On October 11, 2024, the Rotary Club of Barrie, together with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and Georgian Bay Forever, organised an impactful day of water-quality education for over 100 Grade 5 students at Ardagh Bluffs Public School. This event aimed to teach students about water conservation and environmental stewardship in a fun, interactive way.

The day kicked off with hands-on learning activities. Students examined the issue of microplastics and bioaccumulation, using microscopes to sift through soil for plastic fragments and learning about the harmful effects of pollutants on ecosystems. With the help of an NVCA educator, they explored how human activities impact local watersheds through the use of an “Enviroscape” model. This engaging exercise demonstrated how pollution can travel from urban environments into waterways and what steps can be taken to reduce these effects.

To further promote environmental responsibility, students partnered with the Rotary Club and Georgian Bay Forever to paint storm drains around the school with yellow fish and the message “Rain Only.” This public awareness activity highlighted the fact that stormwater flows untreated into natural waterways, reinforcing the need to keep oils, chemicals, and garbage out of our drains. Students also distributed flyers to nearby homes to spread the message within the community.

The day, initiated by Rotary’s David McCullough and funded by Georgian Bay Forever, was a great success. As a thank-you for their efforts, students enjoyed a pizza lunch provided by the Rotary Club. The club is proud to support programs that help educate and empower young people to take care of their environment and become the next generation of environmental stewards.

The Rotary Club of Barrie’s Environmental Committee made great strides at the Tiffin Centre for the Harold Parker Boardwalk project. With a team that included three Past Presidents and two Past Treasurers, progress was significant. The NVCA was very happy with the work accomplished. Special thanks to Gary Pearson, David McCullough, Chuck Boldt, and Bernie Still for their dedication!

The Rotary Club of Barrie is delighted to announce that this year’s Kempenfest was another incredible success! On behalf of the entire Kempenfest Team, Todd Tuckey presented the club with a generous cheque for $108,557.00. This remarkable amount represents the collective spirit and hard work of our dedicated Rotarians and the unwavering support of our community.

These funds will be used to continue supporting meaningful local projects that strengthen our community and improve the lives of those around us. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the Rotary Beer Garden at Kempenfest 2024. Your contributions make a difference!

On October 24th The Rotary Club of Barrie hosted a special All Barrie Clubs Meeting to recognize World Polio Day, underscoring Rotary’s ongoing commitment to eradicating this disease worldwide. The event featured an insightful presentation by David, who spoke about the progress and challenges in the fight against polio.

Understanding Polio and Current Challenges

• David delved into the complexities of polio eradication and the barriers that persist today. He highlighted the ongoing issues in regions such as Pakistan and Afghanistan:
• Currently, there are 32 confirmed cases of polio in Pakistan. Despite the challenges, the Pakistani government remains highly supportive of eradication efforts.
• An important cultural note: children who receive the polio vaccine have their pinky finger painted as a sign of vaccination, though some are marked without actually being vaccinated.
• Tribal elders in Pakistan continue to negotiate with the government, seeking concessions that impact vaccination campaigns.
• Tragically, the fight against polio remains dangerous—this year alone, 15 vaccinators and police have lost their lives in Pakistan.

In Afghanistan, the situation is also fraught with difficulty:

• The government has reported fewer than 22 confirmed cases; however, active cases may be underreported.
• A significant setback occurred in September when Afghanistan’s government suspended further vaccinations.

Global and Local Support for Polio Eradication

David emphasised that Canadians, including the Rotary community, are steadfast in their support of the global polio eradication initiative. He encouraged members to continue their contributions, highlighting the importance of joining the District 7010 Polio Plus Society with a donation of $100 or more. This ongoing support is crucial as Rotary remains committed to the promise made in 1985 to eradicate polio worldwide.

Rotary’s Continued Dedication

David’s presentation included technical details about how polio spreads, sparking thoughtful questions from attendees, all of which he competently answered. District Governor Stephen Wilkinson thanked David for his thorough and engaging talk. The meeting concluded with Rotarians gathering outside Barrie City Hall for a flag-raising ceremony to mark World Polio Day, a powerful symbol of their unity and resolve.

As we look forward, it’s important that Rotarians and community members remain active in supporting polio eradication efforts, ensuring that the legacy of compassion and determination continues.

Click here to make your donation and join the fight against polio.

