Title
RECOGNITION OF THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2025 ORDER OF THE SPIRIT CATCHER AWARDS
Councillor Harris, on behalf of the Order of the Spirit Catcher Committee, announced that the Order of the Spirit Catcher Awards are the highest honours presented by the City of Barrie to outstanding Barrie residents who volunteer and selflessly give their time and energy to help others and to enhance the city.
Senior Category
Councillor Harris announced Marshall Green as the recipient of the 2025 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award in the Senior Category. Mr. Green was recognized for his long-standing service to the community and his distinguished history with many organizations, including the Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Barrie, the Am Shalom Synagogue, Theatre by the Bay and the Barrie Community Foundation. Mr. Green has volunteered his time to numerous fundraising campaigns, including those for the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, the expansion of the Barrie YMCA, the Barrie Public Library, and the implementation of a legacy of community benefits for sports, culture, and the environment. His extensive community involvement and contributions to a wide range of Barrie organizations and achievements over many decades have made the City of Barrie a better community.
Mr. Green spoke about his personal experience volunteering and giving back to the community and encouraged others to volunteer.
Mayor Nuttall and Councillor Harris congratulated Mr. Green and thanked him for his contributions to the City and presented him with a cheque and certificate on behalf of the City.
Adult Category
Councillor Harris announced Ben Cupello as the recipient of the 2025 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award for the Adult Category. Councillor Harris recognized Mr. Capello as a remarkable volunteer, who has continuously given his time and energy to help the community by volunteering for countless community events, charities, and fundraisers. Mr. Capello participated as a model in the Raw and Reflective fundraising calendar for Gilda's Club Simcoe-Muskoka, and he sold several thousand dollars worth of calendars. Mr. Capello raised over $5,000 for the Barrie Women and Children's Shelter by parachuting out of a plane to inspire donations and awareness. Mr. Cupello also supports Guys that Give, Barrie Families Unite, Barrie Chamber of Commerce events, the 25th Anniversary Legacy Event for the Gift-a-Family campaign and even volunteered to act in a murder-mystery play to raise funds for "Rainbows for Children Canada." Whether fundraising, organizing, or simply showing up to lend a hand, Ben's presence is a dependable force for good. He brings people together, inspires empathy, and is relentlessly the first person to raise his hand; qualities that resonate deeply with the spirit of Barrie's community.
Mr. Capello spoke about his personal experience volunteering and giving back to the community, and how volunteering has rewarded him.
Mayor Nuttall and Councillor Harris congratulated Mr. Cupello and thanked him for his contributions to the City and presented him with a cheque and certificate on behalf of the City.
Youth Category
Councillor Harris announced Sophie Rennie as the recipient of the 2025 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award for the Youth Category. Councillor Harris recognized that Sophie Rennie is an entrepreneur, owner of Sweet and Sassie Bake Shop who went above and beyond to help a Barrie family in need that she’s never met. As a local small business owner Ms. Rennie launched an online fundraiser and volunteered her time and baking talents after learning through a customer about a little girl in the community who was battling cancer. Sophie immediately stepped up to help the child’s family by launching a cookie box fundraiser where people were able to pre-order a box of 10 cookies for $25 where 100 percent of the proceeds would go to the child’s family to help cover some expenses. Ms. Rennie worked with the child’s relatives to promote her campaign and over $10,000 was raised for the girl’s family. Ms. Rennie is described as a pleasant, young entrepreneur and that she deserves to be acknowledged for all the support she gave to the family in need.
Ms. Rennie spoke about her personal experience volunteering and giving back to the community, and how volunteering has rewarded her.
Mayor Nuttall and Councillor Harris congratulated Ms. Rennie and thanked her for her contributions to the City and presented her with a cheque and certificate on behalf of the City.