The Rotary Club of Barrie was proud to celebrate the incredible success of our most recent Catch the Ace lottery with a cheque presentation to President Todd for $385,000. David Mills introduced the hardworking Catch the Ace Committee, including David Mills, Paul Marley, Anita Laking, Heather Gittings, Ian Pavlik, and Steve Glover, thanking not only the committee members but also the many volunteers who made this project possible.

This fundraiser wouldn’t have been such a success without our strong partnership with the Barrie Legion. Marcel Vigneault, President of the Legion, and Steve Glover both expressed gratitude for the collaboration that allowed this initiative to thrive and deliver such a meaningful impact in our community.

The excitement reached a peak with the announcement of our grand prize winner: Congratulations to Lydia Heise, who selected Envelope #47 and uncovered the elusive Ace of Spades, winning a combined total of $750,416.50! 💰 Lydia’s incredible win marked the thrilling conclusion of this Catch the Ace round.

But Catch the Ace is about more than winning big; it’s about giving back. Each ticket purchased contributed directly to raising funds for important community initiatives, making this event a true win-win for everyone involved.

We are thrilled with the results of this round and grateful for the community’s support. Stay tuned, plans are already in the works for the next round of Catch the Ace, and your chance to win (and give back) could be just around the corner!

This year’s Kempenfest Beer Garden was another great success, with Rotary Club of Barrie volunteers working tirelessly to serve thousands of visitors while raising funds for community initiatives. The final financials are still being tallied, but it’s safe to say it was another outstanding year.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who was part of the roster and to their families and friends who supported them throughout the weekend. Special recognition to Jeff McCuaig, Jon Ingram, John O’Brien, and Michael LeCollier, who not only put in countless hours at the Rotary tent but also supported Kempenfest as a whole.

President Todd was congratulated and thanked by Paul Markle for his leadership, and in turn, Todd highlighted the tremendous contributions Paul makes each year to keep things running smoothly.

Congratulations to the entire crew for making this event such a success once again. Rotary Barrie is proud to be part of this incredible community tradition!

At a recent meeting, the Rotary Club of Barrie Charitable Foundation proudly presented cheques in support of several important community and international initiatives.

Chair Ian Pavlik announced that the Foundation has been matching payments for projects brought forward by Club committees, further multiplying the impact of their efforts. Later in the evening, cheques were presented to the Salvation Army and Christmas Cheer, with heartfelt thanks expressed for the early boost to their holiday campaigns.

This round of funding included:

• $1,000 – Community Service Committee, for a much-needed power wheelchair.
  
• $3,000 – Community Service Committee, to support Christmas Cheer.
  
• $3,000 – Community Service Committee, for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign.
  
• $2,500 – International Committee, to support the ReAct Kenya project.
  

These contributions highlight Rotary’s commitment to improving lives locally and abroad. From providing mobility and independence to an individual in need, to ensuring families can celebrate the holidays with dignity, to supporting global initiatives in Kenya, each donation demonstrates the power of service above self.

The Boots and Hearts Barn Burner Charity Hockey Game was an incredible success! Thanks to the support of players, sponsors, fans, and friends, the event raised $605,210 to benefit local charities and community causes.

The evening brought together hockey fans and athletes for an unforgettable all-star game, featuring NHL stars John Tavares, Quinton Byfield, Erik Gudbranson, as well as PWHL stars including Jessie Eldridge, Jill Saulnier, Abby Roque, and more.

Proceeds from the Barn Burner will support RVH, PIE Education, and many other local initiatives, helping to strengthen our community and provide resources where they’re needed most.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, cheered, and donated. Your generosity made this night one to remember!

The Rotary Club of Barrie is proud to welcome two new members, Jeff Cook and Blair King, to our community of service-minded leaders.

Jeff Cook
Jeff is both a financial planner and a licensed electrician, bringing a unique blend of skills to the club. Born and raised in Barrie, Jeff recently married his wife, Nicole, in 2023. Together, they share their home with two much-loved bulldogs, Hank and Cali.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff has been a long-time volunteer at Kempenfest and is dedicated to giving back to the Barrie community. We are thrilled to welcome Jeff and look forward to the contributions he will bring to Rotary.

Blair King
Blair has called Barrie home since 1970, attending Hillcrest Public School and Barrie Central Collegiate. His career began at Bell before he found his calling in policing, where he now serves as a Uniform Patrol Sergeant. Throughout his career, Blair has worked in various areas of policing, including the Tactical Support Unit.

Blair and his wife, Lesley, have been married for 29 years and have three adult sons. Community service has always been important to Blair. He has served on several boards in the area and is especially passionate about Big Brothers. His commitment to service and leadership aligns perfectly with Rotary values, and we are delighted to have him join our ranks.

Looking Ahead
Jeff and Blair embody the Rotary spirit of fellowship, service, and leadership. Please join us in warmly welcoming them as they begin their Rotary journey with us.

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.

