‘It’s where people finally feel understood.’ That’s how staff describe the impact of the new Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre location now open in downtown Collingwood.
The Collingwood cancer support group started at Frank Tilley’s dining room table. A group of locals —affectionately referred to as The Collingwood Eight— felt that there was a need for cancer support in town. They began developing support groups for men, women and caregivers, eventually holding meetups at Journeys Blend Cafe.
When the groups continued to grow in size, Frank and his fellow organizers approached Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre to see if they could offer some support. The non-profit has been serving individuals with cancer and caregivers of those with cancer since 2011, providing support groups, counselling, and education.
There was clearly a need for cancer support in Collingwood, and the drive from there to Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre in Penetanguishene —the nearest cancer support group— is an hour. It was The Collingwood Eight’s suggestion that the support centre open a second site in Collingwood.
On June 25th of this year, the Collingwood location of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre opened to the public— with 82 members receiving support so far. The new location offers support groups for men and women, as well as a group called ‘Life After Cancer.’ Individual counselling is also available in-person and virtually, for both the person who’s going through their cancer journey and their caregiver.
Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre Collingwood also offers ‘cancer talks and soup for the soul,’ where a member of the community or a healthcare professional presents an educational talk and attendees enjoy delicious soup afterwards. These talks are open to those with cancer and caregivers.
“It gives the members a chance to connect and socialize, as well as learning,” says Emily Selby, general manager of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre Collingwood.
There is also a volunteer-run physical fitness program, held at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. The fitness program focuses on balance, strength and coordination, and the instructor, Bill, is going through his own cancer journey.
The Collingwood site is hoping to continue to expand their services, offering more programming like music therapy, wig-fitting, and knitting and crocheting social groups. Since they’ve already seen large growth in their membership —including many caregivers— the team at Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre Collingwood are considering starting a caregiver-specific support group in the fall.
The benefit of meeting other individuals and families who are going through a similar journey, Emily says, cannot be overstated. “Being here and being surrounded by other folks with cancer or other caregivers— you’re finally in a place where other people get it,” she says.
One thing Emily has heard from clients is that the programs have helped them, regardless of the stage they’re at in their cancer journey. There are some people in the support groups who are recovering, so other individuals with cancer can ask them about their experiences or what to expect from certain treatments.
“It allows them to have an honest response about what to expect. While you get that in the medical world from your doctor, you don’t get to hear about first-hand lived experience unless you’re talking to someone who’s been through it,” says Emily.
In order to keep their programs running and expanding, Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is holding their annual Georgian Bay Cycle for Hope on August 16th. The event is now in its 14th year, but this will be the second year for Collingwood. Cyclists can fundraise for a specific location, and register to cycle at either the Penetanguishene event or the Collingwood event.
For the Collingwood event, there are five different routes that take the cyclists out of Collingwood and into the surrounding area. The routes were mapped by their organizing team of cyclists, and span from a relaxing, family-friendly 3km ride all the way up to a more demanding 145km. It begins and ends at Collingwood Curling Club at 250 Hume Street. There will be lunch provided afterwards by Gordon’s Market & Cafe, as well as fun activities for kids, provided by the YMCA.
The Cycle for Hope is Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre’s largest fundraiser of the year. Donations raised at the Collingwood event will stay local, supporting the new location’s much-needed programming.
For more information about Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre, visit: www.gbcancersupportcentre.ca
To register for the Cycle for Hope, visit: gbcycleforhope.akaraisin.com/ui/cycleforhope2025