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!

Despite a little rainy weather on Saturday, this year’s Spring Tonic was a resounding success, raising a record $50,000 in total profit. After expenses, the net profit came to $25,000, which was shared equally with our valued partners at the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority (NCA).

We were proud to present a cheque for $12,687 to the NCA in recognition of their essential role in making this event possible. Darren made the presentation, joined by Kyra, Jennifer, and Mike from the NCA.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to another great year for Spring Tonic!

The Rotary Club of Barrie was proud to present the Vocational Service Award to Sarah Fleming for her outstanding dedication to supporting youth and families in our community.

Sarah is a Vision Resource Teacher with the Simcoe County District School Board and the Managing Director of Glowing Hearts Charity. Through her leadership, the charity delivers vital programs including psychoeducational assessments, tutoring, mental health counselling, the Calm Homes initiative, fresh food deliveries, music, and hygiene support. In 2021 alone, these services reached more than 5,300 youth across Simcoe County.

Many of these supports fill critical gaps not covered by school boards or OHIP, making a meaningful difference for low-income families.

Sarah called her work a “labour of love” and thanked Rotary for the recognition. The award was presented by Chuck Boldt and Michael Hesson, with President Brian joining for the photo.

Congratulations, Sarah, and thank you for the incredible impact you continue to make.

Our annual Wheels for Wellness fundraiser, paired with the always-popular Charity Euchre Tournament, brought energy, fun, and incredible community spirit to the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre.

Throughout the day, teams of cyclists pedaled it out on spin bikes and trainers, with DJs, healthy snacks, and games keeping the crowd moving and motivated. That evening, our euchre players shuffled up for a cause, rounding out a full day of fundraising and connection.

Together, these events raised $15,225 for wellness-related charities and projects right here in our community. Thank you to all participants, donors, and volunteers who made it possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!

And a BIG thank you to our amazing sponsors! We appreciate your continued support.

SAA Jon kicked off a recent meeting with a twist—challenging members to take on the frigid waters of Kempenfelt Bay in the now-infamous Polar Plunge. A crowd of Rotarians gathered on the dock and inside the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre to witness this unforgettable event. After some playful hesitation and a lot of cheering from the crowd, Colton and Shane took the plunge, staying in the icy water for a jaw-dropping 3 minutes and 42 seconds. As jokes and questions flew among the cozy indoor onlookers (“Are they still moving?” “Would you like a coffee?”), the brave pair emerged victorious—and very cold.

The plunge wasn’t just for fun: half the proceeds went to Camelia and Jody as winners, and the other half was donated to two amazing local charities—the SPCA and Seasons Centre for Grieving Children. A big thank you to our fearless participants for reminding us all what community and commitment really look like.

We’re excited to welcome Richard Turner to the Rotary Club of Barrie, warmly introduced by Past President Ian Pavlik and sponsored by Past President Chris Gariepy.

Richard grew up in Milton with his twin brother Jonathan, whose euchre skills are apparently unmatched. After attending Georgian College, Richard met his wife Jordyn in Toronto. Eventually, the couple decided to leave “The Big Smoke” behind in favour of Barrie’s community charm, where they’re now raising two boys, Jack and Rhett.

Richard is also the founder of Modern PURAIR, a growing business specializing in indoor air quality and duct cleaning. His values align strongly with Rotary’s—his company policy commits to donating 1% of revenue to local charities. Naturally, we’re looking forward to seeing some of that generosity directed toward our Club’s causes!

During the welcome, Chris couldn’t resist reminding Richard that while he may be a rising star in business and community, there’s still work to be done if he wants to claim any squash titles. Welcome aboard, Richard—we’re thrilled to have you!

The Rotary Club of Barrie remains committed to supporting displaced Ukrainians as they rebuild their lives in our community. Through financial contributions, essential services, and community-driven initiatives, we strive to make a meaningful impact.

Recently, we hosted a seminar to help Ukrainian newcomers navigate provincial programs and employment resources. By connecting them with the right information and support systems, we hope to ease their transition and empower them to establish strong foundations in Canada.

Establishing a Community Centre & Donation Hub

Recognizing the need for essential household items, we played a role in the opening of a Ukrainian community centre and donation “store” at the IOOF Seniors Homes. This initiative provides a welcoming space where displaced families can access clothing, household goods, and small appliances generously donated by residents of Barrie and the surrounding area. Additionally, IOOF has graciously provided 18 residential apartments to help Ukrainians get on their feet as they adjust to their new home.

Financial Support for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation

At a recent Ukrainian cultural event held at the Southshore Community Centre, members of the Rotary Club of Barrie had the privilege of presenting a $1,000 cheque to representatives of the Ukrainian community. This donation supports the Canada-Ukraine Foundation Container Project, an initiative that ensures critical supplies and resources reach those in need.

A Commitment to Community

The Rotary Club of Barrie remains dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. Through ongoing partnerships, fundraising efforts, and volunteer-driven initiatives, we will continue to stand alongside our Ukrainian friends and neighbours.

The Rotary Club of Barrie is proud to contribute $2,800 to the Alzheimer Society’s Project Lifesaver, a vital initiative aimed at assisting in search and rescue efforts for individuals who wander due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive conditions.

Project Lifesaver uses state-of-the-art technology to reduce search times and improve safety outcomes for individuals at risk of wandering. Participants in the program wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal, allowing specialized law enforcement Search and Rescue Teams to quickly locate and assist missing individuals. On average, Project Lifesaver reduces search and rescue times to just 30 minutes, significantly lowering the risk of injury or fatality.

According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, over half a million Canadians are currently living with dementia, a number expected to nearly double within the next 12 years. As Alzheimer’s progresses, approximately 60% of individuals will wander at least once, and if not found within 24 hours, 50% of those individuals are at serious risk.

Project Lifesaver Simcoe is working with local police services to implement this life-saving program, ensuring that individuals who wander can be found quickly and safely. This initiative offers peace of mind to families and caregivers, knowing that loved ones have an extra layer of protection in case of an emergency.

The Rotary Club of Barrie is honoured to support this critical program and help make a difference in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. To learn more about Project Lifesaver Simcoe and how you can support this initiative, visit www.projectlifesaversimcoe.ca. For information on the Rotary Club of Barrie’s community efforts, upcoming events, and ways to get involved, visit www.barrierotary.com.