In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Vision: “Every Child in Muskoka Who Needs a Mentor, Has a Mentor.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has been providing mentorship and making a positive impact for youth in Canada for over 100 years. They help to create meaningful relationships that ignite the power and potential of young people. BBBS has a chapter here in Muskoka – their office located at 49 Manitoba Street (Suite 205), Bracebridge – and they too have been carrying out the BBBS vision. Through One-on-One mentorship, In-School mentoring and the Prism Program, BBBS Muskoka has been supporting youth and their development right here in our community.
As with everything in the world, when the pandemic first rolled through, BBBS had to adapt to continue delivering on their services. At first, ‘Bigs’ (mentors) were encouraged not to meet with their ‘Littles’ (youth) as to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, as it became more evident that things were going to be different for quite some time, the urgency to adapt was quite clear. The mutually beneficial relationship and bond between Bigs and their Littles would serve as a much-needed support through these difficult times of uncertainty. That is when BBBS of Muskoka began to encourage virtual one-on-one mentorship. Littles were provided with decks of cards and could play card games with their Bigs over FaceTime or Zoom. Another activity involved baking bagel pizzas together – Littles were provided all the ingredients to make them and then made them over FaceTime/Zoom with their Bigs. As restrictions have lessened since the lockdown and it has become a bit safer for some, the one-on-ones have thankfully resumed. With that said, the focus is still about enhancing the virtual means of connecting and helping to foster those connections until it is safer for everyone to return to ‘normal’.
We want to give our thanks and provide this shout out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka for doing such wonderful work in our community. Supporting the mental health and the development of young people is a cause very close to our hearts so we are proud of all the amazing things BBBS of Muskoka has been able to do – not only through Covid, but just in general.
If you are looking to get involved as a mentor, as a sponsor or as a donor, we highly recommend getting in touch with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka today. Fundraising may look much different these days, but that does not mean that they do not still need our help. BBBS of Muskoka has launched a Virtual 50/50 Raffle Draw on their Facebook Page that you can support – or visit their website for all the ways you can get involved.
Again, thank you Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka for all you do!
You can follow Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka on Facebook.
If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured.
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Located at 195 Wellington Street in Bracebridge, the newly opened Ice Cream & Bean has already become a huge hit with locals and visitors alike. Owned and Operated by Cindy, Ice Cream & Bean specializes in artisan ice cream from Belly (also located in Muskoka!), Genuine Tea and freshly roasted Balzac’s Coffee. Offering a wide variety of flavours and delights, Ice Cream & Bean strives to offer the best locally sourced products & ingredients and the best service in Muskoka. They even have an Espresso machine that was imported directly from Italy!
Opening a business at any time can be a daunting task, but opening during a global pandemic brings with it several additional challenges and Ice Cream & Bean stepped up to face them head-on. Without being able to seat guests inside, they built a patio for patrons to enjoy their frozen treats and hot beverages outside. They also enforced social distancing with floor signage as well as made hand sanitizer and masks available to visitors. The staff wore masks themselves and the team continued to practice a high level of sanitizing and cleaning routines to ensure patrons a safe and enjoyable experience.
Despite the challenges, Ice Cream & Bean remains focused on growing their menu and further connecting with the local community. They told us that they are close to acquiring their liquor license, which will bring with it several new specialty coffee options and frozen treats. They plan to install some propane heaters outside allowing for their patio to remain open further into the Fall. And they told us that they’re interested in exploring having live music at the shop when it is safe to do so.
We think it’s fantastic that Ice Cream & Bean was able to endure the challenges presented by Covid-19 and has been able to offer these delicious, high quality products to our community. We know times are tough, but sipping a hot coffee or enjoying some fresh, yummy ice cream can certainly brighten someone’s day and for that we are grateful to have Ice Cream & Bean in our community. Keep up the great work guys!
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
“G.A.P. is an inclusive, open, and transparent grassroots organization, with the goal of reducing poverty within the greater Gravenhurst community.”
For this week’s MBW Shout Out, we are turning our attention to an amazing, volunteer-driven organization in Gravenhurst known as Gravenhurst Against Poverty, or “G.A.P.”. First assembled in 2017 by a group of concerned citizens, G.A.P. was formed in response to an increasing concern for those facing poverty within Gravenhurst and those who lacked access to food or food security. They began organizing food programs, rallying like-minded community partners and building their volunteer base in an effort to meet the needs of the community and do their part in reducing some of the barriers and challenges that those in need were facing. They raised both awareness and community support through several wonderful initiatives such as the Coldest Night of the Year, Sunset Salsa at the Muskoka Wharf, presence at the local Farmers’ Market, community gardens, food drives and more.
