On March 7th, the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre hosted one of the most exciting Saturdays in the Rotary Club of Barrie’s fundraising calendar. By the time the euchre winners were announced at 10:30 PM, the club had raised $19,000 for wellness-related projects and charities in our community — powered by 100 cyclists, a room full of card players, and a lot of community spirit.
Wheels for Wellness is exactly what it sounds like: teams of up to seven members on spin bikes and bicycle trainers, pedalling from 10 AM to 5 PM with DJ music, fitness challenges, and healthy snacks keeping the energy up. The format is simple — ride hard, compete as a team, and raise money for causes that matter. With 100 riders on the floor this year, the room had the kind of energy you can’t manufacture.
Running alongside it was the Charity Euchre Tournament. Players registered for a Grand Prix-style tournament — six 25-minute games, with the team accumulating the most wins taking home first place cash prizes. Check-in opened at 5:30 PM, the cards hit the table at 6:30, and a buffet dinner, music, and cash bar made it a proper night out. First place walked away with $720. The consensus at the April meeting when the cheque was presented: the euchre was better this year than last. Not that anyone’s keeping score. (Everyone’s keeping score.)
Every dollar will be directed toward wellness-related charities and projects right here in Barrie. These are the funds that support fitness access, mental health programs, and the community infrastructure that keeps people healthy and connected.
Thank you to everyone who supported these two events!
