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PRESENTATION TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2014 ORDER OF THE SPIRIT CATCHER AND YOUTH SPIRIT CATCHER AWARDS.
Councillor, M. Prowse, Chair of the Order of the Spirit Catcher Committee, provided the history associated with the Order of the Spirit Catcher Awards. He recognized the recipients of the 2014 Youth Spirit Catcher Award and the Order of the Spirit Catcher Awards as follows:
1. Mr. Grant Bond, recipient of a 2014 Youth Spirit Catcher Award
Councillor Prowse acknowledged Grant's determination and swift response to assist a classmate in a time of crisis, leading to saving the classmate's life. He observed that Grant's compassion and concern for others in a time of need is commendable and is an inspiration to youth in the community. Councillor Prowse presented Mr. Bond with a 2014 Youth Spirit Catcher Award in recognition of his efforts.
Councillor Prowse also recognized and presented certificates of appreciation to Miss Talon Kroll and Miss Maddie Warbrick who aided and assisted the classmate during the time of crisis.
2. Miss Erika Campbell, recipient of a 2014 Youth Spirit Catcher Award
Councillor Prowse commented that Erika began her commitment to the community at the age of four when she and her family adopted Wilkins Beach and Walk, cleaning up the beach and walking trail on a yearly basis. He noted that at the age of six Erika became involved with the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation as a fundraiser volunteer and has participating in the following fundraising activities:
· Helped to raise $10,000 for three provincial cancer camps through the Barrie Believes Talent Show - Algonquin Ridge and Warnica Elementary Schools
· Participated in Strut for a Cure which raised $27,000 in pledges
· Provided crew support for the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride from Toronto to Halifax
· Erika has raised over $140,000 in total and has biked over 3,000 km. to support childhood cancer fundraising initiatives.
Councillor Prowse advised that while on vacation in the Dominican Republic, Erika visited a local school and began advocating for a larger school, a meal programme and the need for additional teachers. As a result of her advocacy, a U.S. Nursing Association got involved and raised funds to provide the upgrades and the student population grew from 12 to over 100. He noted that during Erika's last years of high school, she has volunteered over 400 hours with several programmes and that Erika is anticipating return to the community as a medical doctor after completing her education. Councillor Prowse presented Miss Campbell with a 2014 Youth Spirit Catcher Award in recognition of her efforts.
3. Ms. Grace Pigeau, recipient of a 2014 Youth Spirit Catcher Award
Councillor Prowse commented that Grace thinks, cares about and devotes a significant amount of time to improving her community and is environmentally conscientious. She has participated in numerous cleanup and fundraising activities including the following:
· Barrie waterfront and Milligan's Pond cleanup
· Poster child for Kids for Turtles Environmental Education
· Member of Global Action Club at Barrie Central collegiate which organized "Me to We" events and collected food bank donations
· Volunteers with the music programme weekly at Whispering Pines Retirement Home
· Volunteer member with the Chronic Disease Prevention - Tobacco Team with the Muskoka District Health Unit's Regional Youth Coalition
Councillor Prowse noted that Grace contributes to improving the lives of Barrie residents through the environment, health, arts and culture. He presented Miss Pigeau with a 2014 Youth Spirit Catcher Award in recognition of her efforts.
4. Mr. Shane Denis, recipient of a 2014 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award
Councillor Prowse advised that Shane volunteers tirelessly in his efforts to promote social and environmental initiatives as well as healthy food and community outreach. He commented that Shane has participated and facilitated numerous fundraising and outreach activities including the following:
· Facilitates a weekly community cleanup of the lakeshore and downtown areas with a group of volunteers which has resulted in the removal of approximately 40,000 lbs. of garbage
· Leads a City-wide yearly 45km. skateboard cleanup event promoting alternative transportation and community involvement
· Participated in raising funds of $3,000 and the equivalent to $5,000 in food, clothing and hygiene products for the David Busby Centre in December 2013 by sleeping outside in a box
Councillor Prowse noted that as the owner of Unity Market, Shane offers a gathering place for a variety of community groups and has assisted in the organization of the mural and garbage barrel painting projects which are designed to help beautify the city, support local artists and combat and prevent graffiti and vandalism.
He advised that Shane also mentors youth by holding a weekly open mic jam and art classes at Unity Market focusing on positivity and enlightenment. Local aspiring artists also have the opportunity to make a collaborate professional album through his Community Album Project. Councillor Prowse observed that Shane demonstrates true community spirit and the willingness to give back every day. Councillor Prowse noted that Mr. Denis was not in attendance to receive his award.
5. Mr. Tom Oldershaw, recipient of the 2014 Order of the Spirt Catcher Award
Councillor Prowse commented that Tom volunteers tirelessly in his efforts to raise awareness of poverty in the community and focuses specifically on fundraising for the David Busby Centre. He observed that Tom's volunteer leadership is illustrated by his involvement in the following:
· Member of the David Busby Centre Board of Directors
· Business Development Officer of the Ride4Busby - third party fundraiser for the Centre
· Biked over 550 km. to raise funds for services for the Centre
· Helped to raise awareness of the existence of the David Busby Centre in the community
Councillor Prowse advised that in 2013, Tom was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II, Diamond Jubilee Medal and prior to Tom's involvement with the David Busby Centre, he was a Director of Barrie Out of the Cold. Councillor Prowse acknowledged Tom's long term commitment to support for the homeless in Barrie and enhancing the life style for the residents of the community, making Barrie a better place to live. Councillor Prowse presented Mr. Oldershaw with a 2014 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award in recognition of his efforts.
Mayor Lehman extended congratulations and his appreciation to each of the recipients for their contributions to the community.