Media Release

BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF SAFETY: WISE GUYS CHARITY FUND RENEWS CAPITAL SUPPORT FOR BIRCHWAY NIAGARA

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO – FEBRUARY 13, 2026 — Birchway Niagara is proud to announce that the Wise Guys Charity Fund has made a commitment to donate $100,000 to the agency’s Creating Safe Spaces capital expansion campaign. This significant gift builds on Wise Guys Charity Fund’s long history of supporting domestic violence services in South Niagara, dating back to the original capital campaign to build the agency’s shelter on McLeod Rd, which opened in 2006. This latest contribution follows an additional $50,000 capital gift made in 2019 to support a previous expansion of the shelter.

Created over three decades ago, the Wise Guys Charity Fund is known throughout the region for bringing people together through engaging community-based fundraising efforts that combine generosity, camaraderie, and purpose. Through signature events and donor-driven initiatives, the organization has raised over $5.8 million that has been reinvested directly into local charities addressing urgent needs. Their approach reflects the powerful belief that when communities rally together, meaningful change follows.

This latest investment in Birchway Niagara reflects that philosophy in action. The $100,000 donation will help advance the Creating Safe Spaces campaign, which focuses on expanding and improving Birchway Niagara’s shelter facilities.

“Wise Guys Charity Fund exists to support organizations that make a real difference in our community,” said Doug Smith, Chair of Wise Guys Charity Fund. “Birchway Niagara provides lifesaving support at moments when it matters most. We are proud to contribute to this expansion and encourage others to help close the remaining funding gap, ensuring this important work can continue.”

The Creating Safe Spaces campaign, which has raised over $3.9 million toward its $5.5 million goal, supports important improvements to Birchway Niagara’s shelter. These improvements will include a new entrance to enhance client privacy, the addition of pet-friendly rooms to remove a significant barrier to services, the addition of a community room to provide space where families living in shelter can visit with loved ones and community members can gather, as well as other enhancements.

“The Wise Guys Charity Fund’s generous support, both in the past and through this current project, is removing barriers that can stand between families and safety,” said Jennifer Gauthier, Executive Director of Birchway Niagara. “The improvements made possible by their gift will support survivors for years to come as they move toward lives free from violence. We are grateful to everyone who participates in The Wise Guys’ fundraising events for helping to build a safer Niagara.”

For more information about the Creating Safe Spaces campaign or to donate to this initiative, contact Amanda Braet, Director of Development and Stewardship, at 905-356-3933 ext. 240 or amandab@birchway.ca.

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Photo link for media use: Amanda Braet, Director of Development & Stewardship (Birchway Niagara), Jennifer Gauthier, Executive Director (Birchway Niagara), and JD Pachereva, Grants Committee Chair (Wise Guys Charity Fund) with ceremonial cheque, celebrating the Wise Guys Charity Fund's recent announcement of a $100,000 to Birchway Niagara's Creating Safe Spaces Campaign.