Nottawasaga Foundation

The Nottawasaga Foundation is proud to support the Canada 911 Ride Foundation annual event at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort, with a donation of $10,000 on August 24, 2024 to support the families of fallen emergency responders and help victims of violent crime. Thank you to all the riders and organizers for your service and commitment to this tremendous cause.

We also thank the organizers for their special tribute in honour of the Nottawasaga Foundation founder, Lou Biffis. It means the world to us to be a part of this event.💙💙💙

The Nottawasaga Foundation deeply appreciates this beautiful, framed portrait of the celestial obelisk presented by Rory MacKinnon on behalf of the Friends of Base Borden Military Museum. We are proud to accept this honour in recognition of our contribution to the memorial obelisk unveiled during the Royal Canadian Air Force's Centennial anniversary.

We would like to thank everyone who attended the 2024 Golf Tournament & Fundraiser, and the many sponsors who support our Fundraiser and strive to make a difference in our community. Cheers to another fantastic tournament, we look forward to seeing you again next year! ⛳🏌️🏌️‍♀️

Welcome Sponsors, Golfers and Volunteers to the 32nd Annual Tournament. Enjoy and best of luck out on the course today!

We're putting the final touches in place and gearing up for the big day tomorrow! The 32nd Annual Golf Fundraiser is almost here, and we can't wait to see everyone on the green. Thank you for your support and donations - let's make this year the best one yet!

The 32nd Annual Golf Fundraiser takes place this Friday, and we are still accepting last-minute donations to surpass our initial goal. Your participation not only supports local Food Banks and the Community Living Association of South Simcoe, but also extends a helping hand to numerous other charitable causes. Click the link to donate today and make a difference: https://nottawasagaresort.forms-db.com/view.php?id=91151

On June 19, 2024, we at the Nottawasaga Foundation donated $6,500.00 to the Community Living Association for South Simcoe (CLASS), a non-profit organization established in that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. Our donation will help CLASS continue its mission of promoting dignity, growth, and community participation for those it serves. We are extremely grateful to be a part of this cause!

The Nottawasaga Foundation is pleased to support our furry friends who don’t have a place to call home. This donation of $5,000 to the Alliston & District Humane Society, as they are a key part of our commitment to the community. This contribution will provide accommodations, food, and medical care to animals in need. Supporting programs that make a difference is at the heart of what we do. Join us today by going online: www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3320. Donations of food, cleaning supplies, toys and more are also appreciated and can be arranged for drop off at the shelter: https://allistonhumane.com/wishlist

With gratitude and joy, we are pleased to donate $12,000 to the Alliston, Angus & Tottenham food banks. This contribution will help provide a variety of nutritious foods to the community members they serve. Helping others is part of making a difference, and we are honored to support these vital community resources.
If you would like to donate to help with the demand on the Food Banks, contact them directly or find them on Facebook at Angus Food Bank, Alliston Food Bank and Our Town Food Bank. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

The Nottawasaga Foundation’s longstanding relationship with Stevenson Memorial Hospital and working alongside Jody Levac on a shared vision for the Hospital’s redevelopment has been integral in our commitment of support. We urge you to show your appreciate and support the Jody J Levac Legacy Fund: https://bit.ly/JodyJLevacLegacyFund

Community Philanthropists Announce the Establishment of the
Jody J Levac Legacy Fund, a First for Simcoe County

[New Tecumseth, ON]

A group of community philanthropists is pleased to announce the establishment of the Jody J Levac Legacy Fund in honour of Jody Levac, the Hospital's President and CEO, who recently announced his retirement. This is the first legacy fund in honour of a hospital President & CEO established in Simcoe County, Ontario. This fundraising initiative aims to celebrate and honour Mr. Levac's outstanding contributions to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital and his dedication to advancing healthcare in our community while creating a legacy gift in his name.

Under Mr. Levac's leadership, Stevenson Memorial Hospital has undergone significant growth and transformation over the last ten years, enhancing its services and infrastructure to serve the needs of patients and their families better. The Jody J Levac Legacy Fund will continue Jody Levac’s legacy by supporting the hospital's ongoing redevelopment efforts.

