Shak gets an assist from the Barrie Colts for Nov. 1 opening

Shak’s World got a little bigger Friday afternoon as the Barrie Colts have helped to keep the ball rolling on the upstart community centre.

Shanicka Edwards (Shak) opened the doors to Shak’s World Community Centre to some giving guests Friday with just two days until the official opening for programs and basketball. 

A $3,000 cheque was presented to Edwards by the Colts Community Fund. Barrie Colts owner Howie Campbell, Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard and Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MP Doug Shipley were on hand for the presentation.

Edwards said she was approached by the Colts organization a few weeks ago about the partnership and told BarrieToday that it came at the right time.

“We open on Nov. 1 to the public and we plan to start offering our different programming from arts to sports to just regular mentorship,” said Edwards. “This is a youth drop-in centre, so we’re happy to see youth who are looking for a safe, friendly place to hang out.”

Due to COVID restrictions, everything will be happening in small groups, which is safe in the 12,588-square-foot space. There will also be Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it out to the building. 

Located at 59A Maple Ave., site of the former Barrie Youth Centre, Shak’s World includes a gym, office space, several multi-purpose areas and a kitchen area.

Shak’s World relies on the help of the partners they’ve had for years and are thankful for their new collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Empower Simcoe, Family Connections and New Path.

Campbell said it was Brassard who got him intrigued about the community centre. He said meeting Edwards sold him completely. 

“John (Brassard) said this was a cause we had to get behind and that's how it started for me and the Colts family,” said Campbell. “I have to admit, since I’ve been here and met Shak herself, I’m really impressed with what she is trying to do here. The community needs more people like her in it and what she is trying to do for youth and mental health is just fantastic.”

Campbell said he believes the money will help Edwards get general clean-up and painting done to get ready for the big opening on Sunday.

“We can’t wait to get some of the Colts players in here to help in any way they can, maybe talk to the youth here, mentor them,” said Campbell. “Basketball, hockey, it doesn’t matter what sport it is. Sport is a great thing for youth to be involved with and Shak is doing a great thing in this community by giving all her time and effort into making this happen.”

For more information on Shak’s World, head to the site here.