Vote For Your Favourite Charity or Not-For-Profit Here!

Do you have a favourite charity or not-for-profit organization in Muskoka that works tirelessly to help your community?

Would you like to help them promote their services for FREE?

If so, place your vote in the comment section below, including the organization name and a brief summary about what they do and/or how they benefit the community.

The charity with the most votes wins a FREE full page write up in an upcoming edition of MUSKOKA SENIORS MAGAZINE, a FREE winner announcement in the Community Page, and mentions on our website and social media pages!

The deadline for votes is September 30th, so get your vote in now!

Note: Each supporter can vote once for the charity of their choice. Charities cannot vote for themselves but can get the votes of friends, family, colleagues, community groups, email contacts, and social media.

Share this to help your favourite charities get the attention and support they deserve!

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67 thoughts on “Vote For Your Favourite Charity or Not-For-Profit Here!”

  1. Hospice Huntsville
    We know about the beautiful, compassionate Grace Home BUT there is much more. Grief sharing and support to adults, teens and youth when as humans we can be fragile.
    There is a large volunteer group who visit people in their home, hospital and at Grace to give comfort to all the family

  2. Muskoka Children’s Foundation •

    For decades, the Children’s Foundation of Muskoka (CFM) has worked tirelessly to help underprivileged and underserved youth across Muskoka thrive. Their support spans far and wide, from sending kids to camp, to providing opportunities in sports, arts, and cultural programs, to opening doors to mental wellness supports.

    CFM also meets critical everyday needs: new beds, warm winter clothing, and essentials that bring stability and dignity to young lives. The impact is often lasting and sometimes even life-changing.

    Guided by a compassionate and highly engaged Board of Directors, CFM remains laser-focused on ensuring that local youth have every chance to grow, learn, and succeed. They are truly deserving of the spotlight and the opportunity to share their story with a wider audience through Muskoka Seniors Magazine.

  3. The Children’s Foundation of Muskoka is a long standing supporter of children and youth living in disadvantaged circumstances. They support entry into sports and rec, art programs, summer camping experiences, access to mental health services, basic needs, and educational bursaries. They have the hardest working board that always turns out for the kids of Muskoka.

  4. At each meeting, 3 charities operating in Muskoka make a presentation to the membership of how they would use the funds. Most of the time, the charities presenting are grass roots charities that are fulfilling a need I didn’t know existed in Muskoka, I appreciate that 100 People Who Care Muskoka bring awareness of these charities to us and together, we can make a difference!

    1. Vote for YWCA
      This organization helps women prepare for working positions after breakdown of family units or job loss. It supports girls in senior public school classes to learn about esteem, confidence and issues around body. It also celebrates women with its Women of Distinction events in communities across Canada.

    2. Ryde Co-op – I can’t share enough amazing things about this place and the people who volunteer their time to make it this way. As a parent to four young boys, we have benefitted so much from local programs and events that are both financially accessible and family friendly. It’s been a space for local families to get together through community events such as the favourite ‘find your pumpkin’ Halloween event.

      I have participated in many adult programs as well, such as bracelet making, and centrepiece creations through each of the holidays / seasons. These sessions are ran by individuals in and around our community who have such great talents to share with others. I love that the Ryde Co-op acknowledges that and provides opportunities for those crafters to be celebrated.

      This summer our local kiddos had the opportunity to participate in Ryde’s first ever soccer program. The co-op provided a space that was safe and accessible, and the programming was ran by those who have benefitted greatly from all that the co-op has offered their own families. This is what it’s all about!

  5. Muskoka 100 Cares – Community Giving, Maximum Impact

    Muskoka 100 Cares is a grassroots charitable foundation dedicated to amplifying local generosity. Our simple model brings people together twice a year, each contributing $100, to create a powerful collective gift for charities that directly serve Muskoka.

    In just our first year, Muskoka 100 Cares has donated over $25,000 to vital local organizations, including Andy’s House Hospice Muskoka, Food4Kids Muskoka, and MiND-AID, supporting everything from compassionate end-of-life care to youth mental health and food security for children.

    What makes us special is that every dollar raised stays here in Muskoka. Members see the immediate results of their giving and know their contribution is part of something bigger. Our gatherings aren’t just about fundraising — they are about community connection, amplifying awareness of local causes, and building a stronger Muskoka together.

    With more supporters joining each event, Muskoka 100 Cares is proving that when ordinary people pool their resources, they can make an extraordinary difference. Winning this contest would allow us to grow faster, reach more donors, and ensure that even more Muskoka charities get the critical support they need.

