Mark your calendars—Dare 2 Care is back at Hardy Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.!

It’s shaping up to be a wonderful day filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit—and I can hardly wait!

Now in its second year, Dare 2 Care is a family-friendly event with a heart, supporting the Brockville and Area Food Bank. It’s all about bringing people together, raising awareness, and having a great time while doing something meaningful.

🎉 Here’s a peek at what you can expect this year:

  • Local vendors and delicious food stalls

  • Home Depot kids’ workshop

  • Face painting

  • Bingo

  • Live music

  • Balloon animals

  • Bouncy castle

  • A massive raffle

  • Storytime (with me!)

  • And the always-amazing Bubble Man with his giant floating creations

Whether you’re coming with kids, grandkids, or just want to enjoy a day in the park, there’s truly something for everyone.

📚 My Storytime Moment

This year, I’m especially excited (and a little nervous!) to be taking part in the event in a more personal way. As part of my volunteer work with the Brockville and Area Food Bank, I’ll be hosting Storytime at 1pm, reading for about 30 minutes.

The books I’ve chosen are favourites of mine and my daughter’s—including Peppa Pig, classic nursery rhymes, and Jabberwocky, a whimsical poem that holds a special place in my heart. It was one of my late dad’s favourites, so joining in this year feels like a bit of an homage to him.

This will actually be my first time doing a public storytime, so yes—I’m a bit scared! I’ve mentioned it many times to my toddler, but she doesn’t quite grasp what mummy reading in front of a crowd means. I have a feeling she’ll want to sit on my lap the whole time (which honestly might help calm my nerves).

Adding to the pressure… my mum and daughter will be there watching me, which somehow makes me even more nervous. But I know it’ll be a moment I won’t forget, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.

If you’re curious about how I got involved with the food bank, I shared that journey in my previous blog post—feel free to take a peek there.

💛 Why Dare 2 Care Matters

Yes, Dare 2 Care is fun—but it’s also deeply meaningful. It raises much-needed awareness and funds for the Brockville and Area Food Bank, a place that supports so many individuals and families in our community. Events like this help ensure the shelves stay stocked and the doors stay open.

A huge shout-out to the facility manager, general manager, board members, and all the volunteers who’ve worked so hard to bring this event together again. It’s no small task, and the love they’ve poured into it really shows.

🙌 How You Can Get Involved

On the Day (Saturday, July 26):

  • Bring non-perishable food items to donate at the event.

  • Consider making a monetary donation—every bit helps and goes directly toward supporting local families.

Beyond the Day:

  • Donate directly to the Brockville and Area Food Bank—they’re open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Drop off non-perishable food items at local grocery stores around town—many have designated collection bins.

  • Follow the Food Bank on social media (Facebook) for updates and lists of most-needed items. Food bank

  • Volunteer your time—whether at the food bank itself or helping at future events like Dare 2 Care.

🎈 Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope to see you there. Dare 2 Care is a beautiful reminder of the power of community and how much we can accomplish when we come together with kindness and purpose. Whether you’re stopping by for a balloon animal or staying for the day, your presence makes a difference.

Brockville and Area Food Bank Socials/contacts: 

Instagram

Facebook 

Website

See you at Hardy Park on Saturday, July 26!
And if you want to follow along with updates or just peek behind the scenes, feel free to subscribe to my blog or follow me on Instagram: @lifeofgem28