The Rotary Club of Barrie was honoured to participate in the Accessible Halloween event hosted by Oatley Vigmond this year. This incredible event allowed children and individuals who may find Halloween challenging or otherwise inaccessible to fully experience the joy of Halloween in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Rotary members dedicated their time and resources to ensure the success of the event, creating a memorable day filled with costumes, treats, and smiles. From decorating booths to handing out candy and helping make the activities accessible for all, our members were thrilled to play a role in making Halloween a joyous occasion for everyone.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who donated time, money, and resources. Your generosity made it possible to provide a truly inclusive Halloween experience for our community. It was a heartwarming reminder of the power of community and compassion, and we’re already looking forward to supporting this event again next year!

On October 24th, we observe World Polio Day, a day that brings together people from around the world to reflect on the incredible progress made toward eradicating polio, and the work still left to be done. For decades, Rotary has been at the forefront of the fight to end polio, and this day serves as a powerful reminder of Rotary’s mission to rid the world of this devastating disease once and for all.

The Progress So Far: A 99.9% Reduction in Polio Cases

Through Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, global polio cases have been reduced by an astounding 99.9%, bringing us closer than ever to a polio-free world. From widespread vaccinations to raising awareness and funding, Rotary’s commitment to this cause has made a profound impact on global health.

Yet, despite this progress, the fight is not over. Polio remains a threat in some parts of the world, and continued efforts are crucial to ensure that no child suffers from this preventable disease.

How You Can Help: Triple Your Impact with Every Donation

This World Polio Day, your contribution can go further than ever. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, every donation to the End Polio Now campaign will be matched 2:1, tripling the impact of your support. That means your generosity will have an even greater effect on funding vaccinations, outreach programs, and polio eradication efforts worldwide.

Together, we can ensure that polio is completely eradicated, making it a disease of the past. Your donation—no matter the size—makes a difference.

A Call to Action: Let’s Finish the Fight

As we reflect on the progress made, let’s also look ahead to the work that remains. The goal is in sight, and with the continued support of individuals like you, we can finally see an end to polio.

This October 24th, join us in supporting World Polio Day. Whether through donations, raising awareness, or simply sharing Rotary’s message, your efforts bring us closer to a polio-free future.

Together, we can finish the fight.

Click here to make your donation.

At the Rotary Club of Barrie, we believe that our members are the heart of everything we do. This October, we’re excited to welcome Samantha Clark and Gladys Okoli to our Rotary family! Each of these remarkable individuals brings unique talents and a passion for community service that will enhance our club’s efforts to make a positive impact.

Introducing Samantha Clark:
Samantha is a local realtor who is deeply committed to giving back to the Barrie community. With her extensive knowledge of the area and her drive to help others, we know she will be an incredible asset to our club.

Introducing Gladys Okoli:
Gladys is a behavioural therapist dedicated to helping individuals improve their quality of life. Her experience and dedication will no doubt play a key role in furthering the Rotary Club’s mission of service.

We are thrilled to have Samantha and Gladys on board and can’t wait to see the incredible work they’ll accomplish as part of our team. When you see them at our next event, be sure to say hello and give them a warm Rotary welcome!

Interested in Making a Difference? Join the Rotary Club of Barrie!

If you’re passionate about giving back to the community and want to make a lasting impact, consider becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Barrie! By joining, you’ll be part of a network of dedicated individuals working together on meaningful projects that benefit both our local community and global causes.

From charity events to hands-on volunteer opportunities, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. We’re always looking for passionate, community-minded individuals to join our Rotary family. Ready to take the next step? Click here to learn more about how you can get involved and start making a positive impact with the Rotary Club of Barrie!

One year ago, the Rotary Club of Barrie, in partnership with Canada Healthy Community Initiatives and the City of Barrie, established the COVID Heroes and Memorial Garden. This beautiful space was created to honour the bravery, resilience, and compassion shown by our community throughout the pandemic.

A New Addition to Inspire Reflection

Recently, the garden received a significant enhancement—a 47,000 lb boulder that now stands as a striking centerpiece and backdrop for visitors. This impressive feature further enriches the garden’s peaceful atmosphere and serves as a reminder of the strength we displayed during challenging times. Perfect for photos, the boulder invites visitors to engage with the memorial in a new way. Remember to snap a picture and tag our Instagram account when you visit!

