Barrie Bingo Sponsors Association

05/20/2026

A wonderful success story from one of our members - St Joan of Arc! Congrats Veronika!

Each year, our school board celebrates an from each of its nine secondary schools.

Veronika Slowikowska is this year’s Outstanding Graduate from St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Barrie. After building a dynamic career in film, television, and online comedy, Veronika has reached a legendary milestone: joining the cast of Saturday Night Live for its 51st season.

Read more about Veronika at www.outstandinggrads.ca.

04/25/2026

As National Volunteer Week comes to a close, it’s a good moment to recognize the people who keep our communities moving—often quietly and without recognition.

Volunteers are the ones who show up early, stay late, and step in wherever they’re needed. They bring compassion, dedication, and a willingness to give their time for something bigger than themselves.

Behind every program, every event, and every moment of support, there’s a volunteer making it happen.

To all of you—thank you. Your impact doesn’t end with this week. It’s felt every single day. 💙

04/25/2026

💙 What's Your Why? Let's hear from Brian.

For 11 years, Brian has been using his passion for music to give back to the community through volunteerism. As part of a dedicated group supporting charity initiatives, he’s helped raise funds that make a real difference both locally and across Canada.

“Funds we raise support two charities, both of which are very important to me.”

Those efforts have helped support people with communication challenges and keep music alive in schools and communities nationwide.

One standout moment? Helping bring over 500 students from 7 Simcoe County schools together for a vocal workshop which was made possible through volunteer fundraising efforts.

“Over 500 students attended the workshop!”

Brian has also experienced the full-circle impact of giving back, with support helping his own chorus travel internationally to perform.

Thank you, Brian, for sharing your love of music and creating opportunities for others to thrive. 🎶🌟

04/24/2026

💙 What's Your Why? Let's hear from Cyrille.

For many years across different organizations Cyrille has dedicated his time to helping others in the Barrie community. From supporting the food bank to volunteering in healthcare and service groups, his commitment to giving back spans decades.

“I thank God for all I have. This allows me to give to others.”

For Cyrille, volunteering is deeply rooted in gratitude and compassion. It’s about showing up for those who need it most and living out the values that bring communities together.

“Helping those who are unable to help themselves gives one a sense of purpose.”

Thank you, Cyrille, for your years of service and for making a difference through kindness, faith, and action. 🌟

04/23/2026

💙 What's Your Why? Let's hear from Laurie.

For over 5 years, Laurie has been giving back to the community she’s always called home. After retiring, she set out to find something meaningful, and found a renewed sense of purpose through volunteering.

“I raised my children in this community and received lots of support… so felt it was time to give back.”

Through her work helping grow a local initiative into a thriving social enterprise, Laurie is part of something bigger - creating real impact for people in need every single day.

One moment that stands out? On a freezing winter morning, Laurie and her team answered a call to help a man experiencing homelessness who had only flip flops to wear. Within minutes, they provided warm winter boots and a full care package.

“It’s the little things that make a difference.”

Thank you, Laurie, for your compassion, leadership, and commitment to lifting others up. 🌟

04/22/2026

💙 What’s Your Why? Let's hear from Jan.

For 29 years, Jan has been sharing her voice, her time, and her heart through volunteering.

What began as a simple search for a community choir became a long-standing commitment to giving back. Through music, Jan has found a way to connect, contribute, and create joy - both for herself and for others.

Volunteering gives Jan a creative outlet and a strong network of like-minded people. It brings fun, purpose, and meaning to her life, and helps her find balance alongside the demands of her day job.

One of the most meaningful parts of her volunteer journey is performing at seniors’ residences. Watching residents light up, sing along, and feel the joy of live music is a powerful reminder of how deeply music connects us all.

As we continue to honour the International Year of the Volunteer, we celebrate Jan and the many volunteers who enrich our communities through creativity, compassion, and connection.

🎶 What’s your why?

04/21/2026

This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the people who make our community stronger every single day 💙

Across Barrie and the surrounding area, hundreds of volunteers show up - quietly, consistently, and compassionately to support neighbours, lift spirits, and create real change. From serving meals and mentoring youth to organizing events and offering a helping hand in times of need, your impact reaches further than you may ever realize.

You are the reason our 70 partner charities can do what they do. You are the heartbeat behind every program, every success story, and every moment of hope.

To every volunteer: thank you for your time, your energy, and your unwavering commitment to caring for others. Our community is better because of you.

Let’s take this week to recognize, celebrate, and uplift the incredible volunteers who make Barrie shine. 🌟

03/22/2026

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our wonderful colleague and dear friend Jennifer Hamilton.

Jenn was a huge supporter of all our member organizations and will be truly missed. We will fondly remember her humour, support and kindness.

Our deepest condolences to her sons, Jonathan, Josh and Justin, as well as the rest of her family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on May 9th, 2026. For more information please visit the link in our bio.

03/16/2026

💙 What’s Your Why? Let's hear from Barbara.

For the past 4 years, Barbara has stepped up to serve her community, continuing a legacy of volunteerism she learned from her parents.

When her organization needed more volunteers to help cover shifts, Barbara didn’t hesitate. She believes that when we recognize a need and have the ability to help, it’s important to act.

To Barbara, volunteering is about working together, reducing isolation, and creating welcoming spaces where people of all ages can connect and access support. Through fundraising efforts like bingo events, her volunteer-run organization is able to sustain its own programs while also supporting other local groups, ultimately strengthening the entire community network.

Volunteering, she says, is also deeply personal. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, taking action, whether big or small, helps us become part of the solution.

“When we feel powerless, giving back is the fastest way to feel that we are not alone.”

As we celebrate the International Year of the Volunteer in 2026, we thank Barbara and all of our volunteers who choose to act, serve, and strengthen our community every day. 💙

03/09/2026

💙 What’s Your Why? Let's hear from Helen.

For 12 years, Helen has been making a difference in our community through her volunteer work with Kiwanis. Inspired by a friend to join, she wanted to give back, and she’s been doing just that ever since.

Helen is passionate about helping children, recognizing the growing needs within our community. Through volunteering and fundraising efforts, her club has been able to provide brand-new winter wear to local elementary school students.

This past winter, thanks to those efforts, over 120 children received warm winter clothing during one of the harshest seasons.

“Volunteering gives me a greater purpose and allows me to think of others — and by doing that makes me appreciate even more how fortunate I have been personally.”

As we celebrate the International Year of the Volunteer in 2026, we thank Helen and all of our dedicated volunteers who continue to lift up the next generation. 💙