, the Rotary Club of Meaford has collaborated with community partners such as the Meaford Hospital Foundation, the Municipality of Meaford, and the Meaford Culture Foundation, and for more than 20 years has owned and operated the Godfrey Apartments, one of the community’s affordable housing projects.
“Meaford’s community participated with joy in the 2024 Coldest Night of the Year. We look forward to an even better turnout on February 22, 2025. We will convene at Meaford Rotary House at 4:30 p.m. and start the walk by 5:45, after a few introductions, an overview to the route, and processing of registrants. Afterwards we gather for a simple cup of soup, buns, and cookies. Everyone is welcome but with sponsors or not we need you registered so we have enough soup, and light snacks for after the walk,” said organizers. “Working together, business and personal sponsorship will help us help to relieve the desperation of poverty. On February 22, 2025, put on your boots, mitts and CNOY hat (you might earn one free with your sponsorships!) and join in the fun!”
To register to walk with a team, group, or on your own go to https://cnoy.org/Meaford, or to sponsor, register and receive your hard copy sponsor list by contacting Peggy McIntosh pegshouse@gmail.com
