MISSION
To disrupt the cycle of poverty by providing programs that reduce barriers and support the mental health, growth, and development of school-age children and youth in Simcoe County.
VISION
All school-age children and youth in Simcoe County have access to resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
VALUES
CARING
We respect and care deeply about those we serve, see the potential in all children, and are committed to providing dignified access to our programs.
INCLUSIVE
We value and embrace each other’s individuality and encourage and respect all forms of diversity.
TRANSFORMATIVE
We demonstrate the courage and curiosity to challenge the status quo in everything we do to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.
ACCOUNTABLE
We are responsive to our clients and the community, acting responsibly, with integrity and transparency.
COLLABORATIVE
We build relationships and work with community partners to foster a kinder, more compassionate community to enrich young people’s lives.
How Glowing Hearts Began
After being diagnosed as terminally ill with cancer in 2013, Frank began a bucket list journey. This bucket list consisted of initiatives to help others in need. One item on this list was a concept that revolved around the idea "Give what you can, and get what you need". The registered charity called the Glowing Hearts Community Give & Get Centres was established. Previously the centre has given away approximately 12,000 items to over 1,500 people each month.
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What started as a simple concept: “give what you can and take what you need” has evolved into what Glowing Hearts Charity is today... a thriving organization that supports children and youth in need across Simcoe County.
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Today, as a grassroots, completely volunteer-run organization, the Board continues to ensure that Frank’s vision stays at the forefront by facilitating hope and help in our community with a focus on reducing the many financial burdens that low-income families face.
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Founder
Frank Nelson
June 3, 1956-December 8, 2017
Meet Our Board of Directors
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TESTIMONIALS
"I just wanted to touch base with you in regards to NAME's assessment and say thank you! The team at Lakeview were amazing. They were able to confirm and validate the things I have been seeing in NAME for so many years. To be told, I'm not crazy truly makes me feel sad yet relieved all at the same time. I hope now, NAME can get the help she deserves through school. None of this would have been possible without you and the amazing things you are doing with Glowing Hearts. Know that you truly are an angel here on earth and helping others is truly your calling. Sending you a huge hug from NAME and I." -2024 parent of psychoeducational assessment
"I wanted to let you know that at our year-end meeting, the boys teachers have assessed them at grade level! (Very low end of it) but much better than a few years behind! Tara is a miracle worker! They have made tremendous progress and even the school said their reading levels went up quicker than normal"-parent
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"Glowing Hearts is best at identifying the true needs of families and addressing them, more actively and pragmatically than any other charity or support I've come across."
-community organization
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"Serving those who are really in need. Glowing Hearts is a frontline on the ground organization that truly serves the community." -community organization​
“Thank you so much for funding this amazing opportunity for families. Accessing social services has become extremely difficult over the past few years, with severely backed up wait lists, not to mention the huge financial barrier for many families. I am thanking you not just for my own family, but for every child and family who needs and deserves access to counselling and support. The need for access to these supports is greater than ever due to the mental health toll that covid has had on all of us, especially our children. Bless you for supporting families in your community.”
-parent of a child who received counselling
Our success in helping the children and youth vulnerable to poverty has been made possible thanks to people just like you. With your generous contribution, no matter how great or small, we are able to truly make a difference. We are grateful for any help you can provide, and guarantee it will change lives for the better.
2024 DONOR WALL
GLOWING HEARTS CHARITY EXTENDS A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CHAMPIONS OF CHILDREN & YOUTH IN SIMCOE COUNTY
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE
Grant Thornton Foundation
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SCHOLAR
AlectraCares
Barrie Colts Foundation
Barrie Legion 147
​William Coleman
Grant Thornton
Jack Garner Foundation
​Kempenfelt Rotary Club
RBC Foundation & Community Fund
​Rotary Club of Barrie
Starbucks Foundation Charitable Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
GRADUATE
24 Good Deeds
​Divya Awasthi
Busch Systems
​Domenic D'Addio
Ecclesiastical Insurance
Flynn Canada Ltd – Barrie
NFP Canada Corp.
​Peloton Capital Management
Penetanguishene Lions Club
Starbucks Foundation
Tyler Prescott
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HONOURS
Anonymous (3)
Advocis
Shelley Black
John Ewen
Krishna Karki
Metro 178 (in memory of Anthony Perkins)
Modern Music Barrie
Simcoe IT Solutions
Trish Beesley Photography
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DONORS
Anonymous (14)
Anonymous (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Anonymous (in memory of Kathryn “Kate” Parsons)
Chris Allen
Frank Astri
Attitude Print
Jessica Avery
Mary Ann Barlow (in memory of Tony Perkins)
In Memory of Susanne Bennett
Annette Bourassa
Stephanie Brady, Assisting You Social
​Jennifer Burgin
Su Cadogan
Michelle Castano
Sharon Clarke
Donna Cochrane
Danaj Family
Laura Facca
Tracy Fernandes (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Don Fleming
Elizabeth Fornasier
Jeff Garner in honour of Brian Sullivan
Christine Gauthier
Jennifer Gignac
Karen H.
