2024: A Year to Remember
2024 was filled with unforgettable moments, and we feel truly grateful to have been part of so many incredible events. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through some of the highlights that made this year remarkable:
January: The Puck Pigs Hockey Team began the year with a generous grant from the James Goreski Private Foundation. For 36 seasons, this Owen Sound-based team has united Brightshores Health System and CMHA Grey Bruce clients through hockey. As their charity partner, we’re grateful for this support, ensuring ice time at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre and fostering well-being on and off the ice.
February: Coldest Night of the Year events took place in Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Meaford, and Grey Highlands. Collectively, these four events raised an impressive $113,674, providing much-needed assistance to community members struggling with poverty and homelessness. The outpouring of generosity and participation highlights the power of community spirit and compassion.
March: Pi Day 2024 was a tremendous success, celebrating community spirit and raising support for Owen Sound Hunger and Relief Effort, CMHA Grey Bruce, and United Way Bruce Grey.
Boon Bakery once again crafted delicious gluten-free pies for the occasion, while Runners Den hosted the annual Pi Day run. Each participant received a ribboned medallion, sponsored by HAVE1.COM.
The event brought people together for a great cause, making a positive impact across the community.
April: The 4th annual We Remember Them event at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market honoured lives lost to the opioid crisis. The community dropped carnations into the river near the 8th and 9th Street Bridges in remembrance. Donations supported the Supportive Outreach Service (SOS) Project.
May: We the World Donkey Day Colouring Draw across all 28 libraries in Bruce and Grey. It was a creative and community-driven way to encourage families to engage with their local libraries. It’s heartwarming to see efforts like this bringing smiles and strengthening connections in the community. Kudos to all the participating libraries and everyone involved in making this a success!
June: Tampon Tuesday events, hosted by Grey-Bruce’s Bounce Radio, took place at Shoppers Drug Mart in Owen Sound and Kristen’s Pharmacy in Southampton. These events focused on supporting the community by collecting and providing essential period products.
July: We celebrated our 26th birthday!
August: The Stuff the Bus events were held in Hanover and Owen Sound! These events are among our most recognized initiatives. Your generosity ensures that we can meet the growing needs of The Backpack Program during this busy season, helping local students start the school year off right. Thank you for coming together to make a difference and for helping us make this event such a success!
September: Concour d’Elegance Lemonade Stand in the Owen Sound River District! This event is always a fun time as it showcases all the “Lemons” for vehicles and brings people to the heart of our community.
October: We had a great time handing out candy (thanks to Sound Life Solutions), toothbrushes, and 211 magnets to all the ghosts and goblins who stopped by. It was a fun and festive way to connect with the community!
November: The 3rd Annual Downtown Dine Around, hosted in partnership with The Ginger Press, featured inspiring speakers at each stop, highlighting their work with Supportive Outreach Services (SOS). Guests heard from Sandra Holyer and Francesca Dobbyn at Freshslice Pizza, Naomi Vodden at Papi’s Eatery & Lounge, and Annette Pedlar at Ginger Press Bookshop and Cafe. Special guest Eliane Doy shared her “Owen the Beaver” paintings and book, with proceeds supporting Safe ‘N Sound.
December: Stuff the Ambulance in support of Supportive Outreach Service.
Here’s to cherishing these special memories and looking forward to what 2025 has in store!