    Together, we’re not just donating — we’re transforming lives in Muskoka, one $100 gift at a time.

  6. Muskoka 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE: A local giving circle in Muskoka. People come together (aim for ~100, though attendance varies) and each contributes $100 at a meeting.  
        •    At each meeting, three (or more) local charities are invited to make short presentations (5-10 minutes) about what they do and how they would use a donation.  
        •    After presentations, everyone who donated gets a ballot and votes for the charity they think should receive the pooled funds. The one with the most votes gets the full donation.  

    ⸻

    What they do beyond the donation meetings

    Besides raising money, the group does other things to amplify impact:
        •    Awareness and networking for local charities. Even charities that don’t win get exposure, can attract more volunteers, connections, or other kinds of support.  
        •    Shoebox Raiser events: collecting items, packing “shoeboxes” of gifts for women experiencing homelessness or other vulnerabilities.  
        •    Nominating charities: people in the community can suggest or nominate local charities to present at meetings.

  7. 100 people who care!

    Love their initiative on raising money for different organizations! They put on amazing events and donate all the money back to the charity that gets chosen

  8. The Community YWCA of Muskoka – for over 30 years YWCA Muskoka has been providing services and programs for girls, youth, women, seniors. Girlz Unplugged to girls in elementary schools across the region, Quest a group for boys to learn about healthy relationships since 2009, Girlz Choice, Women in Business has helped launched hundreds of businesses in the region. The YWCA runs Circles, a poverty reduction group in Gravenhurst, Getting Ahead programs at libraries, and provides Bridges out of Poverty training for volunteers. They hosted the Aging Well conference for 110 seniors in Bracebridge and have been running digital literacy programs for seniors since 2018. They are a small charity, serving over 1200 people each year, always out in community making a difference on the lives and wellbeing of folks in our region.

  9. YWCA Muskoka works tirelessly to improve the lives of women, children and their families across Muskoka. Known as the “Y” without walls they take programs out into the community to where the need is.
    For young impressionable girls and boys the YW’s Boys Quest and Girls Unplugged programs have changed the lives of troubled youngsters improving their interpersonal relationships and self esteem. Women in Business , Getting Ahead, Circles and many other amazing programs help women improve their lives and in turn the lives of their families.
    The staff at YWCA are compassionate, caring people striving to make our community healthier and happier. Funding is always a struggle but I see the difference the YW makes and ope others do as well.

  10. YWCA Muskoka is known as the “Y” without walls. Unlike the YMCA the focus is on helping women and their families improve their lives taking programs out into the community. For impressionable young people Boys Quest and Girls Unplugged programs help youngsters with interpersonal relationships and improve their self esteem.
    Many programs like Getting Ahead and Women in Business help women deal with life’s challenges.
    The staff are compassionate and caring amazing people. And deserving of our support.

  11. Muskoka 100 People Who Care

    They unite members of the community by sharing information about local charities that need support — whether through financial contributions or volunteer efforts. The initiative is entirely fueled by community donations, ensuring that resources go directly toward improving the area and uplifting those who live there.

  12. Love Muskoka 100 People who care
    The charity brings the community together to allow a platform for the different Charities to educate the public on their mandate and goals of services.

  14. Muskoka 100 People Who Care

    Provide information and awareness with presentations on 3 local charities, a brief question period allows us to learn about the specific challenges and needs of the organizations. It’s a nice way to get involved while also networking with like-minded individuals in the community. While all the funds raised goes to one ‘winning’ charity of the night, you leave with the resources to contribute independently to the others; which I always do as the presentations are so good!

  15. The YWCA remains the most significant voice for women’s issues and youth programs across the country. The Muskoka YWCA in particular advances interpersonal programs for young people, fosters entrepreneurial instincts of women, guides those seeking a better life out of poverty, and nurtures seniors through Aging Well programs.
    The Y WCA is an important pillar in community life throughout Muskoka.

  16. 100 people who care

    An amazing Muskoka initiative. They support the most in need Muskoka charities and do an amazing job. Every event they put on is seamless and well attended.

  17. Muskoka 100 People Who Care

    An inspiring initiative in our community!
    They shine light on local charities and allowing Muskoka to giveback in a simple yet powerful way!

