An evening celebrating inclusion for people of all abilities raised $60,000 in support of the Empower Simcoe Foundation and the people and families it serves. Thursday night’s 2026 Empower Simcoe Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show at Georgian Downs, brought the community together for a memorable evening of fashion, fun and fundraising. “This signature event is about so much more than a night on the runway,” said Claudine Cousins, CEO and President Empower Simcoe. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the incredible individuals and families at the heart of Empower Simcoe and the community partners, employees and volunteers whose generosity and commitment help create a more inclusive community,” said Cousins. For 30 years, the fashion show has highlighted inclusion and belonging while raising much-needed funds to help bridge funding gaps for programs and supports. Funds raised through this year’s event will help support family respite, camp opportunities for youth, specialized accessibility equipment, recreational opportunities for seniors, and music and speech therapy. The runway featured an inspiring group of community champions, including people supported by Empower Simcoe, family members, community partners, inclusive employers, Special Olympians and volunteers. Models took to the runway with escorts from Barrie Fire and Emergency Services, and CFB Borden.
