This week is Nonprofit Appreciation Week in Dufferin County and local restaurants and businesses are showing their love.
On Friday, February 17th – “Thankful Friday” – more than a dozen cafes, restaurants and food shops are offering anyone who works for a charity or nonprofit organization in Dufferin County a free drink, treat or even a meal. It’s a generous gesture to recognize the people who work tirelessly to care for some of our most vulnerable residents and strengthen the fabric of our communities.
“To be honest, we were bowled over by the generosity of local restaurants and food businesses,” said Michele Fisher, Executive Director of Dufferin Community Foundation. “The people who staff our charities and nonprofits are highly skilled at helping people and transforming lives, but they don’t make a lot of money. This is a lovely way to say thank-you.”
Recognizing that burnout is a factor for many working in nonprofits, two yoga practitioners are offering free yoga classes this week to anyone who works in the sector. Kimberley Van Ryn from Branching Out Support Services is leading two virtual chair yoga sessions, while Sharon Edmonds from Simply Yoga is holding a virtual session as well as one in-person at Shelburne Physiotherapy Centre.
More than 150 nonprofit organizations serve the people of Dufferin County. Their programs span the spectrum of community needs and opportunities. They range from food banks, shelters and mental health to the arts, sports and recreation, faith, the environment, and more.
Across Ontario, there are more than 58,000 registered charities and nonprofits serving communities. The sector employs more than 850,000 people, 77% of whom are women, and accounts for 7.9% of Ontario’s GDP.
“Not only do Ontario’s nonprofits provide vital community services, they are a major economic driver for the province. This is a week for us to celebrate their heart and compassion, their knowledge and expertise, and what they add to our community and our economy,” said Glenna Banda, Executive Director, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
Community members are encouraged to post stories about local nonprofits and their staff who have touched their lives in some way using the hashtag #NonprofitAppreciationWeek.
Thankful Friday
Anyone who works in the nonprofit sector is invited to visit these restaurants, cafes and food businesses to receive a free treat. Please bring a business card or a letter on your organization’s letterhead showing that you work there.
Orangeville
Curry Mantra – free chai and samosa
The Craft Pizza Bar – free personal New York cheese or Margherita pizza from 12-4pm.
Le Finis – free coffee and croissant
Wicked Shortbread – a sweet treat
The French Press Bistro – free coffee or beverage of your choice
Cobs Bread – free cinnamon bun
Deja Vu Diner – free breakfast up to a value of $12.99
Shelburne
Starbucks Shelburne – free brewed or iced coffee
McDonalds Shelburne – Call to order free carafe of coffee
Jelly Cafe – free cookie
Super Burger/Super Coffee – free treat – ask at restaurant
Johnny’s Pizza – free soft drink
Champ Burger – free coffee or fountain drink
Guelph
Red Brick Cafe – free coffee
Appreciation Yoga
- Simply Yoga – virtual session on February 13, in-person on February 16 at 12:15pm at Shelburne Physiotherapy Centre. Pre-register by emailing sharon@simply-yoga.ca.
- Kimberley Van Ryn, Branching Out Support Services – virtual chair yoga on February 14 at 9:30am and February 17 at 12 noon. Join via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84941894510?pwd=NmdDeGNOc215T0hJbWhUMUpnbk1UUT09.
“Thank you to every local business and organization that is helping to bring well-deserved recognition to our nonprofits. We are pleased to see them getting recognized,” said Dufferin Board of Trade Executive Director, Diana Morris.
Nonprofit Appreciation Week is being organized locally by Dufferin Community Foundation, Dufferin Board of Trade, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, DC MOVES, Headwaters Communities in Action, Volunteer Dufferin and Dufferin County.
Visit https://dufferinbot.ca/nonprofitweek2023 for more details about the week.
Thank you to our media sponsors:
For more information, contact Michele Fisher, Executive Director, Dufferin Community Foundation at michele@dufferinfoundation.ca or 519-938-0780.
