This week, Rotarian Jason McArthur introduced Laura Slingerland, a Nurse Practitioner with a decade of pediatric experience who now provides affirming, comprehensive care for trans and gender-diverse individuals, along with Emily West, a Registered Social Worker specializing in social transition support. Both work in Trans Health Services at the Couchiching Family Health Team in Orillia.

Laura and Emily offered an eye-opening and accessible presentation on the foundations of gender diversity. They explained the distinctions between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, and the various pathways a person might take when transitioning. They reminded us that getting terminology wrong is human — what matters is kindness, respect, and a willingness to listen. Stigma remains a major barrier, and they emphasized that accurate information and gender-affirming care genuinely save lives, while supportive communities make all the difference.

Their talk explored the three main forms of transition:

• Social transition, such as names, pronouns, and presentation
• Legal transition, including identification documents
• Medical transition, when desired and appropriate

They also addressed several common myths and provided clarity rooted in evidence and lived experience. The presentation included a short clip from Will & Harper, Will Ferrell’s documentary about a 17-day road trip with a close friend who was transitioning — a warm, human reminder of what true support can look like.

To close, they offered practical guidance for being an ally: ask for pronouns, respect each person’s identity, create safety, stay informed, and support people in the choices they make for their own wellbeing. Julia Goldstein offered heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Club for helping us better understand how to support gender-diverse individuals. President Todd also thanked the speakers, who were pleased to hear that a donation to Youth Haven was made in recognition of their presentation.

At a recent Rotary Club of Barrie meeting, Past President Ian Pavlik proudly presented three cheques on behalf of the Charitable Foundation, supporting a variety of important community and international initiatives.

The Foundation has been providing matching grants for projects brought forward by Club committees, multiplying the impact of their efforts. This round of funding included:

• $1,850 – International Service project for a firefighting water system
  
• $1,695 – Community Service project to provide iPads to the IOOF Home
  
• $2,500 – Community Service project to assist the Barrie Food Bank with their “School Fuel” program

These contributions demonstrate Rotary’s ongoing commitment to improving lives both locally and globally. From enhancing safety and education to supporting food security for children, each donation reflects the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Barrie is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Barrie Fun Run Committee presented a cheque for $25,000 to Past-President Brian! This generous contribution comes from the success of this year’s 38th Annual Barrie Fun Run and will go directly to support local initiatives and charities in our community.

Despite rain showers, the event was full of energy, smiles, and community spirit. From runners and walkers to our amazing volunteers, cheer squads, and of course, crowd favourite Sprocket, the Barrie Fun Run was a true celebration of giving back.

These funds will help The Rotary Club of Barrie continue its work across various community programs, supporting initiatives that make a meaningful impact in Barrie and beyond.

A huge thank you to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors for making the 2025 Barrie Fun Run a tremendous success! Your energy, dedication, and heart truly make a difference.

As July draws to a close, so too does a very special chapter at Rotary Barrie. Our incredible Rotary Youth Exchange student, Petra Hoffman, is heading back home to Hungary after a remarkable year of learning, connection, and unforgettable memories.

While we’re sad to see her go, we are so proud of the bright, confident young woman she is and the impact she’s made on our club and community. Petra brought energy, curiosity, and warmth to every Rotary event she attended, and reminded us all why the Youth Exchange program is such a powerful experience, not just for students, but for everyone they meet along the way.

At her farewell meeting, Todd Armstrong presented Petra with a gift on behalf of the club, and Petra graciously gifted Todd with beautiful items from Hungary. She spoke about how welcome she felt and how much she learned through her time here. “I’m so grateful to Rotary for everything,” she shared, “This year has changed me. Thank you for making me feel like part of the family.”

Highlights from Petra’s Year:

• 🎂 Birthday Celebrations: Rotarians sang a proper birthday song (with enthusiasm!) and shared a delicious chocolate cake lined with strawberries.
  
• 🖼️ Fundraising Auction: Led by Todd Tuckey, a spontaneous auction raised funds to help Petra attend a Rotary conference in Calgary. Items included a Haitian painting and a vintage box of wine, and thanks to generous bids, a significant contribution was raised.
  
• 🤝 Conference Adventures: The Calgary trip gave Petra the chance to meet other exchange students, expand her Rotary experience, and represent Barrie proudly.
  

Petra’s warmth and enthusiasm left a lasting impression. Whether she was speaking at club meetings, volunteering at events, or simply sharing stories from home, she brought a global perspective and a genuine spirit of connection.

We wish her all the best as she returns to Hungary and look forward to hearing about her future adventures. Thank you, Petra, for being a wonderful part of our Rotary family. Safe travels — and don’t be a stranger! 💙

This month, the Rotary Club of Barrie received a truly special and heartfelt gift, a $30,000 donation to The Rotary Foundation made in memory of Past President Dave Brown (1994–95).

Dave was a dedicated Rotarian for 47 years, joining the club in 1974. Over nearly five decades, he exemplified what it means to live by Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a steadfast contributor to the Rotary mission, always showing up with generosity, wisdom, and a quiet strength that made a lasting impression on everyone around him.

The donation was presented by Dave’s son Richard and son-in-law Mike, a gesture that speaks not only to Dave’s enduring commitment to Rotary but also to the deep impact he had on his family and community. In his Rotary life, Dave mentored many—including current member Ian Pavlik—offering guidance, encouragement, and a living example of leadership grounded in humility and service.

This legacy gift to The Rotary Foundation will help carry forward the causes that Dave championed throughout his life: strengthening communities, supporting youth, and creating lasting change both locally and globally. His presence is deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to shape our work and inspire future generations of Rotarians.

