A group of local euchre players in Barrie held their annual Draw to the Turkey tournament on March 31, 2026, donating all entrance fees to support families in need. The funds raised through the event will go toward Barrie Families Unite, a local organization that provides essential support, including groceries and clothing, to households experiencing hardship.
Barrie Families Unite is a volunteer-run group that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the organization, it is dedicated to ensuring everyone in the community has dignified access to essential needs. Between 2021 and 2024, the group helped 8,752 households, providing aid valued at over $1.5 million. The organization relies heavily on its volunteers, who contribute approximately 250 hours of work each week.
This donation comes as the demand for community support continues to rise across the province. Data from Feed Ontario shows that food bank usage in the province has increased for nine consecutive years, with an 87 percent surge in visitors compared to 2020. Local resources, such as the Barrie Food Bank, have also seen an increased need for community assistance, recently launching campaigns to help meet growing demand.
To provide more sustainable, long-term support for residents, Barrie Families Unite is currently working toward its Doors to Dignity campaign. The organization is raising $500,000 to open a social enterprise thrift store that will help expand its services. Community members often use local traditions, such as euchre tournaments frequently held at venues like Wickies Pub & Restaurant, to raise money for these types of local initiatives.
