MISSION
To disrupt the cycle of poverty by providing programs that reduce barriers and support the mental health, growth, and development of school-age children and youth in Simcoe County.
VISION
All school-age children and youth in Simcoe County have access to resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.
VALUES
CARING
INCLUSIVE
We respect and care deeply about those we serve, see the potential in all children, and are committed to providing dignified access to our programs.
We value and embrace each other’s individuality and encourage and respect all forms of diversity.
TRANSFORMATIVE
We demonstrate the courage and curiosity to challenge the status quo in everything we do to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.
ACCOUNTABLE
We are responsive to our clients and the community, acting responsibly, with integrity and transparency.
COLLABORATIVE
We build relationships and work with community partners to foster a kinder, more compassionate community to enrich young people’s lives.
How Glowing Hearts Began
After being diagnosed as terminally ill with cancer in 2013, Frank began a bucket list journey. This bucket list consisted of initiatives to help others in need. One item on this list was a concept that revolved around the idea "Give what you can, and get what you need". The registered charity called the Glowing Hearts Community Give & Get Centres was established. Previously the centre has given away approximately 12,000 items to over 1,500 people each month.
What started as a simple concept: “give what you can and take what you need” has evolved into what Glowing Hearts Charity is today... a thriving organization that supports children and youth in need across Simcoe County.
Today, as a grassroots, completely volunteer-run organization, the Board continues to ensure that Frank’s vision stays at the forefront by facilitating hope and help in our community with a focus on reducing the many financial burdens that low-income families face.
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Founder
Frank Nelson
June 3, 1956-December 8, 2017
Meet Our Team
TESTIMONIALS
"I just wanted to touch base with you in regards to NAME's assessment and say thank you! The team at Lakeview were amazing. They were able to confirm and validate the things I have been seeing in NAME for so many years. To be told, I'm not crazy truly makes me feel sad yet relieved all at the same time. I hope now, NAME can get the help she deserves through school. None of this would have been possible without you and the amazing things you are doing with Glowing Hearts. Know that you truly are an angel here on earth and helping others is truly your calling. Sending you a huge hug from NAME and I." -2024 parent of psychoeducational assessment
"I wanted to let you know that at our year-end meeting, the boys teachers have assessed them at grade level! (Very low end of it) but much better than a few years behind! Tara is a miracle worker! They have made tremendous progress and even the school said their reading levels went up quicker than normal"-parent
"Glowing Hearts is best at identifying the true needs of families and addressing them, more actively and pragmatically than any other charity or support I've come across."
-community organization
"Serving those who are really in need. Glowing Hearts is a frontline on the ground organization that truly serves the community." -community organization
“Thank you so much for funding this amazing opportunity for families. Accessing social services has become extremely difficult over the past few years, with severely backed up wait lists, not to mention the huge financial barrier for many families. I am thanking you not just for my own family, but for every child and family who needs and deserves access to counselling and support. The need for access to these supports is greater than ever due to the mental health toll that covid has had on all of us, especially our children. Bless you for supporting families in your community.”
-parent of a child who received counselling
Our success in helping the children and youth vulnerable to poverty has been made possible thanks to people just like you. With your generous contribution, no matter how great or small, we are able to truly make a difference. We are grateful for any help you can provide, and guarantee it will change lives for the better.
2026 DONOR WALL
GLOWING HEARTS CHARITY EXTENDS A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CHAMPIONS OF CHILDREN & YOUTH IN SIMCOE COUNTY
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE
SCHOLAR
GRADUATE
Barrie Chiropractic & Health Services Centre
Shelley Black
HONOURS
DONORS
Divya Awasthi
Su Cadogan
Green/Clarke family & friends
Chris Watson
2025 DONOR WALL
GLOWING HEARTS CHARITY EXTENDS A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CHAMPIONS OF CHILDREN & YOUTH IN SIMCOE COUNTY
PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE
Guys That Give
Kempenfelt Rotary Club
Rainbows Canada
SCHOLAR
Albarrie Foundation
Alectra
Girls That Give Barrie
GroupHEALTH
GRADUATE
Anonymous (3)
Affordable Comfort
Divya Awasthi
Barrie Colts Foundation
Beyond Giving
Creative Chronicles
County Commons Co.
