My Year with NewRoads: A Look Back at Giving and Community in 2025

As the seasons change and 2025 winds down, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve had this year, a year filled with heart, purpose, and a whole lot of community love. At NewRoads, giving back isn’t just part of the job, it’s something that lives at the core of who we are. And this past year was one of our most meaningful yet.

From winter walks to summer block parties, fashion shows to golf tournaments, I was lucky enough to be part of some incredible initiatives that brought people together and made a difference in ways both big and small. Here’s a look at a look at some of the moments that stayed with me; the ones that reminded me why this work matters.

Inn From the Cold & The Coldest Night of the Year

We began the year by continuing our support of Inn From the Cold, a local organization that does so much more than provide emergency shelter. They offer year-round services including mental health support, addiction assistance, and access to essential health care for people experiencing homelessness.

In February, we supported The Coldest Night of the Year, an annual national walk that raises funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness and hunger. It’s a powerful event that highlights the very real challenges so many face, especially in the cold winter months. Funds raised went directly to Inn From the Cold, helping them continue their vital work in our community.

Girls Night Out – Celebrating International Women’s Day

One of my favourite nights of the year was Girls Night Out on March 6th, our 14th annual celebration of International Women’s Day. We turned the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre into “A Night at the Plaza Hotel,” complete with music, wine, laughter, and a market filled with more than 20 incredible women-owned businesses.

Artistica Dance Studio got everyone moving, and Jenn Walker’s keynote hit home in the best way, raw, funny, and deeply real. I loved watching women (and a few awesome men!) come together to celebrate and support each other. All proceeds went to Girls Inc., which made the night even more meaningful.

York Pride Parade – Love, Colour, and Community

In June, we brought the energy to York Pride, and let me tell you, it was electric. We danced our way up Main Street with our crew and two Gladiator Jeeps decked out in rainbows while DJ Rez kept the music pumping.

The love and inclusion in the air were tangible, and being part of such a joyful, welcoming event was honestly one of the highlights of my summer. It reminded me that community is strongest when everyone feels seen, celebrated, and safe.

Camp Kuumba with NACCA

Supporting Camp Kuumba this summer was another moment I won’t forget. Run by the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), the camp gives African and Caribbean youth a place to explore their identities, build friendships, and feel proud of who they are.

We were able to help send a few more kids to this amazing program, and I couldn’t be prouder of that. Representation, connection, and confidence-building, that’s what this camp is all about.

Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre – Empowering Autistic Children and Families

We were also proud to support the Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre, a truly remarkable school dedicated to empowering autistic children and providing ongoing education and support for their families.

I’ve never seen a school quite like this, it’s absolutely fantastic. From the passionate educators to the personalized learning environment, it’s clear that Lighthouse is creating a space where every child can thrive. It was an honour to be part of something so impactful.

Catering for a Cause – Food That Feeds More Than Hunger

Hosted by A Million Mouthfuls and Neighbour Media, Catering for a Cause was both delicious and deeply moving. We gathered to hear from three local organizations: Newmarket Food Pantry, York Region Food Network, and the Veterans Association.

After sharing their powerful stories, the crowd voted, and while the Food Pantry “won,” they made the generous decision to share the prize with the other two. That spirit of community and kindness was what the whole night was about, not to mention the food was absolutely next-level.

Abuse Hurts – A Fashion Inferno

This year we also proudly supported Abuse Hurts, an important event that raises funds and awareness for individuals impacted by abuse and difficult life circumstances. The 2025 theme, “A Fashion Inferno – A Disco Celebration,” lit up the runway with sparkle and spirit.

Local celebrities and community members modeled outfits from local retailers, and the night delivered both entertainment and purpose. It was an inspiring evening full of fun, fashion, and community impact.

Music in the Park & East Gwillimbury Music Nights

Over the summer, I spent several warm evenings enjoying Music in the Park in Bradford West Gwillimbury, part of the grand opening celebration for the new Public Square. Five nights of live music brought the community together in the best way, through connection, good vibes, and shared summer fun.

