From left: Kari Quinn Humphrey (Alzheimer Society York Region), Kendel Ferrara (Azheimer Society Durham Region), Jaime Grant (Alzheimer Society Simcoe County), Maria Ciarlandini (Vince’s), and Giancarlo Trimarchi (Vince’s).
SHARON, ON, January 26, 2026: Vince’s has announced the results of its 2025 Community Product Initiative (CPI), presenting a $34,835 donation to the Alzheimer Societies of York Region, Simcoe County, and Durham Region. Representatives from these organizations, along with a rep from Easter Seals Ontario, gathered at the Vince’s Event Space to celebrate the total raised and to announce the program’s beneficiary for 2026.“Our year-long partnership with Vince’s Market has been truly transformative for the Alzheimer Societies of Durham Region, Simcoe Country, and York Region,” said a spokesperson for these organizations. “Either through numerous events or through their generous Community Product Initiative, Vince’s has not only raised significant funds to help provide caregivers with critical supports and services, but have also helped raise awareness of the need to support families impacted by dementia in our regions.”Support for the Alzheimer Society, as well as previous recipients of Vince’s CPI, involved all four retail locations. Working with participating vendors, Vince’s identifies a variety of items – typically staples – and allocates 15 percent of sales from these designated Community Products throughout the year.In addition to the CPI campaign, Vince’s annual Community BBQ, which marked the launch of their Streetside Eats food truck, raised $785 – a record for this event. The independent grocer also hosted a pilot project, the “Let’s Get Cooking” workshop, in partnership with the Alzheimer Societies of York Region and Simcoe County. The workshop supported caregivers of those living with dementia by providing an afternoon focused on nutrition, wellness, and social connection.“Crossing the $200,000 threshold since the start of the Community Product Initiative validates the sustained commitment of our customers and vendor partners,” said Giancarlo Trimarchi, President of Vince’s Market. “We are proud to have supported the Alzheimer Society this past year, and we look forward to applying this same community focus to our 2026 partnership with Easter Seals Ontario.”“The collaborative partnership with all three organizations has been truly meaningful,” said Maria Ciarlandini, Vince’s Manager of Culture, People and Community Support. “And we are confident that the funds raised will make a positive difference in the lives of caregivers and individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. “For 2026, the recipient for Vince’s Community Product Initiative will be Easter Seals Ontario.For more than a century, this organization has been dedicated to removing barriers for children and young adults with physical disabilities. Through a wide range of programs and services they focus on empowering individuals to achieve independence and success.Development Officer Andrea Peterson adds: “Easter Seals supports children and youth with physical disabilities by providing access to essential programs, equipment, and inclusive experiences that help them reach their full potential. Every dollar donated goes directly toward life-changing supports – such as mobility equipment, accessible programming, and family assistance – ensuring children can participate fully at home, at school, and in their communities.”The first selection of 2026 Community Products will be announced in the coming weeks. Shoppers are encouraged to look for designated signage across all four stores to identify participating items, as every purchase contributes directly to the annual goal and the ongoing support of Easter Seals Ontario’s life-changing work.
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