What an incredible day! On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Rotary Club of Barrie’s Wheels for Wellness event brought together cyclists, card players, and community supporters for a day of fun, fitness, and fundraising—and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Pedaling for a Purpose 🚴‍♀️
From the moment the first teams hit the spin bikes and trainers at the South Shore Community Centre, the energy in the room was electric! Teams of up to seven members pedaled their hearts out, embracing the friendly competition and fitness challenges, all in support of wellness-related projects and charities in our community.

With DJ music, fitness tests, healthy snacks, and more, there was something for everyone, whether you were pushing your limits on the bike or cheering from the sidelines. Your enthusiasm made this event more than just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of health, teamwork, and community spirit!

Our Charity Euchre Tournament 🃏
The Charity Euchre Tournament was an amazing way to end the day, adding an exciting new way for participants to support Rotary’s community initiatives. The tournament was a huge success, bringing together players of all skill levels to enjoy some friendly competition while making a meaningful impact. Thank you to everyone who played—it was truly inspiring to see the camaraderie around the tables!

Making a Difference Together
Every dollar raised from Wheels for Wellness and our Charity Euchre Tournament goes toward important community wellness projects and charities, and your participation ensures that we can continue making a difference. Your dedication—whether through cycling, playing euchre, volunteering, or cheering us on—fuels the success of this event year after year.

See You Next Year!
As we wrap up another successful Wheels for Wellness, we already can’t wait for next year’s event! If you had a blast this year (and we know you did!), stay tuned for details on how to get involved in 2026.

Thank you once again for your incredible support—you make this event possible, and together, we are making a lasting impact! 🚴‍♂️♥️♠️

The 73rd Annual Rotary Club of Barrie Online Auction has wrapped up, and we are thrilled to share the incredible impact our community has made together! With the generous support of donors, bidders, and volunteers, we raised an amazing $18,195 toward local community initiatives. This success would not have been possible without the dedication of so many individuals who contributed their time, energy, and resources to make this auction a standout event.

A huge shoutout to Mike H., whose efforts in securing nearly one-third of the auction items played a key role in making this year’s auction such a success. Your dedication and commitment to our community are truly appreciated!

Supporting Our Community, One Bid at a Time

The Rotary Club of Barrie Online Auction is a long-standing tradition, bringing people together for a great cause while offering amazing deals just in time for the holiday season. Each year, local businesses, organizations, and individuals donate items—ranging from gift certificates to local shops and restaurants, to exciting experiences like ski passes, theater tickets, and weekend getaways. Larger donations like BBQs and even hot tubs have also been auctioned off in past years!

The funds raised go directly toward community initiatives, helping to support vital programs and services in Barrie and beyond. From youth programs to local charities, the impact of these contributions extends far beyond the auction itself.

Looking Ahead to Next Year!

With this year’s auction raising $18,195, we’re already looking forward to next year’s event and hoping to surpass that goal! If you’re interested in getting involved, whether through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.

Once again, thank you to everyone who donated, bid, and supported this year’s auction. Your generosity and community spirit make all the difference!

See you next year for another successful auction! 💙

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, we had the incredible opportunity to take part in a free CPR Clinc at 59 Lampman Lane in Barrie. This hands-on event brought together members of our community eager to learn life-saving skills that could make a difference in an emergency.

Attendees participated in interactive training sessions covering essential CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants. They also learned how to respond to choking emergencies and properly use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). With two available sessions, from 9:30 – 11:30 AM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM, participants had the flexibility to attend at their convenience.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us, making this workshop such a success! Your enthusiasm and commitment to learning these critical skills help build a safer and more prepared community.

A special thank you to St. John Ambulance Barrie Simcoe Muskoka for leading the instruction with their expertise and dedication, and to the City of Barrie for their support in making this event possible.

Want to learn more? If you missed this event but are interested in future CPR training sessions, contact St. John Ambulance at YorkSimcoeMuskoka@sja.ca or call (705) 726-0991.

Together, we are building a community that is ready to act when it matters most!

The Rotary Club of Barrie is delighted to welcome two outstanding new members, Arkady Spivak and Susanne Turner Fisher, who bring with them a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to making a difference in our community.

Arkady Spivak: A Life in Theatre and Community Engagement

Arkady Spivak, introduced by his sponsor Arlette, comes to us with a fascinating background in the arts. Having immigrated from Moscow, Arkady ‘grew up backstage’ and has since dedicated his career to the world of theatre. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Talk is Free Theatre, a role that reflects his deep love for storytelling and cultural enrichment.

PP Bas Asselbergs had the privilege of formally inducting Arkady into the Club, where he expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome. He looks forward to getting involved, sharing his experiences, and contributing to the Club’s mission. We are thrilled to have Arkady join our ranks and eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will have.

Susanne Turner Fisher: A Passion for Connection and Service

PP Stu McMillan had the honor of inducting our newest member, Susanne Turner Fisher. Sponsored by Katherine Elphick, Susanne brings an impressive background in business and community engagement. She is a graduate of McGill University, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and International Business.

Beyond her professional achievements, Susanne has a deep desire for connection, purpose, and service. Her enthusiasm and dedication to helping others make her a perfect fit for our Rotary family. We know she will be an invaluable asset to our Club, and we look forward to seeing her contribute to our initiatives and program