We also proudly supported East Gwillimbury Music Nights, a series of free outdoor concerts held Tuesday nights in July at the East Gwillimbury Civic Centre. With tribute bands, food trucks, and families gathered on lawn chairs and blankets, it was a fantastic way to bring local talent and neighbours together.

Teeing Off for Good – Golf Tournaments that Give Back

This year we hit the greens for some incredible causes through the golf tournaments we sponsored and attended:

· On September 16th, we teed off at the annual Tee Off for Hospice, raising funds for Newmarket’s two hospices, which provide compassionate end-of-life care.

· We also supported the Mayor's Charity Golf Classic, where proceeds once again went to Inn From the Cold, helping them continue their mission of providing vital services.

· And finally, we backed the Tim Jones Charity Golf Classic, benefiting CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors), with funding going toward transportation and Meals on Wheels for seniors in our community.

Stuff the Truck Campaign

In September, we proudly supported the Stuff the Truck campaign at the Aurora Farmers Market. Every Saturday, we provided a NewRoads truck to be filled with donations for the Aurora Food Pantry.

It was amazing to see how many people showed up with bags of food and huge hearts. The market atmosphere was vibrant, and the generosity from our community left a lasting impression.

The Final NewRoads LakeRide – A Bittersweet Goodbye

This one was emotional: our 10th and final NewRoads LakeRide. It’s been an incredible decade raising funds for the Mental Health Care Unit at Southlake Hospital, and this year’s ride was a perfect send-off.

We kicked things off at the Performing Arts Centre with coffee, breakfast, and good vibes, then sent our cyclists out on one last loop around the lake. When they returned, we celebrated with live music by Many Minds, a catered lunch, and some seriously discounted merch, all to support mental health care. I’m going to miss this event, but I’m proud of what we built.

Pumpkin Fest – A Celebration of Fall

Pumpkin Fest in Bradford West Gwillimbury is the ultimate fall celebration! Held at Henderson Memorial Community Park on a spectacular autumn day, this event was packed with buskers, food trucks, vendors, pumpkin carving, tractor rides, live music, and of course all things pumpkin.

Coming Up: Fall & Holiday Fun

As we wrap up the year, there’s still plenty of excitement on the calendar, and I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s ahead:

· I’m really excited for the upcoming ‘Oh Yes, We Can’ event, a celebration of women entrepreneurs and a chance to connect, learn, and lift each other up in business. It’s always such a vibrant, empowering space filled with great energy.

· Giving Tuesday is also just around the corner. As part of the world’s largest generosity movement, we’re proud to support Blue Door, an organization committed to ending homelessness and supporting vulnerable people in our communities.

· We’ll be participating in Holiday Heroes, a heartwarming initiative by York Region Police that collects toys and gifts for families in need. We’re even planning a friendly store-to-store contest to see who can collect the most donations!

· In December, we’ll be joining the East Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade, and we’re crossing our fingers that our community cruiser will have the honour of pulling Santa’s sleigh!

· And finally, we’ll be ringing in the new year at Noon Year’s Eve at the East Gwillimbury Sports Complex. It’s a free, all-ages event with food trucks, live music,

dancing, indoor activities for kids, and a 12 noon countdown! We’re also collecting non-perishable food donations for the Holland Landing Food Pantry, so it’s a fun way to give back and celebrate together.

Looking Back with Gratitude

This year was especially meaningful to me because I was given the opportunity to step in and cover Rachel Hawtin’s maternity leave, a role that allowed me to experience firsthand just how deeply NewRoads is connected to the community. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had a front-row seat to so many inspiring initiatives and events.

Whether I was cheering from the sidelines, celebrating at Pride, attending community concerts, or helping promote food drives and fundraisers, every experience was a reminder of what really matters: connection, compassion, and community.

To our partners, teammates, volunteers, and everyone who showed up, thank you! This year was a collection of moments I’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to see where the road takes us next.