James Symons from Toolbox Niagara is busier than ever these days. After receiving a $10,000 community boost from CAA, the Thorold charity keeps growing and growing.
“We've never done summer events but with CAA’s boost it's opened many doors for us,” Symons tells ThoroldToday.
The CAA grant, of which FACS Niagara was also a recipient, will help bolster the efforts of Toolbox in combating homelessness in the Region.
“It's been great so far working with CAA," says Symons. “They will have our logo on their truck for five years and they work with us for a year on our marketing, advertising, events and whatever else we need help with."
As part of the partnership, Toolbox and FACS will be hosting a car wash fundraiser at Valet Car Wash on Benfield Drive in St. Catharines on Saturday, July 27.
“All proceeds that day will go to Toolbox and FACS and they're having a community barbecue,” Symons says. “That will be a very exciting event.”
Toolbox Niagara used to be focused on helping homeless men in the Region, but now they’re making efforts to help homeless women as well.
“There's much more need across the Region so we will be supporting women as well,” says Symons. “We had a great spring drive and we asked people to collect socks and deodorant for women and there was great support for that. We need to support everyone and we need to work together.”
Toolbox Niagara is also partnering up with Performance Toyota for a special event on August 17 at the Merrittville Speedway.
“They're providing a vehicle for us,” Symons says. “We're going to have a fill-up vehicle at Merrittville so individuals can bring an item down and support Toolbox. We're giving out 100 multi-purpose tools to the first individuals who give gifts and we're going to have some swag and opportunity for people to learn about Toolbox.”
Symons is also gearing up for the 8th annual campaign of Toolbox Niagara which will kick off on October 24.
One thing’s for certain: all of Symons’ work with Toolbox Niagara hasn’t gone unnoticed. Back in June, he received a provincial award for five years of service and the City of Thorold recognized Toolbox for their efforts as well.
The message is loud and clear: as long as there is a need, Symons will keep going.
“We keep growing,” he says. “I don't plan on giving up.”
