Founded as Barrie’s first non-profit organization, the Kiwanis Club of Barrie has dedicated 104 years to helping the community, particularly Barrie’s children and youth.
Year after year, the group proves to be a dedicated team of volunteers committed to fulfilling the mission of Kiwanis International - addressing community needs and making the world a better place to live.
Their many fundraising and community support projects include providing children with warm winter clothing, providing 15 area schools with $9,000 in school supplies and offering a $500 scholarship for one graduating student from all ten high schools in Barrie.
The Kiwanis Club of Barrie also hosts two food wagons during Kempenfest, with funds going towards children and families in need. Organizations that have benefited from these funds include the Busby Centre, Youth Haven, Women and Children’s Crisis Centre, Special Olympics, Samaritan House, Rainbows for All Children Canada, Theatre By the Bay, McLaren Art Centre, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Scouts Canada, Simcoe Hospice, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, Mooreland Children’s Camp and more.
Additionally, the club partners with the Barrie Music Festival, providing scholarships for deserving musicians.
This year, in partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the club will be sending one book a month to a child until they are five years old at no cost to the parents. To date, 173 children are enrolled in this program.
The extensive hard work, commitment and dedication of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie truly make them a worthy recipient of this year's Community Builders Award in the Hall of Fame category.
“You just never know when something like this could happen,” said Brendan Burns, current president of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie when told about the club’s award win. “We are always looking to get feedback, so this will help to motivate the members and make them feel like they’re doing something worthwhile for the community.”
“We’re really pleased with this. Thanks ever so much for the nomination and thank you to those who wrote letters of support,” Burns said. “We appreciate it very much.”
The Kiwanis Club of Barrie has also been a longtime supporter of the Barrie Food Bank, making significant contributions toward major projects and initiatives.
In 2016, the club donated $10,000 towards the purchase of a delivery van that allowed the food bank to pick up food donations from grocery stores and businesses. They also donated $8,000 to pay for an overhead heater fan, keeping the food bank volunteers warm during the winter months.
In addition to financial donations, the club has regularly organized Thanksgiving, holiday and spring food drives on behalf of the Barrie Food Bank to help feed hungry families.
“We are extremely grateful for the long-term support of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie. They are committed, passionate and action-oriented - helping us work towards a community where no one is hungry,” shared Sharon Palmer, former executive director of the Barrie Food Bank.
The Kiwanis Club of Barrie has exemplified the spirit of community service for over a century, tirelessly working to uplift children and families in need. It goes without saying that their impactful work will continue making Barrie a better place.
The Hall of Fame award goes to an individual or a group that has had a significant impact on the community. People who can be credited with the establishment of an institution (a festival, a park, a community centre).
Congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Barrie!
This award is proudly sponsored by Osborne Goddard Team.
