Announcement1 min read
Welcoming Sara Collyer, Our New Executive Director
Welcome Sara Collyer as Compassion Society of Halton’s new Executive Director. Sara brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership, much of it here in Halton.
Everyone deserves the freedom to choose.
Compassion Society of Halton is a community food bank in Burlington where Halton neighbours choose free groceries, clothing and everyday essentials with dignity. Our team also helps you connect with trusted local services for whatever else you are facing.
Serving neighbours across
Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, Acton and Georgetown.
Joined October 2026
A NEW CHAPTER
Please welcome Sara Collyer, our new Executive Director.
The Board of Directors is delighted to welcome Sara Collyer as Executive Director of Compassion Society of Halton, effective October 26, 2026. Sara brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership in community services, food security and fundraising, much of it here in Halton.
As the first Executive Director of Open Doors Community Hub in Burlington, she brought a collection of programs together into one community hub, and she co-founded the previous Feeding Halton Collaborative. If you are visiting, volunteering or dropping off a donation, please stop and say hello.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,Rick Bergen, Chair
Leadership is an act of care.
25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY CARE
For 25 years, neighbours have been helping neighbours.
In 2000, founder Mina Wahidi placed a single clothing rack in her Burlington basement and invited neighbours to take what they needed. This short film looks back on 25 years of that idea growing into a full community hub, still built on her belief that neighbours should choose for themselves.
It is also our thank you to the volunteers who carry that work forward, one shift, one shelf and one welcoming conversation at a time.
HOW WE HELP
Everything we offer is free and under one roof.
We bring free groceries, clothing, everyday essentials and connections to local services together, so one visit can cover a lot.
Choose free groceries for your household, from pantry staples to fresh produce when it comes in.
Learn more about Food MarketFind clothing for adults and children in every season, up to twice a month.
Learn more about Mina’s ClosetPick up soap, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers and other personal care items when supplies allow.
Learn more about Hygiene EssentialsTake the menstrual products you need, with no limit on how often you visit.
Learn more about Menstrual ProductsTalk with our team about housing, health, income or work, and we will help you find the right local service.
Learn more about Community ConnectionsFind holiday and back-to-school support during the seasons those programs run.
Learn more about Seasonal ProgramsPARTNERSHIPS
Local businesses and groups help keep our shelves full.
Businesses, foundations, service clubs, schools and community groups help us keep free groceries, clothing and everyday essentials within reach for Halton families. Students at Rotherglen School's Oakville campus collected more than 3,000 pounds of food, then stayed to label and sort it alongside our volunteers.
Your organization can give funds, donate goods or services, run a food drive, sponsor a campaign or bring a team to volunteer. Tell us what you have in mind and we will help you find the best place to start.
Some of the organizations standing with us
OUR PURPOSE
Halton shows up for Halton.
MISSION
Connecting individuals and families with food, clothing and community services when they need it the most.
VISION
To be the first place our community members think of when they need a helping hand, and the charity of choice for those who want to give back to our Halton community.
DONATE WITH PURPOSE
Your gift keeps essential support within reach.
Every donation helps us provide food, personal care items, clothing and holiday gifts to Halton families, and keeps our referral support running all year so neighbours can find help for what comes next.
Meet immediate needs.
Give once to help restock essential supplies and keep this month's programs running.
Gifts are processed securely by CanadaHelps, and you will receive a charitable tax receipt for eligible donations. Registered charity 804301810 RR0001.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Help create a welcoming place for every neighbour.
Volunteers are part of everything we do. They welcome neighbours, sort and stock donations, run clothing and seasonal programs, help at community events and keep each day running smoothly.
Whether you love working with people or prefer to help behind the scenes, there is a place for you here.
Volunteer roles
Welcome neighbours.
Greet people as they arrive, guide them through the space and help everyone feel at ease.
Keep essentials moving.
Sort donations, stock shelves and prepare supplies so everything is ready when neighbours arrive.
Strengthen programs.
Help with clothing, seasonal programs, community events and office work throughout the year.
How to apply
Adults complete the application package and provide two references. Our Volunteer Coordinator reviews every package and will contact you about next steps.
Complete the forms.
Fill in the application, media release, permission form and volunteer agreement.
Provide two references.
Include two reference forms or reference letters with your application.
Attend orientation.
Once you are accepted, you will join an onsite orientation and training, with support as you settle in.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Plan your visit with confidence.
Anyone in Halton who is struggling to afford food is welcome here. You register in person on your first visit, during walk-in hours. If ID is hard to get, talk with us before or during your visit.
Food pickup
Shop for your household's groceries during these hours.
- Monday
- 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday
- 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
First-visit walk-in
Come in during these hours to register in person.
- Monday
- 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday
- 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
No appointment is needed for your first visit.
Donation drop-off
Bring food, diapers and hygiene items to the red bins during these hours.
- Monday
- 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday
- 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday
- 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Clothing is received on Mondays only, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please check what we need most before you head over.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Walk in during registration hours.
Come during the walk-in hours above. A team member will welcome you and explain each step.
Bring proof that you live in Halton.
Government photo ID or a utility bill from the last 60 days, showing your Halton address, will do. If neither is possible, talk with us.
Schedule future visits onsite.
Once you are registered, you can book your next shopping visit before you leave.
In their own words
Families say thank you.
“We arrived in Canada we didn’t know what to do. Generosity from Compassion Society went a long way...”
“I didn’t think people really cared about my problems. With Compassion Society, they really did!”
“I can’t thank Compassion Society enough for helping me through a really tough time and getting me back on my feet...”
“After the fire, we didn’t know where to turn. Compassion Society was there for us with food and clothing.”
Shared by neighbours who have visited Compassion Society of Halton. Names are kept private. If you need support, plan your first visit.
FROM THE BLOG
Read our latest stories and updates.
Browse current service notices, community stories, campaign updates, partnerships and media coverage.
Visit the Blog- Community thanks2 min read
Thank You, Halton: October 2026
Schools, churches, residences, families and young neighbours gave food, essentials and their time this October. Here is what they did, in our own words of thanks.
- Holiday campaign1 min read
Holiday Gift Program 2026: Give the Gift of Choice
Gift cards let families choose what they need most. Donate Walmart, President's Choice or Dollarama gift cards to Compassion Society of Halton. Donations received by December 4 will have the most impact.
Community events will appear here as dates are confirmed.