Domenic D'Addio Royal LePage First Contact Realty
Jack Garner Foundation
May Court Club of Barrie
Jeannie Mills
Paul Tibbenham Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd.
The Pavlik Foundation
Psychology for Life
Reflection Centre
Riverwise Psychological Services
Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia
Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach
Royal Canadian Legion 147
Starbucks Foundation
Western Communities Foundation
HONOURS
Anonymous (5)
Anonymous in memory of Claudio Fallavollita
Central Ontario Refrigeration & HVAC
DV Bell Foundation
John Ewen
Impact Healthcare
Johnson Forest Products Inc.
K.J. Ramolla Fund at the Huronia Community Foundation
Stephen Loftus
Elizabeth Louter
Kimberley Marshall
Simcoe County Paramedic Association
Carrissa Sadowski
Chris Watson
DONORS
Anonymous (31)
Joey Adamich
Moyo Adekusibe
Ali Aliasgari
Disa Almeida
Allison Beaulieu
Chris Burgess
BNI Ontario Central North
Susan Cadogan
Dan Bist Consulting Inc.
Tom Coon
John Ewen
Don Fleming
Sarah Fleming
Firestoak Strategies
Glow Day Spa Inc.
Steve Goorts
Mary Gray
Green/Clarke family & friends
Tara Green
Deborah Griffin C21 Millennium
Steve Knowles-The Knowles Woolsey Team
Lori Lavigne
Charlotte Laws
Alcentra Lopes
Michelle MacDonald
Bruce MacGillivray
Meghan Miller
Bernd Moehrle
Sian Morris
Julie Muir
Sunny Nayyar
Cindy Nelson
Olive Us
Trudy Pogue
Joanne Potts
Shannon Reed
Jeff Shaw
Fran Stenclik
Nicola Switzer
Phil Von Kaufmann
Catharine Webster
In Memory of Don Fleming
Anonymous (2)
Marina Crawford
Jeff Garner
Jasmine Goff
Jen Guest
Ruth Houghton
Mark & Lila Langford
Ted Levering
Julie MacLeod
Barb Mercer
Tom & Bev Stockdale
Sally & Andrew Telford
Barb Willoughby
Sharon Wood
In Memory of Steve Loftus, who believed in making Simcoe County the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Kim Marshall
In Memory of Carrie Nesbitt who loved music and kids
Joanne Potts
In Memory of Cheryl-Anne Quinn
Anonymous (6)
Judy Bailey
Wayne Beard
Cally Budge
Betty Cesnik
Tania Davies
Calvin Dolson
Ed & Nancy Dolson
Opal Dolson & Family
Irene Gillespie
Trisha Harrison
Dianne Joyner
Nancy Knapp
Lynn Lamminen
Marcella Latham
Jay Loftus
Mary McKeen
OECTA Simcoe Muskoka Secondary Unit Secondary Unit
Connie Petrunik
Stephanie Quenneville
Carol Quinn
Dale Quinn
Frank & Beverly Quinn and Family
Kelly Quinn
Traci Quinn
Marlaine Ramsbottom
Steve Riddick
Jennifer Stadler
St. Angela Merici Catholic School
St. Monica's Retirees
Teachers at St. Nicholas School
Thames Valley Squares/Dance Club
Kudzai Taruvinga
Kathryn Vallas
Lori & Rick Vantfoort
Rebecca White
Rose White
Land Acknowledgement
Glowing Hearts Charity acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Anishinaabeg, many of whom continue to live and work here today. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. It should be noted that the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Nations have also walked on this territory over time. We acknowledge and reflect upon the impact of the ongoing history of colonialism endured by the Indigenous People of Turtle Island. Today this land is home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and by recognizing this we are reminded that our lives are enriched and strengthened by the stewardship and friendship of Indigenous people. We reflect upon and honour the cultural traditions and truth of their history, and are committed to ongoing learning, building positive relationships, and amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples.
