Gravenhurst Against Poverty

09/03/2026

💚 Little Did We Know…

And yes, we couldn’t resist the little play on words! 😊

This photo was taken as G.A.P. volunteers gathered to celebrate Marie Little as she stepped away from her role as Food Lead.

There were smiles, hugs, and lots of appreciation for everything Marie had brought to the role. But little did we know at the time that Marie’s next chapter with G.A.P. was about to begin. 💚

As we look at this photo now, it has an even more special meaning. We were celebrating the end of one chapter without realizing we were also on the verge of celebrating the beginning of another.

Congratulations again, Marie! We’re so happy you’ll be continuing this journey with us. 💚

Neighbours helping neighbours.

09/02/2026

💚 Introducing Our New Chair of G.A.P.’s Board of Directors: Marie Little

In just four years, Marie Little has grown from a Thursday Food Program volunteer into a driving force behind G.A.P.’s food initiatives. With her boundless energy, culinary talent, and gift for bringing people together, Marie has made an extraordinary impact on our organization and our community.

Marie joined Gravenhurst Against Poverty in April 2022, starting out by helping pack food for the Thursday Food Program. It wasn’t long before her leadership skills shone through, and she took on the role of coordinator for the program.

Her dedication continued to grow, eventually leading her to become G.A.P.’s Food Lead. Now, Marie is stepping back from that role to take on an exciting new chapter with G.A.P. as Chair of our Board of Directors.

We know she’ll bring the same passion, commitment, and positive energy to this role that she has brought to every part of G.A.P. over the past four years.

Thank you, Marie, for all that you do—and congratulations! We’re so excited to have you leading our Board and look forward to all that’s ahead. 💚

Neighbours helping neighbours. 💚

08/31/2026

💚 Celebrating Beth Houston — Thank You for Leading with Heart

Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate someone who has given so much of herself to Gravenhurst Against Poverty — Beth Houston.

After serving as Chair of the GAP Board of Directors, Beth is stepping down from the Chair role. While we will miss having her at the helm, we are incredibly grateful for everything she has brought to GAP during her time as Chair.

Beth has led with heart, compassion, patience, and a genuine desire to make a difference. She has been someone who listens, asks questions, steps in when needed, and cares deeply about the people behind the work we do.

Being Chair isn’t always easy. It means making decisions, navigating challenges, supporting volunteers, and carrying a great deal of responsibility. Beth has approached it all with dedication and a commitment to keeping Neighbours Helping Neighbours at the centre of what we do. 💚

And thankfully, this isn’t goodbye!

Beth will continue to serve on the GAP Board of Directors, so we’re not losing her experience, her perspective, her caring nature, or her sense of humour just yet! 😊

Beth, thank you.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your leadership.
Thank you for believing in GAP.
And most of all, thank you for caring so deeply about our community and the people we are here to support.

We are so grateful for you, Beth, and proud to call you part of the GAP family. 💚

With heartfelt thanks from all of us at Gravenhurst Against Poverty.

08/31/2026

🚌 Need a Ride? DRT Can Help! 💚

Getting where you need to go shouldn’t have to be difficult — or expensive.

If transportation is sometimes a challenge, District of Muskoka’s Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) is a convenient and affordable option for getting around Gravenhurst and surrounding areas.

Unlike a traditional bus service, DRT doesn’t follow fixed routes or require you to get to a bus stop. It provides curb-to-curb service, with accessible door-to-door service available for those who need it.

✨ Why consider DRT?

💰 Affordable: Adult fares are typically just $5 per trip, with discounted fares for seniors and students/youth. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by an adult.

📅 Convenient: Book a ride when you need it — and recurring rides can also be arranged.

🚪 Accessible: Curb-to-curb service is available, with accessible door-to-door service for those who require it.

📍 Local: Service covers the urban centre of Gravenhurst and extends toward surrounding areas, including Kilworthy.

⏰ Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
(Excluding statutory holidays)

📱 How to book:
Download the Blaise Transit app or use the Blaise website. You can also call 705-645-2100 ext. 4419 during District office hours.

Try to book your trip at least 30 minutes in advance.

Whether you need to get to an appointment, run an errand, visit a friend or simply get where you need to go, DRT may be an economical and convenient option.

Don’t let transportation be the thing that keeps you from getting where you need to go. 💚

Neighbours helping Neighbours.

08/28/2026

Great opportunity! They are keeping the applications open in Muskoka until September 11th.

📢 REMINDER: Applications Are STILL OPEN!

Are you facing barriers to employment?
Interested in starting a career in the trades?

