Heartwarming Community Spirit: Local Bakeries Unite for GBGH Foundation in Honor of Celia Marie

In a beautiful display of community support, bakeries throughout Midland, Tay, and Penetanguishene have come together this November to raise funds for the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH). These local establishments, including Café Kittyhawk, Boulangers Midland City Bakers, Royal Tea on King, Shana’s Baked Goods, Pier 21 Restaurant, World Famous Dock Lunch, The PULSE Nutrition, and the Captain’s Café at GBGH, are participating in Celia’s Bake Sale, an annual fundraising initiative spearheaded by Penetanguishene resident Melissa Robinson.

For the fourth consecutive year, Melissa has dedicated the month of November to baking in memory of her daughter, Celia Marie Robinson, who tragically passed away at GBGH on Christmas Day in 2019 due to a genetic immunodeficiency. The bake sale not only honors her daughter’s memory but has also become a community movement, raising over $28,000 since its inception in 2020.

"I will forever be grateful for the care and compassion provided by GBGH," expressed Melissa. “I wanted to create something meaningful to honor Celia, and I chose this bake sale as my outlet. The overwhelming support from our community has truly been remarkable.”

This year’s bake sale aims to raise funds to purchase vital-signs monitors for the GBGH emergency department, critical devices that provide essential patient data such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Each monitor costs about $5,700, and Melissa hopes to secure at least one or two for the hospital. These monitors were instrumental in Celia’s care, making this cause especially close to Melissa’s heart.

Robyn Blanchet, community giving officer for the GBGH Foundation, highlighted the swell of support from local businesses, stating, “The response from our bakeries has been incredible. Melissa’s passion for this cause is truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled that so many local establishments are joining her in honoring Celia this year.”

For those looking to support this touching initiative, donations can be made through the GBGH Foundation's website at gbghf.ca/bake-sale-for-celia. Join us in celebrating life, community, and the spirit of giving!

Don't miss out on this chance to be part of something special—grab a treat and help make a difference!