  18. Ryde coop is the place to be! Why you ask? This is a place for families. A diverse, community of children, families and seniors working together through volunteers to make our community fun and welcoming. Ryde offers so many different activities no one could ever be bored at home. We have fitness classes offered from line dancing, Pilates, yoga and Nia. We have lunch and learns, crafts, and painting. If you like music you can jam with us or try your hand at learning an instrument. Looking for Christmas gifts come out to our market. It takes people who are kind, giving and supportive to make a community and that is exactly what Ryde us

  20. The Ryde Community Co-op is the HUB of Housey’s Rapids. It provides excellent programming (Yoga; Nia; Pole Walking; Arts & Crafts etc) for seniors in the area. The Co-op also provides opportunities for local youth (soccer, a playground, winter rink) and monthly Music Jams that attract folks from as far away as the Niagara area.

  21. At Ryde Co-op there are many activities available to support different interests. You can become a member for $15 individual or $30 family. Retirement pensions do not go far these days. Senior programs are offered at no charge to members and non members so that all of us can attend without financial concerns.

    I would feel very isolated and lonely if it were not for the programs that are offered at the Ryde Co-op. Attending has given me social interaction with others, helped me make friends in the community, kept me active and brought me happiness. I currently attend daytime painting classes, Line Dancing, NIA, lunch and learns and community meals for free. I also attend Ukulele lessons and an occasional evening workshop for $5 per session.

    The Ryde Co-op improves the quality of life for me and our entire community.

  23. Ryde Community Co-op

    The Ryde Co-op has evolved over the last 15 or so years into a vibrant community hub. It was created and continues to be powered by committed volunteers to provide a wide range of activities for its members. Fitness classes through yoga, line dancing and NIA, arts and crafting classes, music jam sessions, wellness programmes, opportunities to socialize over a meal, information/education sessions are just a few of the reasons people head to the co-op. Welcome to Ryde!!

    1. We are so lucky to live so close and be a part of the The Ryde Community Co-op. My children grew up getting to know so many other local families participating in EarlyON, games and crafts night, the Christmas movie night, ice skating, sledding, end of year ice cream party, easter egg hunts, the amazing playground and more recently a fun soccer league. This place is run by volunteers really striving to make a difference in our community. They offer programs for all ages and stages. We got inspired at their Heritage day event to participate in a nation wide “BioBlitz” which we had no idea what it meant but it caught my 10 year old attention and as a family we learned and explored. It got us out walking and observing nature. So many opportunities to do stuff as a family. The craft nights, lunches, yoga, open jam sessions, pumpkin hunts, candy cane walks, pole walking, tea parties, pilates and voting station meets all of my families needs. We get to connect with others and participate in programs that interest us and support us physically and emotionally. Its so beautiful to watch the other families grow and flourish in this community and the Ryde Co-op is our hub. I know Im forgetting stuff but the stuff I listed above has enriched my families lives and made lasting memories. My children get excited anytime I say “We are headed to the co-op!” They know its going to be a good time.

  25. Ryde Co-op is a great place to participate in activities with the Muskoka community. It is volunteer run, so also a great place to get involved during retirement.

  26. I have to recommend the Ryde Co-op. This is a popular community hub providing fabulous programming for all ages and all seasons. As. Senior I have recently enjoyed their Senior’s Fair and a bus trip to the St Jacobs Market. The Co-op is a place to make friends, learn and grow. Our community is stronger for having it.

  27. Ryde Community co op is a real blessing for our rural community. It is run by volunteers and for all ages. They have an ice rink in the winter which is maintained also by volunteers , soccer, egg hunts crafts for children’s and adults at no cost. This is a true multigenerational hub for the community.

  28. I love that The Ryde Community Co-op Inc. is inclusive and gives seniors an opportunity to get out and enjoy activities with other seniors. It is a safe place to meet new friends and laugh as we learn new skills and practice old ones – keeping our minds and bodies active. The Ryde Community Co-op Inc. is an amazing community centre with lots of programs for everyone to participate in; activities where we also learn about support available in our community to help us live independently in our homes. Bus trips that let us explore and support other communities, crafts, exercise, dance and even the opportunity to learn to play an instrument are just a few of the amazing activities everyone can enjoy.

    Being a senior is challenging, but with the support of all the amazing volunteers that keep the Ryde Co-op programs happening, we are assisted every step of the way. They even have seniors helping seniors because we are not too old to volunteer!

    The Ryde Community Co-op Inc. is more than a Co-op – it is the ‘smile’ of our community! ❤️

  30. Muskoka 100 people who care.

    They create a ripple effect of kindness in the region by supporting local charities, and businesses! They’ve been amazing at connecting my business with other likeminded business leaders in the region who care about community, especially the most vulnerable.

