We are collecting donations to help cover the cost of providing food, meals, and essential services for the walking pilgrims during their stay in Barrie. Every donation helps us welcome hundreds of pilgrims with the warmth and hospitality that are an important part of our Polish tradition.
The Walking Pilgrimage is an annual faith journey that takes place from August 3–9, 2026. Pilgrims walk from Caledon, Ontario to the Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland, Ontario, spending several days together in prayer, fellowship, and reflection.
The Polish Alliance of Canada will host the pilgrims on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. They will stay overnight on our property and continue their journey after breakfast on the morning of Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The donations directly support the pilgrims participating in the annual walking pilgrimage from the Toronto area to Martyrs’ Shrine in Midland. This year, we expect to welcome approximately 300 to 500 pilgrims to the Polish Alliance of Canada property in Barrie.
Your contributions will help pay for:
All pilgrims will camp in tents on the grounds of the Polish Alliance of Canada in Barrie. They will also have access to shower facilities and other amenities prepared especially for their overnight stay.
This is the second time the Polish Alliance of Canada has had the privilege of hosting the walking pilgrims. Our goal is to make their stay as comfortable, welcoming, and memorable as possible while continuing the long-standing Polish tradition of hospitality and community service.
Everything is organized by dedicated members from the Polish Alliance of Canada. Our members donate their time to prepare the property, cook meals, organize logistics, and serve the pilgrims—completely free of charge. Many of our members are also participating in the walking pilgrimage themselves.
Yes. This fundraising effort has the full support of the pilgrimage organizers and staff.
No. Every aspect of the preparation and hosting—including cooking, serving meals, and preparing the property—is done entirely by volunteers. This means every donated dollar goes toward supporting the pilgrims and covering event-related expenses.
No. The Polish Alliance of Canada is the only local organization in the Barrie area collecting donations specifically to host the walking pilgrims during their overnight stay.
Absolutely! We welcome volunteers who would like to help prepare the property, assist with meal preparation and serving, set up facilities, or help during the pilgrims’ stay. Your time and support are just as valuable as financial contributions.
You can donate using the options provided on this page or by contacting the Polish Alliance of Canada directly. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps us provide a warm welcome and care for hundreds of pilgrims.
You can make a donation by Interac e-Transfer by sending your contribution to pay@poloniawsimcoe.ca
Please include “pielgrzymka or Pilgrims Support” in the message or memo field so we can direct your donation appropriately.
All etransfer donations will be listed as Anonymous. If you would like your name to be displayed, please include it in the transfer message/comments.
Cash donations may be given to any current member of the Polish Alliance of Canada – Branch 43 Barrie.
All donations are handled with care and integrity. Members are entrusted to promptly deliver your donation to our bookkeeper, where it will be properly recorded and used to help provide meals and accommodations for pilgrims during their journey.
Your generosity helps strengthen the Polish community in Barrie and Simcoe County. Donations support cultural, faith-based, and community events, including welcoming pilgrims, preserving our traditions, and bringing people together.
Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps us continue serving our community with hospitality, pride, and faith.