Volunteer-led group fuels support for Brant charities

During their final giving cycle of 2025, members of 100 People Who Care Brant met with the team behind Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services and presented their biggest single cycle donation to date, $8,535. Pictured left to right are Jennifer Church, Donna Ireland, Jordy Thielman, Serena Shields and Anne Ruddell. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A small group of dedicated volunteers is making a big impact across Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations through 100 People Who Care Brant, a grassroots initiative built on collective giving and community trust.

Behind the scenes, a steering committee of volunteers works year-round to keep the group running smoothly, coordinating communications, supporting charities and managing each funding cycle from start to finish. 

“Behind the scenes of every step is a small but mighty army we call the Steering Committee,” said Sarah Disher-Neddow, a steering committee member in charge of communications and engagement. “Approximately 8 folks work throughout the year to keep in touch with members, follow up with winning charities, chase donors, build the brand to bring in more people who care.”

The group operates on a simple but effective model. Four times a year, members are invited to nominate local registered charities for funding. After a review process to ensure eligibility, three finalists are selected and invited to submit short videos outlining their work and how they would use the funds. Members then vote online, making the process accessible and flexible for busy volunteers.

“That’s when the magic happens,” Disher-Neddow said. “The money goes directly to the charity, we don’t handle any money or take any service fees at all. The whole steering committee is all volunteers who help facilitate the process of connecting the donors with the charities.”

Each funding cycle takes about two months to complete and results in approximately $7,500 being directed to a local cause. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $120,000, supporting a wide range of community initiatives from children’s sports registration and school nutrition programs to crisis support services and shelter improvements.

The impact is both immediate and tangible, with charities asked to report back on how the funds were used. Past projects have included providing grocery gift cards to families in need, creating sensory and learning spaces, and funding community hubs that help individuals access housing and employment resources.

The model’s success lies not only in its efficiency, but in the commitment of volunteers who continue to drive it forward. From organizing nominations to ensuring donations reach their destination, the steering committee’s efforts exemplify the spirit of volunteerism celebrated during National Volunteer Week.

With each cycle, the group repeats the process, “lather, rinse, repeat,” as Disher-Neddow describes it - proving that a small, committed team can create lasting change when a community comes together to care.