  31. The Ryde Community Co-op is a unique and much cherished spot tucked away on the outskirts of Gravenhurst/Bracebridge. The outdoor amenities are peaceful and inviting for all ages. I was fortunate enough to be a student there as a child growing up and now being able to bring my own children there for activities is a special full circle appreciation. We have attended music events, pumpkin fun, easter egg hunts, health and wellness events, weddings, soccer team practices and even skating in the winter time on an outdoor rink and many many more fun adventures there. The memories and opportunities are endless here and I am so glad it is part of our community.

  37. Ryde Community Co-op is the most welcoming facility in Muskoka, no matter who you are or where you come from. The programs offered span all ages, from toddlers to seniors and include crafty evenings, various exercise classes, music jam sessions, Easter egg hunts and Hallowe’en pumpkins, community dinners and bus trips; there is something for everyone at Ryde! And all these activities are supported by volunteers that keep everything running smoothly. It’s a very special place that puts community first.

  39. The Ryde Community Co-op represents what is best in the hundreds of people of all ages who attend for the many events on offer. The volunteers who keep us all engaged are in a class by themselves and work hard to ensure the activities are fun, varied, safe and meaningful. Ryde Co-op is the meeting place for residents of Ryde, Gravenhurst and beyond. It is a stellar example of people coming together to make life better for everyone.

  40. The Ryde Community Co-op is an amazing community centre with a very low membership fee and provides excellent programming (Yoga; Nia; Pole Walking; Arts & Crafts etc) for seniors in the area. The Co-op also provides opportunities for local youth (soccer, a playground, winter rink) and monthly Music Jams that attract folks from far and wide.

  41. Muskoka 100 People Who Care! Twice a year they host events where local charities share their stories, and the group votes to donate all funds raised to one organization. I love how they bring the community together to support different causes!

  44. Muskoka 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE!

    Muskoka 100 People Who Care is a community giving group where approx. 100 individuals each donate $100 at biannual meetings. Three local charities present their work; participants vote and the winner receives the pooled funds. Since starting, they’ve donated tens of thousands for causes like hospice care, children’s hunger, and mental health. 

  47. Ryde community coop is an amazing centre for educational activities, craft workshops, exercise programs, games, music jams, interesting and informative guest speakers, delicious lunches and a ton of fun events for all ages. We are so lucky to have this volunteer driven hub in our community!

  48. Ryde Coop
    I moved to Ryde Community from Toronto. I knew a lot of weekenders but through the week, it got very lonely. Getting involved in the Ryde Coop has made my life so much fuller. I’ve met some amazing people right in our community that I never really knew before. It is so affordable and offers so much. Right now I’m involved in line dancing, uke lessons, pilates, NIA, craft workshops, lunch and learns and a monthly indigenous program. There is no feeling of isolation or boredom any more. It is run by volunteers and we take great pride in our coop.

  52. The Ryde Community CoOp is a Godsend for seniors in this rural community! Social interaction is of paramount importance in the physical, emotional and cognitive health of seniors. The CoOps programs meet this criteria and more for not only seniors but persons of all ages.
    This is all pulled together by awesome volunteers in a cohesive and tight knit community setting.
    Thank you Ryde Community CoOp!

  54. Ryde coop, they have my vote. Great community of a diverse group of people. It’s the coming together of young and old. It provides activities for all. A group of wonderful volunteers especially our president Rebecca Hickey.

  58. I must say that I feel the exact same as all those that have highly recommended and also shared their positive reasons why they love The Ryde Community Co-op Inc. (“Ryde”). Ryde has become almost my 2nd home since I moved north from Mississauga two years ago. There have been so many wonderful activities and events outlined already that Ryde provides and I can’t agree more that they have all made my days filled with fun, laughter and an opportunity to learn something new. The really special part about being a Ryde member is being a part of a community of people of all ages that are willing to volunteer their time and skills without hesitation. Ryde has also given us all a way to give back and largely a way to feel amazing and needed in our community. Our volunteer-run Ryde brings programs and happiness to everyone no matter where they live, their culture or beliefs and I couldn’t be happier about their inclusiveness. I have made so many wonderful true friendships at Ryde and I know that would not have been the case if Ryde did not open their doors to everyone and were able to offer so many different workshops, events and exercise programs that I have been fortunate to attend. I said this when I joined Ryde two years ago and I still say the same thing which is that I was skeptical and hesitant to move up from the city to the Muskoka area but my husband Mike and I are so very happy here and I can truly say I have found my people and my community in Ryde. Come join our fabulous group of kind, friendly, interesting, hardworking and fun-loving people of all ages at Ryde in Barkway, Gravenhurst, ON.

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