One by One
Multi-Service Centre, Recipient

Multi-Service Centre

Tillsonburg, Ontario

A community of care

For nearly 50 years, Multi-Service Centre has offered support to residents and families in Ontario’s Oxford, Elgin and Norfolk counties. The broad range of services offered include meal delivery programs, housekeeping, transportation, literacy education, employment support and basic technology courses. Most programs are free and, through partnerships and innovation, build stability, confidence and independence.

The organization’s impact is extensive. In 2024, more than 21,000 meals were delivered to residents aged 55 and older, and over 5,500 rides were provided. Home support, employment and literacy services helped 4,200 community members. All work is carried out by a team of about 100 employees and 70 volunteers. “Together, we form a resilient community helping others to thrive, reach their goals and embrace personal independence,” said Jen Olcsvary, fundraising and community engagement coordinator.

Fundraising is key to the cause

While Multi-Service Centre receives government support, community demand often exceeds available funding. Fundraising is crucial to close the gap and ensure no one is waitlisted for essential programs. For 2025, a fundraising goal of $78,000 was set to help with volunteer recruitment and to sustain or expand services, ensuring every resident has access to the support they need.

Multi-Service Centre hosts an annual Trail Walk and Run fundraiser. Its 12th annual event was held in June 2025 at the scenic Coronation Park in Tillsonburg. Community support, participation fees and individual fundraising helped the organization raise $19,000.

Event participants get promotional water bottles

A one by one grant provided custom event water bottles that were packed in participant swag bags. Along with the bottles, runners and walkers of the 2.5 or 5K loops received an assortment of sponsor-donated items, including a T-shirt, cookie, pedometer, can cooler and coupons.

“It’s through grants like the one by one that we’re able to reach our fundraising goals,” Olcsvary said. “The donation of water bottles enhances the participant experience and improves donor retention. It also encourages them to do their own fundraising.”

A note from Cheryl

From meal delivery programs to literacy services to helping older adults with technology, Multi-Service Centre has a long and impressive history of helping its community. We were thrilled to support its fundraising efforts by providing event water bottles for the annual Trail Walk and Run. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.

For more information about Multi-Service Centre, please visit https://multiservicecentre.com/

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