NEWS & FUNDRAISING
News & events
NEXT STEP RECEIVES $10,000 DONATION FROM THE NOTTAWASAGA FOUNDATION
​Next Step is now offering FREE, non-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults in the New Tecumseth community.​
We recognized a growing need for ESL support in our area. What began as one-to-one tutoring quickly led to a waitlist—and thanks to a generous donation from the Nottawasaga Foundation, we’ve been able to expand the program. Their support allowed us to hire an ESL instructor, and we are now offering two free evening ESL classes each week.
Because of the Nottawasaga Foundation’s commitment to our community, Next Step can now meet the increasing demand for ESL learning. We’re excited to share that we have space available and have begun conducting evaluations to place learners in the class level that best fits their needs.
If you or someone you know is looking to improve their English skills, we’re here to help!
THE GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE 2025
Our 13th Annual Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee was a huge success thanks to our amazing community! We had 13 teams and raised over $25,000. As always, the costumes and unbelievable spelling made for an exciting and entertaining evening. This year’s winner for Best Spelling was 'Bee Patient', sponsored by Feehely Gastaldi Law, with second place going to ‘Bee Canadian A’ from The #1Ladies Knitting book club and third place to ‘‘Buzz Words’ from My Sister's Place. Best Costumes was awarded to ‘Bedrock Bees’ from New Tecumseth Council and Most Team Spirit went to ‘Bee Canadian A’.
Thank you sponsors, donors and volunteers. We hope to see you all next year!
NEXT STEP RECEIVES $10,000 DONATION!
On Saturday August 13, 2022, Next Step was one of the lucky recipients of a $10,000 cheque from the Royal Canadian Legion Edward MacDonald Branch 499 Angus Ontario. The Angus Legion raised funds through the recent "Catch the Ace" draw and selected several local charities to distribute the winnings amongst. We are beyond grateful to have been chosen to receive this generous donation.
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Donations are an important source of funding for Next Step and this donation will be used to further Next Step’s mission to provide FREE Adult Upgrading to increase employability and independence.
Presenting the cheque in the first image from left to right are: Mr. Archie Duckworth Chair Catch The Ace; Mr. Micheal Laine, Board President of Next Step; President Branch 499 Mr. Howie Hipwell; and Co Chair Catch The Ace Mr. Thomas Pridham.
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VIRTUAL CHOCOLATE TASTING!
On Friday February 12th at 7PM Next Step held its first Virtual Chocolate Tasting. The turnout was amazing and we raised just over $1200.
You can make a donation to Next Step through PayPal or Canada Helps:
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VIRTUAL WINE TASTING!
On Friday October 16th, Next Step hosted its first Virtual Wine Tasting. The event was a fabulous success and we raised over $2500.
Annual EVENTS
Next Step is a not-for-profit organization that is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. The rest of our funding comes from great people like you! We have several events and thank our wonderful volunteers and sponsors for their support.
THE GRATE GROAN-UP SPELLING BEE
Each April The Bee is held to raise funds to provide the best quality education to our learners here at Next Step. Teams of three, complete with costumes and team name, compete for prizes for Best Spellers, Best Costumes, and Best Team Spirit. The evening combines a traditional spelling bee with a dinner and silent auction. Join us for a night of fun to support a good cause.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BBQ
Each summer we have a bbq for our volunteers as a thank you for their generous support and help. We hand out certificates to our tutors and students.
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our Annual General Meeting is a meeting in which the board members and staff account for the previous year’s activities at Next Step. It is attended by board members, staff, members, ambassadors, volunteers, and even students. Members of the public are also welcome to attend. We report on our budget, training, marketing etc. for accountability. For more information please contact us.