There’s still time to apply for our Trades and Diversity Training Program! Whether you're in Sudbury, Barrie, Muskoka, or the Sault, this is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience and start building a future in the skilled trades.

✅ 12 weeks of paid, hands-on training
✅ Learn valuable trade skills
✅ Explore real pathways to employment

Applications close soon -- don’t miss your chance to apply!

https://communitybuilders.co/community-impact/training-and-employment/

For more information, contact:

📍 Sudbury: [email protected]
📍 Barrie: [email protected]
📍 Muskoka: [email protected]
📍 Sault Ste. Marie: [email protected]

08/28/2026

📣 Spread the Word — YAC is Back! 🎉

We’re excited to announce that YAC returns Friday, September 11!

Our volunteer YAC Coordinators have been busy planning some fun and interesting activities for the months ahead. Here’s the schedule:

🥳 September 11 — Pasta Night & Games
🏀 September 25 — Sports Night
🚗 October 9 — Car Maintenance
🥁 October 23 — Drum Night
🧶 November 6 — Learn to Crochet
🥧 November 20 — Apple Pie Baking
🏺 December 4 — Library: Baked Clay
🎄 December 18 — Christmas Cards & Cookies

We’re looking forward to another great season at YAC! 💚

Stay tuned for more details and any schedule updates.

If you love working with young people and are interested in joining the YAC team as a volunteer, please contact the GAP office at 705-641-2225.

YAC — a place to connect, learn, create and have fun!

08/27/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Steph & Aria 💚

Meet Steph Rickard and her daughter, Aria Chadda!

Steph and her son, Arjun, first became GAP volunteers in the summer of 2023 after discovering GAP at the Gravenhurst Farmers’ Market. What began as a way for her son to gain driving experience has grown into a wonderful family tradition. This summer, as Aria began learning to drive, she joined her mom as a GAP food delivery volunteer.

“Volunteering for GAP has been very rewarding,” says Steph. “You really get to see the impact of just a few hours of effort. The people receiving the food are very appreciative.”

Steph also appreciates how welcoming and organized the GAP team is. Volunteers arrive, have their vehicles loaded, and are given everything they need to make their deliveries.

For Steph, volunteering has provided her children with more than high school volunteer hours. It has given them the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of doing something meaningful, gain driving experience, and develop a greater understanding of the economic diversity within Muskoka.

“Volunteering with GAP makes me feel a greater connection to the community. It’s an incredibly fulfilling experience.”

Thank you, Steph and Aria, for giving your time, sharing your kindness, and helping GAP continue to support our neighbours. We’re so grateful to have you on the team! 💚

08/24/2026

📣 Community Appreciation Announcement 🎉

We are incredibly grateful to the staff at lanternbaymuskoka for organizing a successful silent auction & bake sale on Saturday, August 8, which raised an amazing $1,452, along with a large box of non-perishable food donations.

Special thanks to Lantern Bay Resort Administration and Wendy Sobotka (pictured) for her outstanding organizing efforts in making this event such a success.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to GAP Volunteer, Pete LeMoine, for picking up and delivering these wonderful donations.

Thank you to everyone involved for your generosity and community spirit! ❤️

08/21/2026

🎉 Congratulations Calloway Storage and thank you for your generous donation!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for such a fantastic celebration! 🎉🧡

It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces come together for an afternoon of food, great company and community spirit at Calloway Storage.

Best of all, we raised $475 for Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP)! 👏 Every contribution helps support the important work GAP does right here in our community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and worked to make the day such a success. We could not have asked for a better way to celebrate with our community! 🧡

08/20/2026

🌱 Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Forrest

Meet Diane Forrest, one of the many dedicated volunteers who help make GAP’s work possible.

Diane volunteers Thursday mornings packing food hampers and is also one of two volunteers who care for the GAP garden at Beechgrove Public School. 🌱🥕

When Diane moved to Gravenhurst full-time, GAP was at the top of her list of organizations to get involved with. Her connection to the community runs deep—her mother grew up here, Diane spent every summer in Gravenhurst, and she still has family in the area.

Diane has long been concerned about the challenges facing the community, including the loss of full-time employment and the growing gap between seasonal and year-round residents. For her, volunteering with GAP is a meaningful way to contribute.

“I just love working hard on something worthwhile with a great group. It’s one of the highlights of my week, and it’s an excellent opportunity to meet some lovely people.”

We’re so grateful for Diane’s time, energy and commitment—and for everything she does to help our neighbours. 💚

Thank you, Diane, for being part of GAP!
Neighbours helping Neighbours. 🤝