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
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.
2025 DONOR WALL
GLOWING HEARTS CHARITY EXTENDS A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CHAMPIONS OF CHILDREN & YOUTH IN SIMCOE COUNTY
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE
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SCHOLAR
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GRADUATE
​Domenic D'Addio Royal LePage First Contact Realty
Paul Tibbenham Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd.
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HONOURS
​K.J. Ramolla Fund at the Huronia Community Foundation
Riverwise Psychological Services
​Stephen Loftus
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DONORS
​Anonymous (3)
Anonymous (in memory of Don Fleming)
Divya Awasthi
Chris Burgess
BNI Ontario Central North
Susan Cadogan
Marina Crawford (in memory of Don Fleming)
Don Fleming
Jeff Garner (in memory of Don Fleming)
Jasmine Goff (in memory of Don Fleming)
Green/Clarke family & friends
Tara Green
Jen Guest (in memory of Don Fleming)
Ruth Houghton (in memory of Don Fleming)
Steve Knowles-The Knowles Woolsey Team
Mark & Lila Langford (in memory of Don Fleming)
Ted Levering (in memory of Don Fleming)
​Bruce MacGillivray
Julie MacLeod (in memory of Don Fleming)
Tom & Bev Stockdale (in memory of our friend, Don Fleming)
Sally & Andrew Telford (in memory of Don Fleming)
Barb Willoughby (in memory of Don Fleming)
Sharon Wood (in memory of Don Fleming)
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
Doane Grant Thornton Foundation
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SCHOLAR
AlectraCares
Barrie Colts Foundation
Barrie Legion 147
​William Coleman
iA Financial Group
Jack Garner Foundation
​Kempenfelt Rotary Club
​Pavlik Foundation
RBC Foundation & Community Fund
​Rotary Club of Barrie
Starbucks Foundation Charitable Fund, held at Vancouver Foundation
GRADUATE
Anonymous (2)
24 Good Deeds
​Divya Awasthi
Shelley Black-Mortgage Alliance Customized Mortgage Strategies
Rodney Burns
Busch Systems
​Domenic D'Addio
Ecclesiastical Insurance
Flynn Canada Ltd – Barrie
GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions
Hydro One Employees' & Pensioners' Charity Trust Fund
NFP Canada Corp.
​Peloton Capital Management
Penetanguishene Lions Club
Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach
Dr. Jacqueline Rynard
Starbucks Foundation
Trooper Pet Veterinary Services
Tyler Prescott
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HONOURS
Anonymous (5)
Advocis Simcoe-Muskoka
John Ewen
Sarah Fleming
Lisa Hutchinson
Krishna Karki
Metro 178 (in memory of Anthony Perkins)
Jeannie Mills
Modern Music Barrie
Carrissa Sadowski
Simcoe IT Solutions
St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School
Superior Home Health Care
Trish Beesley Photography
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DONORS
Anonymous (66)
Anonymous (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Anonymous (in memory of Kathryn “Kate” Parsons)
Chris Allen
James Anderson-Sinclair Sports Medicine
Frank Astri
Attitude Print
Jessica Avery
Mary Ann Barlow (in memory of Tony Perkins)
In Memory of Susanne Bennett
Judy Blaney
Annette Bourassa
Stephanie Brady, Assisting You Social
​Jennifer Burgin
Su Cadogan
Michelle Castano
​Tom Coon
Sharon Clarke
Donna Cochrane
Danaj Family
Ewen Boyd LLP
Dr. Jessica Day-Blue Haven Wellness
Laura Facca
Tracy Fernandes (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Don Fleming
Forest Bathing with Beth
Elizabeth Fornasier
Jeff Garner in honour of Brian Sullivan
Christine Gauthier
Jennifer Gignac
Lesley Goode (in honour of Pamela & Brad Ross)
Karen H.
Peter Hayden
Roberta Hochman
Aaron Kell-North Barrie Market
Kempenfelt Windows & Doors
Shawn Klis
Sharon Knoblauch
Keith Lindsay
Andrew MacAdam
Bruce MacGillivray - Instant Imprints Barrie
Pam McCloskey
Dalton McGugan (in memory of Tony Perkins)
​Samual McKee (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Doug McKenzie (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Meghan Miller
Mahb Molla
Paul Morrison
Amy Moylan
Clinton Nesbitt in (in memory of Carrie Nesbitt)
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)
Joanne Potts (in memory of Carrie Nesbitt who loved music, especially children’s choirs)
Lesley Prestwich
Cheryl Quinn
Kim Redmond
Lee Rinkoff
Erroll Rowe (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Rachel S.
Oneib Saeed
​Yvette Sebastian
Brenda Simpson
Stephanie Simpson
Adam Smith
In Honour of the Staff at Steele Street Public School
Dave Stewart
Lydia & David Stoneman (in memory of Tony Perkins)
Nicola Switzer
Sally & Andrew Telford
Matthew Thompson
Tottenham Chiropractic
Nancy & Craig Truscott
Phil von Kaufmann
Chris Watson
Western Financial Group
Catharine Webster in honour of Isla and Archer
Jenn Williams
​Gisele Winton Sarvis
Land Acknowledgement
Glowing Hearts Charity acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg, 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.