Thank you, Dave, for everything you gave to Rotary and to the people you touched along the way.

This week, the Rotary Club of Barrie held our annual Presidential Changeover, an important tradition where we reflect on the year past and set our sights on the path ahead. Outgoing President Brian Galbraith opened the meeting by sharing Rotary’s powerful vision:

“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”

Brian highlighted the Club’s incredible impact this past year, including raising over $400,000 in support of local programs and initiatives. He expressed deep gratitude to the Board and Club members for their contributions, earning a standing ovation for his steady and thoughtful leadership.

The spotlight then turned to incoming President Todd Tuckey—our 80th Club President. Introduced by PDG Peter Dean and PP Jody, Todd’s story reflected decades of service and deep connections to Rotary and the Barrie community. A meaningful moment came when PDG Jim, Peter, and Sgt-at-Arms Jacklyn presented Todd with the Chain of Office and President’s Pin in a multigenerational show of Rotary continuity.

PP Betty Ann shared heartfelt remarks recognizing Brian’s contributions, noting how his leadership strengthened the Club through collaboration, balance, and quiet determination. She then presented him with his Past President’s Pin and gavel.

Taking the podium as President, Todd thanked his new Board of Directors and outlined his vision for the year ahead: a renewed focus on member engagement, connection with families and the broader community, and highlighting the good Rotary continues to do every day.

A Barrie native, Todd’s service journey spans decades—from launching Tamarco Contracting in 1989, to chairing Kempenfest and the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, to surviving a life-altering aneurysm. Through it all, Todd has shown resilience, heart, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Thank you, Past President Brian Galbraith, for a year of incredible leadership. And to President Todd Tuckey, we look forward to supporting you as we continue living Rotary’s values and making an impact together.

President Brian proudly presented this year’s Aber Award to our Treasurer, Chris Van Niekerk, recognizing his outstanding work behind the scenes keeping the Club’s finances in order. Chris’s quiet dedication and attention to detail have not gone unnoticed. In accepting the award, he shared his gratitude and humbly acknowledged that many others in the Club are just as deserving. Congratulations, Chris!

In a meaningful step toward reconciliation, the Rotary Club of Barrie allocated $10,000 to support Indigenous initiatives within our local community. President Brian designated these funds to take tangible action in line with our Club’s commitment to reconciliation. Indigenous Club member Kerry Weatherbie was asked to lead the effort and provide recommendations for where the funds could have the greatest impact.

Over the past year, Kerry formed and led an advisory committee, working closely with local services and the Barrie Métis Council to ensure the funds would reach underserved members of the Indigenous community. The Barrie Métis Council, a volunteer-run organization serving over 1,000 registered citizens, was selected as the primary partner for this initiative.

Funds were distributed as follows:

1. Food Bank Support – $4,600
   The Barrie Métis Council supports over 200 families per month with fresh produce and meat. As they do not accept food donations due to quality concerns, funds are used to purchase fresh items directly.
   
2. Youth Camp Funding – $1,400
   Rotary supported access to the Barrie Métis Council’s youth camp, covering registration costs for several children to attend this important cultural and educational experience.
   
3. Post-Secondary Bursaries – $4,000
   Bursaries will be provided to Métis youth entering their first year of post-secondary education, helping to remove financial barriers to higher learning.
   

This presentation and donation took place during National Indigenous History Month. Representatives from the Barrie Métis Council, including President Roxanne Shank and Chair Tony Muscatt, accepted the cheque. Roxanne thanked the Club, noting that Métis and other Indigenous communities continue to face systemic challenges related to income, education, and employment. These donations directly support a brighter future through education and food security.

On behalf of the Barrie Métis Council, Roxanne offered a heartfelt message:

“Maarsî, Chi Miigwetch, thank you. These contributions have a huge impact for the families who receive them. For hundreds of years, Métis citizens have been part of our community and continue to be proud Barrie residents.”

Special thanks to Kerry, Chris Gariepy, Michael Hesson, Roxanne, and Toni for making this initiative a reality.

What a run, Barrie! 🏃‍♀️☀️🌧️

The 38th Annual Barrie Fun Run was another incredible success—rain and all! On Wednesday, May 28, the community came together at the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre for a day filled with energy, smiles, and a whole lot of heart.

Whether you ran, skipped, walked, or danced your way to the finish line, your participation helped raise funds that go directly back into local initiatives and charities. This is what community looks like—people showing up, giving back, and having fun while doing it!

A special shoutout to our cheer squads, volunteers, and of course, crowd favourites Bob and Sprocket, who brought even more spirit to the day. 💙

Shout out to our medal winners of the day! Well done, everyone!

And we couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you for helping us keep this beloved community tradition going strong for 38 years.

👏 Thank you for running with heart, Barrie. See you next year!

The Rotary Club of Barrie is pleased to welcome Adam as the newest member of our club.

A financial advisor with a passion for staying active, Adam enjoys all sports, except cricket, which he admits he hasn’t tried yet. He brings a vibrant, outdoorsy spirit and a clear enthusiasm for community involvement.

After spending nearly a decade away from Barrie, Adam returned and connected with Rotaract. It was during a District Conference in Muskoka that his Rotary journey truly began. As he put it, “It was a huge dance floor and it was so packed. It was at that point, I knew I was going to become a Rotarian.”

Adam was formally inducted by Past President Chris Gariepy, and we look forward to the energy, ideas, and commitment he brings to our club.

Welcome, Adam!