This year, the 10th annual Turkey Trot will happen Thanksgiving Monday (October 11th).  With a lot of uncertainty surrounding large scale events in Ontario this Fall due to Covid-19, we’ve made the tough decision to have the Turkey Trot be a Virtual Event.  We will re-evaluate public health precautions on September 24th and if feasible, we will switch the event to in-person and those registered for the VIRTUAL event will be given the chance to be first in line to participate in-person.

The Turkey Trot has always been about creating a family friendly local event that supports the 
YMCA Strong Communities Campaign
- supporting children, teens, adults and seniors in our community who are in need of assistance by eliminating financial barriers. 

With a virtual event we hope to continue to offer a fun experience that provides much needed funds to the YMCA to allow them to continue their great work helping individuals and families.

Not only do you get to have fun and help the community, you have the chance to win an amazing prize by random drawings.

You can put some turkey fun into your run/walk and try for the Golden Drumstick trophy and prize.

Don't Be Chicken ... Be A Turkey!  Register Today.

https://raceroster.com/50845

Community support needed now!

HCCF has announced a back-to-school initiative to provide 200 backpacks with school supplies and to support other basic needs like clothing, shoes, and outerwear for students in Halton’s Catholic Community starting in September and throughout the school year.

“Poverty is a barrier to learning success for a variety of reasons, but HCCF believes every child deserves the opportunity to succeed,” says Marc Clare, Executive Director of HCCF. “Back to school can be particularly challenging for struggling students and their families. There is a need for cool weather clothing, shoes, and outerwear that fits growing children, as well as school supplies for the classroom and at home that supports learning and immersive educational experiences.”

The HCCF Back To School Campaign will last for approximately 5 weeks, from mid-August to mid-September, and is aiming to raise $10,000 from Halton’s Catholic Community. In addition, this $10,000 would be matched by an anonymous donor – making this a significant $20,000 fundraising campaign for HCCF. The $10,000 fundraising match will include monthly donations pledged for the year as well.

Fish - Chips $10.00, from 2pm - 9pm.  Regular menu available / Upper lower patios / Indoor dinning.  240 Water Street West. Call 613-932-5334.

Wings, pub style foods, salads, full bar.  Upper, lower patios, Indoor dinning, Karaoke, from 2pm - 9pm.  240 water St West. Call: 613 932 5334.

Step Forward, created and run by YWCA Muskoka, is a six-week program designed to help women and gender diverse individuals develop their strengths and find meaningful employment in Muskoka. According to a National report (feministrecovery.ca), women have borne the brunt of the economic losses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Within Canada, in March 2020, women represented 70 per cent of all job losses in the core demographic aged 25 to 54 years. YWCA Muskoka, along with YWCAs across Canada, is advocating that women need to be centered in Canada’s economic recovery efforts. A report to District Council on Muskoka’s Labour Market said the area’s higher-paying jobs are steadily being replaced by lower-paying ones as shifts from the production of goods in industries like manufacturing and construction take place in favour of a more service-based economy. These jobs tend to pay less and be more precarious. Francesca Fernandes, YWCA Muskoka Employment Coach and creator of Step Forward, says the program will help address these issues by collaborating and working with employers in the area who are working towards paying a living wage and who can provide stable working conditions, like paid sick days. “Through the Step Forward program, we want to highlight not only what Muskoka-based employers are looking for, but also what the community members of Muskoka seek in positive and meaningful employment. We want to connect with employers who are willing to provide equitable working conditions and wages,” Fernandes said. 

Step Forward is a free program that combines independent work, peer support, and one-to-one assistance with a trained facilitator. Participants can expect to leave with tools to navigate the process of finding employment, including marketing skills and managing the work-life balance. The program also includes networking and mentorship opportunities with local businesses and entrepreneurs. Other topics will include:

· Identifying strengths and values
· Discovering transferable skills
· Honing interview skills
· Writing resumes and cover letters
· Managing stress and anxiety
· Tips for learning new information
· Navigating job searches and applications
· Maintaining a new employment position

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to complete free, professional trainings and/or certifications at their own pace on a variety of topics like Smart Serve, WHMIS, customer service training, Microsoft Word, Excel, health and safety, and more.
“We recognize that knowing how to find employment and market your skills might not be something we inherently know how to do or were taught how to do. By offering time and experience in the Muskoka job search we hope to better connect potential candidates with equitable and person-centered employment in the community,” Fernandes said.
Step Forward will take place ONLINE via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 3 pm, starting Sept. 14 and ending Oct. 21, 2021. For those who cannot join during daytime hours, an evening program will begin in November on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Registration is now open at: www.ywcamuskoka.com/step-forward 

For more information about the program, please call Francesca Fernandes (she/her) at 705-645-9827.
Step Forward was created through a grant for Training and Employment Supports from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Office of Women's Issues.

YWCA Muskoka champions positive change for women and girls through education, leadership and advocacy. We envision a future in which all women and girls are thriving. www.ywcamuskoka.com