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!

The Apple Dumpling contest is officially over, and we just dropped off the Chromebook to our winner, Ella, and her mother, Jocelyn.

Thank you to everyone who participated, we hope it was fun (and delicious).