On October 30th, the spirit of inclusion and community lit up Georgian Downs in Innisfil for Empower Simcoe’s Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show.
It was truly a night to remember—filled with fashion, fun, and heartwarming celebration of the people who make our community shine.
With an incredible $46,000 raised, this year’s event will help the Empower Simcoe Foundation continue its mission of supporting people and families to live meaningful, inclusive lives.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing Celebrating Community Champion models, whose confidence and joy inspired everyone in attendance. The evening’s energy was brought to life by our dynamic MCs, Tara Dawn Winstone from Fresh Radio 93.1 and Will Nash from Busch Systems, who kept the crowd smiling all night long.
Our stylish models walked the runway in looks provided by our generous participating clothiers: Old Navy, Columbia Sportswear, Giant Tiger, Dapper Depot Menswear, Maurices, Moores Menswear, and Lilie’s Boutique at Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery.
A big thank-you to Blondies Hair Studio and the Mary Kay Cosmetics consultants for giving our models the superstar treatment with professional hair and makeup. Special appreciation to Pop’s Cannabis and Margaret Good for their generous contributions to the table favour bags.
We were honoured to have escorts from Barrie Fire and Emergency Services, along with Captain Graham Ware (CFB Borden), Town of Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke, and Chief Ted Williams of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Their support and camaraderie added extra sparkle to the evening.
This unforgettable night would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors:
- Diamond Sponsors
Robert and Jacquie Nunn
- Platinum Sponsors
Allandale Pharmasave Pharmacy and TD
- Gold Sponsors
Bertram Construction and BoardWalk Group
- Silver Sponsors
WolfeCorp and Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home
- Bronze Sponsors
Sunshine Carpet & Flooring, Wallwin Electric, National Seating and Mobility and Bayfield Carpet & Flooring
Special thanks also go to our partners Multi Tech Audio and Visual for ensuring a seamless show, and to Alina Hromoko Photography, Trendz Photography, Tom Aikins of Three Sixty Snap Inc., and John Rundle for beautifully capturing the magic of the night.
The 2025 Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show was more than a fundraiser – it was a celebration of belonging, and the collective power of community.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Your support helps Empower Simcoe continue to champion inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity for all. We’ll see you next year at the 2026 Empower Simcoe Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show!