Then came COVID-19 and G.A.P. was forced to adapt on the fly as to continue to meet the needs of those most vulnerable. Originally, those in need were invited to partake in a community meal together at the Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst once per week – where they could also pick up fresh produce, harvest from the community gardens and grocery cards. However, with the arrival of COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, G.A.P. understood that they could not continue to gather at the church together. Feeling a great weight of responsibility to continue their programming and offering their supports, G.A.P. quickly adapted to offer a food & meal delivery program. In the first week, they delivered to 15 households. That number has now grown to 135+ households; with G.A.P. bringing meals, produce and grocery cards to over 340+ recipients.
In speaking with G.A.P., they said it simply wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiasm and incredible support from the local community. From the local businesses who are donating food, products and other various resources, to the fleet of volunteers assisting with all levels of the initiative, to the Red Cross, the District of Muskoka and many, many others. It takes a strong, connected, resilient network of people to bring all of this together and G.A.P. is still hungry to do more.
Looking to the future, G.A.P. is passionate about the potential of bringing a Gravenhurst Wellness Centre to reality, as well as working with the District to address immediate needs surrounding transportation.
First and foremost, we want to thank Gravenhurst Against Poverty and all of the amazing people connected to this organization. Bringing people together and helping to give back is an incredible thing, let alone to be continuing on through these challenging times. It is a true inspiration to us and we are grateful for all you’re doing. We will continue to follow G.A.P. on their journey and hope you will consider getting involved as well. Many hands make light work.
You can learn more and get involved by following G.A.P. on Facebook.
If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured.
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Borrowing a famous Muskoka slogan, ‘Once Discovered, Never Forgotten‘, Sushi By The Water, a newly opened sushi restaurant in Gravenhurst, fits the slogan perfectly. This gem located along HWY 169 between Gravenhurst and Bala not only offers up one of the most breathtaking patio views in Muskoka, but they serve some of the best sushi we’ve ever eaten.
Owned and operated by three friends, Peter, Wang & Jiang, they made it clear early on that the focus would be on quality, not quantity. Peter & Wang were able to lure Jiang, a former Master Chef in a Toronto Japanese restaurant, with the appeal of Muskoka and his love for fishing. “Don’t be surprised if on a slow day, you will see Jiang fishing right off the patio.” Peter told us.
Opening a new business – let alone a restaurant – any time of the year or anywhere in the world is already difficult task, but when you pair it alongside the timeline of Covid-19, you might have thought it was a recipe for disaster. For Sushi By The Water however, it was a recipe that spelled opportunity. It gave them time to establish themselves and focus on their Take Out & Delivery service – and eventually their Patio Dining – while finding their rhythm and introducing themselves to the community. Establishing safety protocols and carefully allowing people to discover them gave them a chance to build confidence and momentum that should serve to carry them though their first (upcoming) off-season. We wonder if Jiang will hang around and try his hand at ice fishing!
We would like to acknowledge the hard work and the dedication it took by Sushi By The Water and their team to launch their business this year. We also want to thank them for bringing their incredible sushi to Muskoka… we literally cannot recommend them enough. Their Spicy Salmon Rolls and the Honey Butter Chicken dish is exceptional! Keep up the great work guys!!
If you know a local business who deserves a shout out, send us a direct message with a photo and why they should be featured.
In response to the challenging times that we are experiencing together regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to give props to some stellar local businesses who are stepping up to serve our great community.
Located less than a kilometre from Bala Falls, Cottage Cravings boasts an award-winning café and gift shop and has been serving locals, cottagers and visitors alike in Bala for over 8 years. Offering a wide variety of soups, sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, frozen yogurt, baked goods, a deli counter and an assortment of ready-to-make frozen meals, Cottage Cravings has been hard at work to keep the community well fed!
In March when the pandemic first began to affect businesses here in Muskoka – and throughout the rest of Ontario and Canada – Cottage Cravings braced for what would be a unique summer ahead. Driven by a passion to serve community, they endured to offer take out and expanded upon their selection of frozen meals which enabled them to continue to support essential workers, local contractors and seniors. They installed barriers, sanitized between guests and did everything they could to ensure a safe environment for their team and patrons.
Once permitted to re-open their patio, Cottage Cravings worked with the local municipality of Muskoka Lakes to expand their patio and even introduce an outdoor hand-washing station. As something like this was not mandated or required, it serves to demonstrate their willingness to go above and beyond for their patrons.
We spoke with the owners, Randy & Henny Brown, who remain humble through all of these challenges. They were quick to tell us that without the hard work and dedication of their amazing team that none of it would be possible.
Well, we’re blown away by all the effort that Randy, Henny and their whole team have made to be there for their community and want to recognize and acknowledge that through this Muskoka Bear Wear Shout Out. It certainly makes us feel proud to share the community with such awesome people! Way to go guys!