Peter Hayden
Lisa Hutchinson
Roberta Hochman
Bruce MacGillivray - Instant Imprints Barrie
Keith Lindsay
Kempenfelt Windows & Doors
Andrew MacAdam
Pam McCloskey
Dalton McGugan (in memory of Tony Perkins)
​Samual McKee (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Doug McKenzie (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Newman Accounting
Richard Newton
Maria Nicoletti
Paula Oake (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Peter Pereira (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Paul Perkins (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Kim Redmond
Lee Rinkoff
Errol Rowe (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Rachel S.
Oneib Saeed
Stephanie Simpson
In Honour of the Staff at Steele Street Public School
Dave Stewart
Nancy & Craig Truscott
Phil von Kaufmann
Western Financial Group
Catharine Webster in honour of Isla and Archer
Jenn Williams
​Gisele Winton Sarvis
2023 DONOR WALL
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE
Apotex Inc.
GCBB Auto Ltd O/A Georgian Chevrolet Buick GMC
Metropolitan Toronto Shinglers in memory of Stanley Shewell
Ripple of Kindness Barrie
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SCHOLAR
Anonymous (1)
Barrie Colts Foundation
CIBC Mellon​
Manulife
Pavlik Foundation
Rotary Club of Barrie
Well-Being Canada
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GRADUATE
Anonymous (2)
Canada Protection Plan, a Foresters Financial Company
The Cutting Edge Salon & Spa
Divya Awasthi
Domenic D'Addio Realty Inc.
Gateway Casinos Innisfil through the GatewayGives program
Hydro One Forestry
Jack Garner Foundation
James A. Burton & Family Foundation
Kempenfelt Rotary Club
KIS Technologies
Meridian Bayfield Branch
Midland Canadian Tire
Midland Lions Club
Noble
North Barrie Market Wing Night Guys
Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach
RTOERO District 17
Sam Sorbara Charitable Foundation in honour of Steven Robertson
Tyler's Tree Services
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HONOURS
Anonymous (5)
Advocis Simcoe Muskoka
Assisting You Social
Judy Cathcart
Dollarama
In honour of an unknown homeless women
Innovative Automation Inc.
iSO Design
Krazy Binz Barrie
Lakeview Psychology
Monica Goodfellow
Jeannie Mills
Rob Newman
Penetanguishene Lions Club
Rotary Club of Orillia
Simcoe County Elementary Teachers' Federation
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DONORS
Anonymous (26)
Advantage HR
Accounting Essentials Plus
Robin Baird
Bruce MacGillivray Instant Imprint
Bulldog Property Management Group
Stephanie Brady, Assisting You Social
Anna Candelino (in support of Vince & family from Maple Grove P.S. staff)
Janice Coutts
Jenn Belbeck-Cragg
Crystal Benjafield
Su Cadogan
Mike Campbell
Samantha Cave
Jennifer Cheesman
Tom Coon
Copeland Creek Community
Lisa Creighton
Judit DellAnno & Lisa Hutchinson
Rick Earhart Western Financial Group
Ellie (in grade 2)
Exceptional Touch Cleaning
Sarah Fleming
Jeff & Marilyn Garner
Global Payments
Louise Gravelle & Lee Miller
Laurena Green
Green/Clarke family & friends
Danny Gregoric
Adam Grose
Janice Stone Life Coach
Jessica Hendriks
Jennifer Ives
Joe's No Frills
Robert Johnston
Wendy Keegan
Aaron & Jennifer Kell
Joan Kennedy
Sylvie Labrosse
Eileen Leversedge
MA Customized Mortgage Strategies
Mike Holmes Inspections - Simcoe County
Annelise Mota
Kai O'Brien
Stephanie Pellow
Lindsay Percy
Newman Accounting Professional Corporation
Nouvelle Alliance Religion Class Students:
Megann Nkenglack, Mya Cartwright, Emma Jacques
Darryl Paul
John & Margaret Potts (in honour of Joanne Potts & the Simcoe Youth Choir)
Rob Newman Sr.
Simcoe IT Solutions
Brett Restemayer
Steve & Maxine Robertson
Amanda Roes in memory of Steve Slaughter
Cheryle Russell
Mallory Steele
Tayler Insurance & Estate Planning
Trish Beesley Photography
Phil von Kaufmann
Land Acknowledgement
Glowing Hearts Charity acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg people, many of whom continue to live and work here today. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. It should be noted that the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Nations have also walked on this territory over time. We acknowledge and reflect upon the impact of the ongoing history of colonialism endured by the Indigenous People of Turtle Island. Today this land is home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and by recognizing this we are reminded that our lives are enriched and strengthened by the stewardship and friendship of Indigenous people. We reflect upon and honour the cultural traditions and truth of their history, and are committed to ongoing learning, building positive relationships, and amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples.