Hope Arises Project Inc.’s first-ever Gala of Hope, held on October 24, brought in more than $18,000.
Joyce Crone, president and founder, said the event was “an overwhelming success,” drawing people not just from Huntsville but all the Muskoka area.
“We will be using [the funds] as part of our founding year as a charity,” said Crone. “We are going to be developing our 2026 initiatives, which will include a focus on youth wellness, as well as continued educational initiatives and community engagement in Huntsville and Muskoka.”
Hope Arises Project Inc. offers interactive and informative cultural competency training to all sectors and helps promote connection to Indigenous culture for those experiencing loss or interruption of cultural identity.
Crone said the community “stepped up,” demonstrating that even as a new charity, they are making an impact.
“It’s not just hope, but it’s radical hope, which means action tied to what you believe in. And part of that belief is believing in reconciliation and the future generations for our community,” she said.
Crone said they are planning on having another gala next year due to the positive community response and engagement they had this year.
“Thank you to our community, and knowing that we have that reciprocal relationship now brings me to tears,” she said. “It’s only been three years, but it’s been a lot of work to get where we are today.