Donations made to the Jody J Levac Legacy Fund will be generously matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000, thanks to other community donors: Sylvia Biffis, Dr. Ted Vandevis, Rory MacKinnon, Darlene Blendick, Gary Sim, Mike Martin, Brian & Patricia Snell, Alan Dresser, John Swinden, and Debbie Hudson, doubling the impact of every contribution. The funds raised will be directed towards a future naming opportunity within the new hospital building, ensuring that Mr. Levac's vision for quality community healthcare in Simcoe County continues to thrive for years to come.

"On behalf of my father, Lou Biffis, our family, and the Nottawasaga Foundation, we are incredibly grateful for Jody Levac's leadership and dedication to Stevenson Memorial Hospital," said Sylvia Biffis, Director of Convention Sales for the Nottawasaga Inn Resort. "The Nottawasaga Foundation’s longstanding relationship with Stevenson and working alongside Jody on a shared vision for the Hospital’s redevelopment has been integral in our commitment of support. I am honoured to be a part of this legacy fund to celebrate Jody’s dedication to Stevenson. The establishment of the Jody J Levac Legacy Fund provides an opportunity for the community to express their appreciation for his tireless efforts and to contribute towards the future of healthcare in our region."

"Jody's unwavering dedication has helped to bring the community together and has ignited a spark of collective action,” expressed Dr. Ted Vandevis, Community Advocate and philanthropist. Now, fueled by appreciation for his advocacy and persistence, the community stands ready to show our appreciation and continue his legacy."

Jody Levac assumed the role of president and CEO at SMH in January 2014, earning accolades for his effective leadership during pivotal times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure witnessed significant milestones, including advancing the SMH redevelopment plan, which attained Stage 1.3 functional program approval. Additionally, under his stewardship, SMH attained commendable recognition from Accreditation Canada. Jody has been an outspoken advocate of community involvement and fostering connections with various stakeholders, ranging from donors and local business proprietors to politicians at all levels of government. His efforts have propelled the hospital's agenda forward, making a tangible difference. Notably, he has also successfully recruited physicians to enhance SMH's capabilities further.

To donate to the Jody J Levac Legacy Fund, please visit https://bit.ly/JodyJLevacLegacyFund

Join us on July 19, 2024, for the 32nd Annual Golf Fundraiser, a special tribute honoring our esteemed founder, Lou Biffis. Your participation not only supports local Food Banks and the Community Living Association of South Simcoe but also extends a helping hand to numerous other charitable causes. Let's create a positive change together! Click the link to learn more and join the tournament! https://www.nottawasagaresort.com/newsletter/foundation/save-the-date24.html

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our president and founder, Luigi "Lou" Biffis on Monday, January 8, 2024. As the head of the Nottawasaga family, many considered Lou a father figure, mentor and friend whose door off the lobby was always open for a kind word, a nugget of wisdom and some solid life advice.

Always a gentleman in business, firm and true to his convictions, Lou forged his own path with the sweat of his brow, unwavering faith, and the support of his family. Lou was not one to forget his humble beginnings and always went out of his way to give back to his community and assist others with a helping hand. In time, his tireless philanthropy led to the creation of the Nottawasaga Foundation, which has been reaching goals and touching lives for over 30 years.

Lou Biffis will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in every aspect of the Resort, Foundation and Development and serve as a timeless reminder of his vision, sacrifice, and hard work in building a family enterprise almost 60 years ago.

Words cannot express both the loss of an integral part of the Nottawasaga team and the gratitude we as a family feel from the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, staff, associates, and the community. His impact was immeasurable, and we are so proud of his contributions.

We invite you to join us at the visitation and church service in memory of Lou Biffis: https://www.druryfuneralcentre.com/obituaries/Luigi-Lou-Biffis?obId=30315199

We are pleased to present Child Welfare PAC with a cheque for $5,000 to representative Nadia George. This donation will support bright futures for kids raised in foster care. The Child Welfare PAC is entirely volunteer-run and relies on private donations. This funding will go directly to activities supporting policy and legislative changes that will systematically improve life outcomes for youth raised in care.

Research has shown that youth leaving the child protection system at the age of majority have life outcomes that are more challenging than their peers. The key to breaking the cycle is evidence-based policy-making to improve youth life outcomes. The Child Welfare PAC seeks to build a progressive child welfare system by providing real-life expertise, high-quality research, and effective advocacy so that all youth can realize their success.

