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PRESENTATION TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2016 ORDER OF THE SPIRIT CATCHER AND YOUTH SPIRIT CATCHER AWARDS
Mayor Lehman announced that the recipients of the 2016 Order of the Spirit Catcher and Youth Spirit Catcher Award are the highest awards presented in the City of Barrie and that the recipients were recognized at a gala held by the Barrie Community Foundation.
Councillor M. Prowse commented on the pleasure that it provides the members of the Order of the Spirit Catcher Committee to review the submissions of Barrie residents who make exceptional contributions to the community. He discussed the nomination process and the surprise experienced by the recipients when they are notified that they are to receive these awards. Councillor Prowse described criteria associated with the Order of the Spirit Catcher Award and the Youth Spirit Catcher Award (for ages 12 to 18). He stated that there were two candidates that stood out this year.
Youth Spirit Catcher
Councillor B. Ward announced that the recipient for the 2016 Youth Spirit Catcher Award was Miss Christina D’Alessandro. He commented that her nomination outlined that she is an active member of the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program and that she has gone above and beyond, by volunteering her time to spread important messages in the community.
Councillor Ward discussed that the nomination submission detailed Christina’s determination and zest for life as an inspiration to all, and that after meeting Christina and her family at Gala held by the Barrie Community Foundation, he could personally attest to her enthusiasm.
Councillor Ward noted that Christina is a strong advocate of The War Amps PLAYSAFE message and for the last six years she has joined the War Amps float in local parades, acting as a Safety Ambassador and encouraging kids to “spot the danger” before they play. He indicated that Christina has met with children who have lost limbs in accidents that could have been prevented and she has also given numerous PLAYSAFE presentations where she educates kids about the dangers in their play areas. He commented that Christina has also helped pass on the remembrance message to the younger generation by laying a wreath at the local Remembrance Day service, on behalf of the War Amps Operation Legacy, and gave a presentation to educate others about the importance of remembrance.
In closing, Councillor Ward noted that the nomination indicated that Christina is an excellent example of The War Amps philosophy, “amputees helping amputees” and has made a positive impact in your community”. He invited Christina to the podium to receive the 2016 Youth Spirit Catcher Award.
Order of the Spirit Catcher
Councillor Prowse announced that the 2016 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award was Elizabeth Willoughby. He noted that the nomination for Beth was very heartfelt, and shared some of Beth’s extraordinary accomplishments, including that Beth took up volunteering on a full-time basis when she retired from Bell Canada. He discussed that Beth had been volunteering with the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) since 1997 and has accumulated more than 7,600 hours of service, volunteering at the information desk and with surgical services in the chart production area.
Councillor Prowse advised that Beth is a team leader, who trains new volunteers and is known for going “above and beyond” when extra help is needed, as well as assisting at RVH’s annual auxiliary bazaar and tag days. He also noted that Beth has been awarded Outstanding Service and Life Membership awards for her volunteering at the hospital.
Councillor Prowse highlighted Beth’s volunteer efforts at the Barrie Lawn Bowling Club, including being a volunteer for both the summer and winter seasons, being the (unpaid) secretary of both the summer and winter clubs and that for many years she has assisted bowlers with impaired vision to learn and play the game. He commented that Beth has also been an instructor and club ambassador to new players joining the club for a number of years. She organizes and co-ordinates a number of events at the Club and has been an instructor and a true ambassador for the Club.
Councillor Prowse commented that Beth has shown true commitment by volunteering, by looking after the welfare of a differently abled man and that as the executor of the will of her late sister-in-law, Beth has helped her nephew and his friend for the past 18 years, by bringing them out to lunch, running errands and visiting them at their group home. He also discussed how Beth has become an integral part of the team at Grace United Church, including her participation on Committees and baking for the various events and people that the Church hosts.
Councillor Prowse recognized Beth for the numerous awards she has won associated with her volunteer efforts and indicated that Beth had donated many of her monetary awards to charity. He noted that she has also won numerous Bell Pioneer awards for her volunteering with Bell Canada since her retirement. Beth has become an ambassador to visiting international Georgian College students who live in her neighbourhood and each winter she provides the newcomers with a shovel for their first snowfall experience.
Councillor Prowse commented that when asked about Beth’s good works in Barrie and beyond that comments received are unanimous that Beth is amazing, well deserving and wonderful.
Councillor Prowse invited Beth to the podium and presented her with the 2016 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award.
Beth commented that volunteering is a two-way street and that she gets out just as much as she puts in. She noted that there is nothing nicer than seeing a smile on a visually-impaired lawn bowler, new parents or to be there when someone needs a shoulder to cry on when they receive bad news. She discussed how her support has helped and educated the two mentally challenged individuals she has been helping out.
Christina expressed her appreciation for the recognition, as it was not expected. She discussed that she has volunteered with the War Amps since she was very young and it has been part of her life. Christina commented that she would like to expand her volunteering efforts and reiterated her appreciation for the award and also thanked her parents and family.
Mayor Lehman commented that both recipients were well-deserving of having their efforts in the community recognized.