Every community initiative starts somewhere. For Stratford Cares, it began with a simple question: what if a small group of neighbours each gave a little, so that together they could give a lot?
That question became Stratford Cares 100, and over time, it grew into something bigger than anyone first imagined.
The Spark
Stratford Cares 100 was the idea that started it all—a community giving initiative built around bringing together at least 100 people who each contribute $100 annually to support local organizations and initiatives helping people in our community.
It was a straightforward idea rooted in a simple belief: when neighbours care for neighbours, meaningful change becomes possible.
A Growing Conversation
As the idea spread, residents began coming forward who wanted to contribute more than a donation. They brought experience, ideas, community connections and a genuine desire to become involved.
Those conversations kept happening, again and again, until it became clear that something more structured was needed to welcome all of that energy and turn it into action.
The Citizens Council Takes Shape
Those conversations helped lead to the creation of the Stratford Cares Citizens Council, a group of local volunteers who help research needs, share ideas, connect people and resources, and guide Stratford Cares initiatives forward.
With the Citizens Council in place, Stratford Cares 100 was no longer the whole story. It had become the foundation for something broader.
Stratford Cares Today
Today, Stratford Cares is the broader community initiative, working through fundraising, volunteerism, community education, advocacy, partnerships and grassroots action to strengthen our community.
Stratford Cares 100 remains an important part of that work—the fundraising initiative that started it all, and still helps power everything that has grown from it.
Neighbours, caring for neighbours.
Kindness Changes Lives.