NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY
*************************
MIDHURST – The county continues to work to strengthen community ties and counter the effects of the pandemic on our vulnerable residents, communities and businesses through a number of initiatives. Many of the County’s services are considered essential and critical to the response to COVID-19, while other programs are being implemented that support our families and partners as they adapt to these uncertain times.
Shop local and experience Simcoe County from home
To meet the needs of the community to continue to safely purchase items such as food, and other daily essentials, local retailers and artisans across the region are offering call-in and online purchasing options. Food and beverage operators across our region are offering delivery, take-out and curbside pick-up to help get us through these challenging times and continue to generate needed revenue for our economy.
Tourism Simcoe County and the County’s Economic Development Office, in conjunction with member municipalities and area partners, have launched a new online directory and social media campaign to highlight local businesses in Simcoe County that are providing services and goods to residents while following provincial guidelines and physical distancing measures. For more information on this initiative, visit experience.simcoe.ca, like @TourismSimcoeCounty on Facebook, follow @SimcoeCountyEDO on Twitter and @experiencesimcoecounty on Instagram.
History from home
The county also recognizes the challenges our residents face, including families living and working in isolation with small children. To help during these difficult circumstances, Friends of the Simcoe County Museum has used a significant donation to create the Hallen Book, an activity booklet focused on the Hallen Family, an early settler family in Simcoe County. The Friends have graciously donated these booklets for free to primary age students, with priority given to those in grade three.
The Simcoe County Museum is also hosting virtual events, including Pioneer Kids Camp, a Home Scavenger Hunt and a ration cooking challenge where participants can re-create historic recipes using only ingredients they have on hand. For more information on these activities, check out the Simcoe County Museum on Facebook at @simcoecountymuseum or visit museum.simcoe.ca.
Community supports and donations
211 is a tremendous resource for information and services, including grocery delivery. 211 can be contacted at 211ontario.ca or by dialling 211.
A reminder that local food banks are in need of donations and are requesting increased support during the pandemic.
Municipal and health partners in Simcoe and Muskoka, including the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka, and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, are working together to launch a donation campaign for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and critical supplies that are essential for the provision of safe medical and community care to patients and residents in our region. Any businesses or community members looking to donate items can email [email protected]. Information about how and where to send donations is available at smdhu.org/donations.
To follow the county’s efforts to support of our communities through the COVID-19 pandemic, like or follow County of Simcoe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia.
Visit our website at simcoe.ca
*************************
