Since May Court Club of Barrie first began in 1970, times have changed. The community was smaller back then, and the group’s consignment clothing shop was called “The Gingham Door.” They’ve since changed the name to the May Court Shop, because, as longtime volunteer Marianne Schall puts it, “no one knows what gingham means anymore.”
But one thing that hasn’t changed is the hard work that the club’s volunteers put in throughout the year, especially at their Homes for the Holidays event.
Homes for the Holidays takes place on November 10th from 10AM-4PM. The $40 price grants ticket holders access to tours of four holiday-decorated homes, as well as the Makers Market/Tea Room, where attendees can shop for gifts while enjoying coffee, tea and scones.
The four homes featured this year are a historic century home in Allandale, a country home on Line 4 in Horseshoe, an estate home in Braestone, and a “hidden treasure” in Barrie South. The houses will be festively decorated by Ticking Stripe Design and feature floral arrangements by Rural Roots Flower Co.; Allison Botanix with Halliday House and Halliday House Blooms; Flourish Social Enterprises Floral Studio with Ego’s Garden Centre & Farm Market; and Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery.
As for the Makers Market, it’s not your average craft show. Marianne says that the club vets the products carefully, taking ideas and inspiration from current trends. The items for sale are made by May Court Club of Barrie members and Friends of May Court, and include preserves, baked goods, home decor, clothing, spa products, and more. The market is so popular that regular ticket holders line up early to get the best selection before it’s gone.
“My favourite part is shopping at the Maker’s Market. It’s so upscale that you can easily buy for your sister, your mom or your best friend, for the holidays or for hostess gifts. That’s how good it is,” says Marianne.
May Court Club of Barrie is a volunteer-run registered charity that raises money through fundraisers like Homes for the Holidays, as well as through the May Court Shop. Money raised from the annual event goes into the club’s funds, disbursed throughout the year to local charities, students, and school nutrition programs. An average year for the group means giving out $100,000 to the Barrie community.
May Court Club of Barrie’s scholarship program gives out $20,000 to 10 students entering university, college, or trades school. Students can apply via an online form, and if selected, can use the $2,000 for school expenses like books or tuition.
The group’s Request Review Committee receives applications from charities within the Barrie area who require the funds for specific projects. The committee then disburses $40,000 total to the chosen charities, doing their best to stretch the funds as much as they can.
Finally, the club’s Nutrition Program provides $30,000 in snacks to public and Catholic schools, so that students don’t have to learn while hungry.
Overall since 1970, May Court Club of Barrie has raised and donated over $3 million to the Barrie community. Marianne has been a member for 18 years, and says that they still have active founding members. They also have multigenerational members, like mothers and daughters who volunteer together. The group is always looking for new volunteers to join the cause.
While preparing for Homes for the Holidays is a lot of work for the volunteers, Marianne says they all enjoy seeing people have fun at the event.
“People come from Toronto, Collingwood, Orillia. It’s mainly based in the Barrie and Horseshoe areas, but it’s a gathering event. People come in groups and make it a tradition,” she says.
“We love new people coming and enjoying the event, and getting to know the region. When we’re organizing it, we discover more too.”
For more information and tickets, visit here.
Tickets can also be purchased in-person at the May Court Shop - Ladies Consignment Clothing at 54B Maple Ave, Barrie.