To learn more about the mission of Child Welfare Political Action Committee Canada, to volunteer your time or support them with a donation, visit their website: https://www.childwelfarepac.com/

The Nottawasaga Foundation is honoured to be a part of Canada’s RCAF Centennial, donating $25,000 to the Friends of the Base Borden Military Museum in support of those who gave so much in keeping our country safe. This monument, marking the RCAF's centennial, serves as a beacon to the future. Its core of light illuminates a celestial obelisk, symbolizing the pathway to the stars and heaven.

The demand on our local food banks continues to persist this year, and in response, we have answered the call by contributing $12,000 to the Alliston, Tottenham, and Angus branches. This donation will help restock shelves. The Nottawasaga Foundation remains committed to supporting our community and invites you to consider contributing to reaching out directly or through Facebook at Angus Food Bank, Alliston Food Bank and Our Town Food Bank.

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Nottawasaga Foundation made a significant gift by delivering the seventh installment of $100,000 towards our $1 million commitment to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF). This gift was generated through the Nottawasaga Foundation’s annual golf fundraising event and is made possible thanks to the efforts of corporate sponsorships and individual donations.

“We are proud to continue our annual donation commitment of $100,000 as part of our pledge to support redevelopment, equipment, and technology,” declared the Nottawasaga Foundation.

The Biffis Family have been dedicated supporters of the Hospital since 2008, with their involvement in re-opening the Obstetrics/Birthing Unit in 2008.

“Thank you to the Nottawasaga Foundation for continuing to support our hospital, year after year,” says Jody Levac, President and CEO, Stevenson Memorial Hospital “We have a much-needed hospital expansion on the horizon that is dependent on community donations. Contributions like these are so critical to our hospital and the success of our redevelopment project, which will revitalize our space and provide the health care facility our community needs and deserves.”

“The Nottawasaga Foundation and the Biffis Family consistently take the lead in advancing our mission in fundraising for Stevenson Memorial Hospital. Their generosity continues to play a role in the community in helping to provide quality healthcare close to home,” stated Mary Thomas, CEO of SMHF.

The $43 million, Because of you, we can Campaign is the largest campaign in SMHF’s history. Donations help purchase equipment, upgrade technology, and complete critical renovations essential to the transformation of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, including a new Emergency Department that will triple in size. This expansion will service a growing population in south Simcoe and surrounding communities.

To become involved, visit: www.transformingstevenson.ca

The Nottawasaga Foundation is proud to support the Canada 911 Ride Foundation's annual event with a donation of $10,000.00. This yearly ride, held at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort, has a special place in our hearts as it brings together communities and rides from across the country to support the families of fallen emergency service personnel and help victims of violent crime. Thank you to all the riders and organizers for your service and commitment to this tremendous cause ❤

Our Foundation's commitment to the community shines bright as we contribute to Aliston's Food Bank by donating and enabling the purchase of a much-needed food transportation van. Together, we're driving towards a better tomorrow!

Due to COVID, many area camps were paused for several years due to health reasons and insufficient funding. The Nottawasaga Foundation is delighted to see that our donation and support towards the Beeton Girl Guides program could change the lives of these girls and make camp available again. 🏕️🔥

The demand on the Food Banks continues to be high, and the Nottawasaga Foundation is pleased to continue supporting our community by presenting a cheque for $12,000 to the Local Food Banks of Alliston, Tottenham, and Angus. Each Food Bank will use their portion of the donation to restock their shelves as well as provide additional support for their continuous efforts throughout the year. To date, with this donation, the Foundation has given a total of $355,500 to the three Food Banks.

Keep the food banks in mind if you are able to donate. You can contact them directly or find them on Facebook at Angus Food Bank, The Good Shepherd Food Bank | Alliston and Our Town Food Bank. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

The Nottawasaga Foundation is pleased to continue supporting our community by presenting a cheque for $12,000 to the Local Food Banks of Alliston, Tottenham, and Angus. Each Food Bank will use their portion of the donation to restock their shelves as well as provide additional support for their continuous efforts throughout the year. To date, with this donation, the Foundation has given a total of $343,500 to the three Food Banks.

