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PRESENTATION TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2015 ORDER OF THE SPIRIT CATCHER AND YOUTH SPIRIT CATCHER AWARDS
Mayor J. Lehman called upon Councillor M. Prowse and Councillor B. Ward to present the 2015 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.
1. Mr. Jason Gingrich, recipient of the 2015 Youth Spirit Catcher Award
Councillor Ward acknowledged Jason’s involvement with Scouts Canada and noted that Jason has been an active member of the Barrie community for some time rallying young and old. He noted that Jason has been involved with numerous initiatives including:
• Acting as Area Youth Commissioner and Venturer Company President;
• Organized skills training events for youth from 23 Scouting groups;
• Completed the Scout leadership training program;
• Active member of The Canadian Path, a new Scouting program embracing full rounded, youth-led adventures and programs; and
• Organizer and mentor in the Junior Toastmasters program.
Councillor Ward advised that Jason also holds a brown belt in karate, is working to achieve his black belt by the age of 16 and that he is certified in first aid and holds a Bronze Star in swimming making him lifeguard qualified by the age of 16. He commented that Jason has made great contributions to the youth of Barrie and continues to succeed in his achievements. Councillor Ward presented Mr. Gingrich with a cheque and the 2015 Youth Spirit Catcher Award in recognition of his efforts.
Mr. Gingrich commented that it was an honour to receive an Award with such stature that is attached to an incredible list of names who inspired him in his youth and continue to inspire him and fellow Barrie citizens. He noted that he always had an appreciation for service and receiving the award is very humbling. Mr. Gingrich acknowledged the Scouts and Area Commissioner in the audience for mentoring him and thanked his parents for their continued support. He noted that receiving the Award energizes him to continue to serve in the community.
2. Mr. Jamie Massie, recipient of the 2015 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award
Councillor Prowse recognized Mr. Jamie Massie as the 2015 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award. Councillor Prowse commented that Mr. Massie gives selflessly of his time, energy and resources to help advance several causes in the community such as the following:
• Became a Base Borden Honorary Colonel in 2009 and created Operation Hero, a Georgian College endowment scholarship for military family members which has reached $1million due to his fundraising efforts;
• Involvement in the Borden Legacy Project obtaining soil from Vimy for a new monument at CFB Borden’s gate celebrating the CFB Borden’s 100th anniversary in 2016;
• In 2015 received the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal (military division) from the Canadian government which recognizes individuals for remarkable achievements accomplished over a limited time period;
• In 2015 was invested with the Fellowship of Georgian College, Georgian College’s highest distinction, because of his outstanding contribution to education;
• Owner of the Barrie Colts hockey team from 1991 to 2007; and
• Involved in the “Cops and Colts” initiative pairing each member of the Barrie Colts hockey team with a police officer visiting 144 schools across Simcoe County discussing peer pressure, drug and alcohol abuse.
Councillor Prowse also outlined the numerous educational and employment projects Mr. Massie has been involved, including:
• The Barrie Molson Centre;
• The Anne Street Airport;
• Lake Simcoe Regional Airport;
• Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College;
• In honour of his father, continues the James C. Massie scholarship award, for 4th year Bachelor of Business-Automotive Management students at Georgian College;
• Served on Georgian College’s Board of Governors’ from 2007 to 2010; and
• Is Honorary Chair of Georgian’s Power of Education fundraising campaign investing in improvements for students to facilities, technology and tools.
Councillor Prowse commented that Mr. Massie and his company have supported numerous community enterprises such as:
• City Hall’s Circle at the Centre skating rink;
• MacLaren Art Centre;
• Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre;
• Barrie Public Library;
• Habitat for Humanity;
• Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority; and
• In 2001, provided transportation to send local firefighters and police officers to honour 9/11 fallen comrades.
Councillor Prowse advised that as a result of his numerous efforts, in 2003 Mr. Massie received the Queen’s Jubilee Award for Citizenship; the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012; the MacLaren Legacy Award, Community Leader and Philanthropist in 2010; and the Canadian Forces Base Borden, Commendation in 2013.
Councillor Prowse concluded by commenting that Mr. Massie demonstrates true community spirit and that he gives of his time, energy and resources to make a positive impact on the lives of others in our community. Councillor Prowse presented Mr. Massie with a cheque and the 2015 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award.
Mr. Massie thanked members of Council and the audience and commented that it was an honour to receive the 2015 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award. Mr. Massie thanked his nominators and acknowledged Jason Gingrich for the work he does in the community. He commented that the list of past recipients displays the dedication to community building that it takes to warrant such an achievement and he is honoured to be part of that list. Mr. Massie expressed that his love for the City of Barrie is reflected in every aspect of his life. He noted that his passion for the City has been a driving force for him and the initiatives that he has undertaken are because he loves the community and its residents. Mr. Massie discussed that he has travelled the world and the City of Barrie is truly one of the greatest cities to call home. He stated that he is humbled to receive the Award and extended his thanks for being nominated to receive it.
Mayor Lehman advised that he attended the Order of the Spirit Catcher Award Gala hosted by the Barrie Community Foundation on November 5, 2015. He discussed that the Gala was an opportunity to celebrate with the recipients of the 2015 Order of the Spirit Catcher Awards. He congratulated Jason Gingrich for helping other youth through his participation in Scouts and also acting as a role model for all people he comes in contact with. Mayor Lehman commented that Mr. Gingrich was a resident to be proud of and thanked him for all his hard work and commitment.
Mayor Lehman congratulated Mr. Massie on receiving the Award and highlighted the numerous projects that involve Mr. Massie’s time and commitment. Mayor. Lehman expressed that he hoped that these projects would be part of Mr. Massie’s legacy and be an example for many years to come. He thanked Mr. Massie for a lifetime of support to the community and thanked the supporters of the recipients