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PRESENTATION TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THE ORDER OF THE SPIRIT CATCHER AND YOUTH SPIRIT CATCHER AWARD.
Councillor B. Ward and Councillor S. Trotter on behalf of the Order of the Spirit Catcher Committee announced that the recipients of the 2017 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 Ward discussed the number of applications received and he noted that the contributions of those who were nominated were inspiring. He discussed the nomination process and the surprise experienced by the recipients when they are notified that they are to receive these awards. Councillor Ward described the 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 S. Trotter announced that the recipient for the 2017 Youth Spirit Catcher Award was Mr. Zachary Hofer. He advised that Zachary Hofer made headlines with the “Zach Makes Tracks’ journey to Parliament Hill in Ottawa to raise funds for the future Child and Youth Mental Inpatient Unit at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Councillor Trotter noted that Zachary received three nominations.
Councillor Trotter highlighted that many people in the community caught the Zack Makes Tracks fever and discussed activities such as “Baskets for Zach”, a charity barbeque, “Zach’s Send-off Fun Run” and dropping the puck at Hockey Night in Simcoe County at the Barrie Molson Centre to support Zach in his endeavours. Councillor Trotter commented that Zach has raised over $70,000 for the Child and Youth Mental Inpatient Unit at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and he noted that more importantly he has raised the awareness of youth mental health issues.
In closing, Councillor Trotter commented that the nominations included reference to Zachary being the most selfless, dedicated and inspiring kid. He invited Zachary to the podium to receive the 2017 Youth Spirit Catcher Award.
Zachary extended his thanks for the recognition.
Order of the Spirit Catcher
Councillor Ward announced that 2017 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award was Erica Curtis. He noted that Erica is a retired registered nurse and has been volunteering for almost four decades. He advised that in the 1970’s, Erica took a leadership role at the YMCA and the Canadian Mental Health Association, where she conducted public education and group community outreach activities, primarily related to woman and family issues of that time.
He advised that in 1992, she joined the Board of the Royal Victoria Hospital where she became Chair of the Quality Improvement Committee, Chair of the Management Committee and Vice Chair of the Board. She also helped initiate womens’ health activities at RVH and sat on the Women’s Health Community Advisory Council. Councillor Ward advised that she has been an active volunteer at Hospice Simcoe for over 23 years where she has supported bereavement clients, provided leadership and mentorship to other volunteers. He noted that in 2006, Erica was an instrumental part of the team that built a case to build a residential hospice facility. He advised that in 2017 alone, 232 families used residential hospice services.
He highlighted that Erica has volunteered at the MacLaren Art Centre for more than twenty years, Parkinson Canada and he noted that Erica together with her husband Jim helped bring two Syrian families to Barrie.
In closing, Councillor Ward noted that the nomination quoted “In her day to day life, Erica exemplifies community building. If someone needs help, Erica has the sensitivity to see what is needed and quietly offers to help. She builds community every day through acts of kindness.” and “Erica has devoted herself to helping people and is still making a significant contribution to the lifestyle of our community”.
Erica expressed her appreciation for the recognition, as she did not expect it.
Mayor Lehman commented that both recipients are an inspiration to the community and were well-deserving of having their efforts recognized.