The demand on the Food Banks continues to be high this year, so do keep them in mind if you are able to donate. You can contact them directly or find them on Facebook at Angus Food Bank, The Good Shepherd Food Bank | Alliston and Our Town Food Bank. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Left to Right – Front: Heather Morgan, Angus Food Bank. Joan Starr, Alliston Good Shepherd Food Bank. Dorene Lemire, Tottenham Our Town Food Bank. Left to Right -- Back: Lou Biffis, Claire Albright, Paul Wratten – Nottawasaga Foundation.

Today the Nottawasaga Foundation presented the sixth $100,000 installment of a $1 million pledge made to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation

To celebrate our 25th Anniversary in 2017, The Nottawasaga Foundation and the Biffis family pledged $1 million over 10 years towards the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation's $43 million, Because of you, we can Campaign. The pledge supports the Stevenson Memorial Hospital’s redevelopment project, as well as equipment and technology needs.

A portion of the funds presented were raised via the Nottawasaga Foundation’s charity golf tournament this past summer, with funds raised through corporate sponsorships and individual donations.

“Our South Simcoe community is fortunate to have healthcare close to home, but as we grow, our hospital needs to grow and update its facilities and equipment to keep up with the demand,“ says Sylvia Biffis, Nottawasaga Foundation and Capital Campaign Chair. “Now, more than ever, we need to come together to show our support and commitment to achieve our $43 million goal to Transform Stevenson.”

“We are grateful to have the support of the Nottawasaga Foundation and the Biffis Family. As community leaders, they understand the urgency to redevelop our local hospital and have committed to help us make this a reality. Thanks to their support, we are a step closer to a revitalized hospital” says Mary Thomas, CEO, SMHF.

Making a meaningful gift towards this goal will ensure that we will have an expanded, modernized health care facility that meets your needs, your family’s needs, and the needs of our growing community. To donate visit: https://transformingstevenson.ca/

We are pleased to present Child Welfare Political Action Committee Canada with a cheque for $5,000 to representative, Sue Christensen. This donation will go towards supporting bright futures for kids raised in foster care.

The Child Welfare PAC is entirely volunteer-run and relies on private donations to operate. This funding will go directly to activities supporting policy and legislative changes that will systematically improve life outcomes for youth raised in care.
Research has shown that youth leaving the child protection system at the age of majority have worsened life outcomes than their peers. The key to breaking the cycle is evidence-based policy-making aimed at improving youth life outcomes. The Child Welfare PAC seeks to build a progressive child welfare system by providing real-life expertise, high-quality research, and effective advocacy so that all youth can realize their success.

To learn more about the mission of Child Welfare Political Action Committee Canada, to volunteer your time or support them with a donation, visit their website: https://www.childwelfarepac.com/

📸 Left to Right: Jamie Sheppard, Lou Biffis, Sue Christensen, Peter Biffis & Sylvia Biffis.

The Nottawasaga Foundation is pleased to present a cheque for $5,000.00 to the Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region & South Simcoe to help their mission to promote the mental health of all and support the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness and addiction. This donation will go towards supporting youth in our region. Thank you to CMHA York Region & South Simcoe for your work and care.

To learn more about the CMHA's programs, services, or to get support, volunteer or donate, view their website: https://cmha-yr.on.ca/

📸 Left to Right: Paul Wratten, Lou Biffis, Catherine Matzig, Mike MacEachern

Our heartfelt thank you goes out to our sponsors for making the Nottawasaga Foundation golf tournament a success. Your commitment to the fundraiser makes a world of difference to charities in our community.

Everyone is in good company today and the feel on the golf course is one of togetherness. We wish we could hug you all ❤️

We are pleased to continue supporting our community by presenting a cheque for $10,500 to the Local Food Banks of Alliston, Tottenham, and Angus. Each Food Bank will use their portion of the donation to restock their shelves as well as provide additional support for their continuous efforts throughout the year. To date, with this donation, the Foundation has given a total of $331,500 to the three Food Banks.

The demand on the Food Banks continues to be high this year, so do keep them in mind if you are able to donate. You can contact them directly or find them on Facebook at The Good Shepherd Food Bank | Alliston and Our Town Food Bank. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

We are excited to announce the return of our annual Golf Tournament and Fundraiser on July 15, 2022. The tournament modifications last year were well received by participants will continue as an Executive Tournament with lunch, sampling, contests and more! For details or to sponsor, visit our website: http://www.nottawasagafoundation.com