A Community Effort of Gratitude

This project would not have been possible without the unwavering support of several key sponsors and contributors who dedicated their time, skills, and resources:

• Sunbelt Rentals, Midhurst Granite, and the City of Barrie played crucial roles in bringing this vision to life, each contributing significant resources and expertise.
• Landmark Environmental Group Ltd generously provided extensive time and labour, amounting to approximately $50,000 in value—at no cost to the project.
• The Rotary Club of Barrie took on project management and labour, giving priceless time and effort to see the project through.

Acknowledging Contributions Beyond Measure

The following contributors offered services that brought valuable savings of over $5,000 each, either through deep discounts or entirely free services:

• Carr Landscaping
• Midhurst Granite
• Sunbelt Rentals
• Spring Tree Farms
• Gerrits Engineering

Additional community supporters, who provided essential services valued at up to $4,000 each, include:

• Western Mechanical
• Rudy Mak Surveyors
• ISM Architects
• Ron Clark Inc.

Many others offered noteworthy support, with friends-and-family-type discounts:

• Nelson Aggregate
• Express Crane
• NNVK Nurseries
• Egos Nurseries
• The Irrigation Pro
• John Eek & Son
• Wyevale Concrete
• DW Tuck
• Green Geotechnical
• Maglin Benches

Honourable Mentions

We would also like to thank Alectra Utilities, Georgian College, and Huntsville Concrete for their contributions that helped make this initiative a reality.

Watch the Boulder Installation

Click here to see a behind-the-scenes look at the boulder’s installation, and check out the incredible drone footage captured by our fellow Rotarian, Darren Robinson. His video offers a unique perspective on this significant addition to the garden.

We are proud to see the COVID Heroes Garden continue to grow and serve as a place of reflection and remembrance for our community.

A Unified Tribute

This collective effort exemplifies our community’s ability to come together in moments of need and celebration. We extend our deepest gratitude to every individual and organization involved for their unwavering support and commitment.

Visit the COVID Heroes and Memorial Garden and take a moment to reflect on the strength, compassion, and unity that carried us through the pandemic.

Supporting Local Charities in a Unique Way
Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 5, 2024! The Rotary Club of Barrie is thrilled to host its inaugural Charity Fair, a unique, tradeshow-style event designed to support and showcase local charities in an interactive, festive setting. This exciting event takes place at the Bradford Greenhouse on Highway 90 in Barrie, adding a touch of holiday magic to the experience by aligning with the charming Bradford Green House Christmas Market.

The Charity Fair isn’t a typical fundraiser—it’s a “big brother” initiative aimed at providing exposure and tangible support to the incredible charities in our community. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Experience the Holiday Cheer
Held at the Bradford Greenhouse, the Charity Fair will offer a delightful seasonal backdrop for attendees, who can enjoy the festive charm of the Christmas Market while engaging with local charities. The holiday decorations, seasonal vendors, and warm atmosphere will create a memorable experience, making it a perfect outing for families, friends, and community members looking to get into the holiday spirit.

Meet Local Charities
A variety of local charities will set up booths where they can share their missions, engage with the community, and showcase their impactful work. We’ll be spotlighting each participating charity, so attendees will know the causes they’re supporting. This interaction fosters connections and builds awareness, providing these organisations with a platform to inspire and engage new supporters.

Vote and Make a Difference!
The Charity Fair introduces an innovative token-based system for raising funds. Each attendee will receive a gold token they can place in the charity booth’s drop box of their choice. The more tokens a charity collects, the larger their share of the prize table funds. Attendees have a direct role in supporting their favourite causes, and with each vote, they’ll know that their engagement helps that charity raise more funds.

Exciting Prizes
The prize table will feature a selection of attractive items, adding to the event’s excitement and encouraging participation. With prizes generously contributed by our community, there’s something for everyone! Each ticket purchased contributes directly to the prize table fund, which will be divided among the charities based on token collection, further amplifying the impact of each attendee’s vote.

Season of Giving
In the spirit of the holidays, the Charity Fair is all about giving back and fostering connections within our community. With a “winter wonderland” atmosphere, this event provides the perfect setting to support local causes, connect with community members, and celebrate the holiday season.

Join Us and Make an Impact
This one-of-a-kind Charity Fair promises to be a joyful and impactful event. It’s more than just a fair; it’s a community gathering with a purpose. So, come out, enjoy the festive season, support our local charities, and make a difference in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!