About Stratford Cares
Neighbours, caring for neighbours.
Stratford Cares is a grassroots, community-led initiative bringing people together to identify local needs, strengthen connections and turn compassion into meaningful action.
We believe stronger communities are built when residents, businesses, community organizations, volunteers and local leaders listen to one another, share ideas and work collaboratively.
Our role is not to duplicate the important work already happening in Stratford. We seek to strengthen existing efforts, identify gaps, connect people and resources, build meaningful partnerships and help develop practical responses to emerging community needs.
Who We Are
Stratford Cares brings together people with different experiences, skills, perspectives and community connections around a shared desire to make Stratford stronger and more connected.
Our work continues to evolve as we listen to residents, learn from community organizations and identify areas where additional connection, collaboration or grassroots action may be helpful.
Our activities include fundraising, volunteerism, community education, advocacy, resource connection, partnership development and the exploration of innovative community initiatives.
When neighbours care for neighbours, meaningful change is possible.
From Stratford Cares 100 to Stratford Cares
Stratford Cares 100 was the idea that started it all—a community giving initiative built around bringing together at least 100 people who each contribute $100 annually to support local organizations and initiatives helping people in our community.
As the idea grew, residents began coming forward who wanted to contribute more than a donation. They brought experience, ideas, connections and a desire to become involved.
Those conversations helped lead to the creation of the Stratford Cares Citizens Council and the broader Stratford Cares community initiative.
Today, Stratford Cares is the broader community initiative, while Stratford Cares 100 remains an important fundraising initiative within it.
Explore Stratford Cares
Learn more about who we are, where we came from, what guides our work and the people helping move Stratford Cares forward.
Connecting People. Identifying Gaps. Supporting Action.
Stratford Cares recognizes that Stratford already has dedicated organizations, agencies, businesses, volunteers and residents doing important work throughout our community.
We believe our greatest contribution is often found in connecting rather than competing, collaborating rather than duplicating, and listening before acting.
When needs or gaps are identified, we seek to understand what already exists, connect with those doing the work and determine where Stratford Cares can responsibly contribute.
- Sometimes that means fundraising.
- Sometimes it means connecting people with resources.
- Sometimes it means bringing organizations or residents together.
- And sometimes it means exploring a new idea where a gap remains.
The goal is not to be everything to everyone. The goal is to help make our community more connected, compassionate and responsive.
There Is More Than One Way to Care.
Stratford Cares was built on the idea that everyone has something they can contribute. Whether that is time, knowledge, professional expertise, community connections, a donation or simply a willingness to help, small contributions can become meaningful when people work together.
Neighbours, caring for neighbours.
Kindness Changes Lives.