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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 Order of the Spirit Catcher and Youth Spirit Catcher Award are the highest awards presented in the City of Barrie and they noted that the recipients were recognized at a gala held by the Barrie Community Foundation.
Councillor Ward discussed the number of applications received. He noted that the contributions of those who were nominated were inspiring. Councillor Ward discussed the nomination process and the surprise experienced by the recipients when they are notified that they are to receive these awards.
Youth Spirit Catcher
Councillor S. Trotter announced that the recipient for the 2018 Youth Spirit Catcher Award was Mr. Jake Vaz. He advised that Jake Vaz has demonstrated leadership in the creation and execution of a chess program for children at the Barrie Public Library for the last four years.
Councillor Trotter shared that at the age of 14 Jake brought his idea to the Barrie Public Library and worked with staff to organize the program, and he noted that through Jake’s unwavering commitment, the program flourished. Councillor Trotter noted that there have been many occasions when Jake has facilitated the program with more than twenty children playing at once.
Councillor S. Trotter invited Jake’s grandfather Nolasco Hernandez to the podium to receive the 2018 Youth Spirit Catcher Award on behalf of Jake Vaz.
Mr. Hernandez extended thanks, on behalf of Jake who is away at school, for the recognition.
Order of the Spirit Catcher
Councillor Ward announced that the recipient of the 2018 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award was Mr. William Dwyer. He advised that Mr. Dwyer received multiple nominations for his volunteer and fundraising efforts over the years.
Councillor Ward shared that Mr. Dwyer has been a tireless volunteer for the Terry Fox Foundation for decades and has raised over $800,000 to date and noted that his is to raise $1,000,000. He discussed the ways that Mr. Dwyer has donated his time, talent and treasure to his Parish community and also the Barrie community at large. Councillor Ward commented that his work exemplifies the traits and qualities identified for the Order of the Spirit Catcher Award. Councillor Ward shared how Mr. Dwyer has been a faithful volunteer during The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, standing at one of the iconic Christmas Kettles during the months of November and December for the last six years. Councillor Ward indicated that Mr. Dwyer has volunteered for the Royal Canadian Legion during their annual poppy campaign and has collected donations for the Parkinson’s Society.
Councillor Ward invited Mr. William Dwyer to the podium to receive the 2018 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award.
Mr. Dwyer shared that he is only $144,000 away from his goal of $1,000,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. He expressed his appreciation for being recognized and awarded the 2018 Order of the Spirit Catcher Award.
Mayor Lehman commented that both recipients are an inspiration to the community and were well-deserving of having their efforts recognized.