June was a month for connection, celebration and community impact across our network.
From off-site events to successful GoodWorks initiatives and team achievements, there's plenty to celebrate. Here's a look back at some of the highlights from the past month.
We had several Villagers move into new roles within the company in June, including:
Alex Hunt, who has moved from our StratfordToday team to a reporting role with NewmarketToday.
Josh Prior, who made the move from a community partner specialist to revenue operations lead.
And Jessie Bond who was promoted from client services specialist to client services lead.
Congratulations, all! 👏
The Trillium celebrates a Michener milestone
As announced in April, The Trillium was nominated for the 2025 Michener Award, Canada’s highest honour in journalism, for its investigation into Ontario's Skills Development Fund.
Village Media CEO Jeff Elgie, Executive Editor Mike Purvis and The Trillium’s Jessica Smith Cross, Charlie Pinkerton, Jack Hauen and Aidan Chamandy attended the award ceremony in June at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where Smith Cross spoke about Village Media and the nominated work. In the end, Radio-Canada won for its investigation into Lyme Disease.
It was an incredible achievement to be named as one of six finalists for the prestigious award, which recognizes excellence in public service journalism across the country.
A summer surprise for more than 100 local kids ☀️
Our SooToday Random Acts of Kindness team helped kick off summer in an unforgettable way for more than 100 children in Sault Ste. Marie.
In partnership with the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board and an incredible group of sponsors, families gathered for a neighbourhood barbecue where children were surprised with scooters, helmets, skateboards, sports equipment, backpacks, YMCA summer passes, SportChek gift cards and more to help them stay active all summer long.
Local police, firefighters and paramedics also joined the celebration, giving kids the opportunity to explore emergency vehicles and connect with first responders.
A huge thank you to our generous sponsors, including GFL Environmental, Canadian Tire, Jumpstart, District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board, Adam Slumskie and the team at CIBC Wood Gundy, SSI - Systems Solutions, Fit Bodies Fit Minds, DNM Mechanical Group, M&M Food Market, YMCA, NorPro and KidSport for helping make this Random Act of Kindness possible.
Together, we helped ensure more than 100 local children started their summer with smiles and plenty of opportunities for fun.
Making headlines for all the right reasons 🏆
Six more incredible community members were honoured this month with the CambridgeToday and NewmarketToday Community Builders Awards.
The Newmarket celebration saw five exceptional individuals being recognized for their ongoing work to better the community, including: Education award winner Daryanaz Kamelan-Zargar, Health Care award winner Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, Legacy award recipient Elisabeth Hempen, Sports and Recreation award winner Brad Jones and Unsung Hero award winner Lincoln Whittaker.
In Cambridge, Sarah Hubbell was celebrated as an Unsung Hero for her work in building a beloved running club community with hundreds of members.
The awards continue to shine a spotlight on those doing the quiet work to make our communities a better place to live.
Community impact in action
For the latest installment of our Community Impact Protocol, we brought together 11 diverse citizens in Orillia this month to develop proactive, zero-barrier solutions for local public safety and community connectivity.
Guided by local expert presentations and moderated by local facilitator, Dale Rowe, the panel established a sequential path forward prioritizing lived-experience research, free structured recreational programming and teen/parent support networks. The final report will be shared with local government and published on OrilliaMatters.
Readers snagged summer savings while shopping local 😎
Each summer, readers look forward to our popular Summer Gift Card Auctions, where they can save on gift cards from their favourite local restaurants, attractions and experiences.
This year, more than 170 local businesses participated, helping readers enjoy over $75,000 in savings while supporting local businesses throughout June and July.
Mid-year meetups 🌟
Several departments came together in June for team off-sites, taking a break from day-to-day responsibilities to focus on strategic planning, collaboration and professional development.
Alongside productive working sessions, teams also had the chance to connect outside the office through local sightseeing, shared meals, spa experiences and even a little karaoke.
These off-sites provided valuable time to strengthen relationships, share ideas, celebrate successes and align on priorities, leaving each team energized and ready for the second half of the year.
✨ Spotlight on sponsorships ✨
We partnered with 24 community events and initiatives in June 💛
Network-wide
ALS Canada Walks
AuroraToday
Community Craft Beer Festival
BayToday
Let's Remember Adam
BurlingtonToday
Pier to Pier Men's Mental Health Walk, Burlington Dads Family BBQ, Latino Fest
FlamboroughToday
Oh Canada Ribfest
GuelphToday
The Good Games, Hearts Open For Everyone
NewmarketToday
Community Craft Beer Festival
Oakville News
Halton Crime Stoppers, Latino Fest, Walk2Remember
OrilliaMatters
Soldier's Ride OSMH
SooToday
Queen St. Cruise, St. Vincent Place Help Us Can Hunger, Festival of Beer, Community Strong Race, The Water Tower Inn Big Cup Scramble, FemFest, Come As You Are Gala
Sudbury.com
St. Joseph's Health Centre of Sudbury, TNO
TimminsToday
Rotary Club Timmins
TorontoToday
ICFF, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre Queer Pride 2026
Spotted around the Village
Meet Dipper 😻
This rescue kitty loves running through his tunnel, chasing lasers and snuggling up to his mom while she is working to "help".
Proud pet parent: Nikki Cole
See you next month!
