Who We Are

In November 2019 Nancy Milton learned of a woman leaving a physically and emotionally abusive situation, literally escaping with the clothes she was wearing and a small amount of money.  Creating a master (wish) list of 150 home items and posting it on Facebook, Nancy collected three car loads of items + $475 in gift cards, giving her something to start her new life with. Repeated in December 2019 and again January 2020, this helping others idea grew. Three months later Nancy’s close friend Sue Anderson joined the charge and together officially launched The Fresh Start Project. Four years later there are 7 chapters across Canada, 6800+ volunteer members and have helped over 350 families.

 *The 7 chapters all reside under the banner, The Fresh Start Project.  Each chapter facilitates every client interaction through the guidelines and process of the original chapter (the Mississauga Chapter) while running their chapter independently.

 *Nancy Milton resigned from her chapter responsibilities in December 2023, to pursue her next philanthropic endeavor.  

 

The Co-creators of The Fresh Start Project

Nancy Milton and Sue Anderson

 

I’m a grinning Mama Bear of 18 &19 year-old boys and run a Leadership and Communication Facilitating and Coaching practice. My kick off at philanthropy was creating Ruthie’s Runners in my 20s- a personal initiative, developing & executing multiple fundraising programs which raised over $100,000 for The Princess Margaret Hospital, Ovarian Cancer Research Unit. 

 Since then, some of my philanthropic efforts include running a 12-years-proud annual neighbourhood Food Drive, five year annual Hampers Program for Women’s Shelters, Christmas-at-the-Compass holiday gift bag initiative and raising $30,000 for Jack.Org through their annual Jack.Ride.

After dabbling in a heart-grown idea in November 2019, Super Sue and I officially launched The Fresh Start Project in February 2020. 

 In my play time you’ll find me in athletic gear – pickleball, biking, tennis, kayak, golf, ski and yoga to name… a couple. 

 Thanks for your interest in us! xo

Nancy Milton

 
 

I am a teacher, wife, mom of 4 daughters and lover of yoga, travel, good books, walks in the woods and coffee. To balance my time while supply teaching and parenting teen/tween girls over the past few years, I started volunteering at our local food bank and outreach centre and found the interactions with clients gave me a wonderful perspective on life.

When Nancy spontaneously turned a stranger’s request for a winter coat in November 2019 into an entire outfitting of an apartment within 48 hours, I jumped on board to help. After realizing how eager friends and family were to contribute to similar projects, we decided to give the idea some structure and to harness the generosity of so many people to help one client or family each month. And so in February 2020 The Fresh Start Project was officially born!

Sue Anderson

 
 

Our Support Team

 

Jenn Silk, Resource Volunteer

I am honoured to be a part of The Fresh Start Project and help out where I can. I have assisted Fresh Start families with accessing services in their new communities as Resource Volunteer, and have been happily creating the paperless online submission forms we are currently using. Sometimes I can be found sitting on the ground in Nancy or Sue's garage, sorting clothes and fitting goods into my car with Tetris-like precision. Being a part of this project warms my heart and I'm proud to be included with this amazing team.

 
 

Ashley Wedlock,

Social Media Lead

I’m a working mom of 2 girls, living in Mississauga. We love spending our weekends up at the cottage with family.  I’m thrilled to be a part of this community and very special organization. I volunteer as a part of the Partnerships team trying to source corporate donations and sponsorships to support the families we work with.   

I can be reached by email at ashleywedlock@hotmail.com

 
 

Shari Deller Carder,

Warm Welcome Lead Volunteer

I am fearless when it comes to sourcing out items and dedicated to helping others in need! I share my passion for volunteering with my 12 and 13 year old kids, husband and my Girl Guides! My role as Warm Welcome Lead evolved organically as I continued to volunteer to put together welcome gifts to help our TFSP clients start their new lives. Now I enjoy using the items donated by our members and my creativity to create custom packages.

 

Deborah Ballew,

Website Support Volunteer

I am a graphic designer and mom to two grown sons.  A chance meeting at tennis and a conversation later, I was onboard to help bring to life the branding and web design vision for The Fresh Start Project.  It has been an honour to witness the growth of the program in such a short period of time and the many lives that The Fresh Start Project has touched.  It is incredible how one act of kindness can make an impactful difference in someone’s life.  To be able to be a small part of this amazing group of women is such a blessing.

 

Tina Pace,

School Liaison Volunteer

I am a wife, mother of three fabulous children and as of June 2022, a retired teacher.  I love to travel, read and go to the theatre.  I joined The Fresh Start Project in September 2022 and feel incredibly blessed to be working with this amazing team.  I have combined my passion for teaching, students and benevolence and volunteer as the Lead School Liaison.  Our mission is to actively engage students in giving back to the community.

Sue Cosborn,

Library of Love Volunteer

Blurb needed here and picture of Sue needed here