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August 17th, 2005
Everyone Rows In Our Boat – Being a Part of the Community
Simcoe Community Services is pleased to have their boat – the Simcoe Samurai - participating in the Barrie Public Library’s Dragon Boat festival on August 27th, 2005. The Simcoe Samurai is being paddled by volunteers, staff, friends, sponsors and individuals who have an intellectual disability.
“There’s nothing more exhilarating than time spent on the open water digging the paddle into forever,” says David Barber, President of Simcoe Community Services and Samurai paddler. “The Simcoe Samurai represents Simcoe Community Services and our team is a microcosm of the community in which we live. The people we support are part of our team and we are part of their team. We are a success because like any team, we all pull together. Like any community, it takes a village full of all kinds of people living together, working together and having fun together to enrich the experience.”
Some might view those who receive support from a social service agency, as individuals who rely on government assistance to “make it” in the world. For this event, however, everyone is rowing the boat together. While Donna, her daughter Cassie, Mike and Dwight may receive some support from Simcoe Community Services, they would much prefer to talk about how they are all productively involved in the community.
Dwight has been working as a front end clerk at No Frills, for the better part of a year. He’s also had recent newspaper coverage for his exceptional athletic abilities within Ontario Special Olympics.
Mike has worked for a number of restaurants in Barrie. He is referred to as “coach” on Fitzy’s Hockey team and won the acorn award for being the “nuttiest player on the team”. He plays in a softball league and curls with Ontario Special Olympics. He is also well known for helping others with personal moves. Mike has also taken on the challenge of getting pledges very seriously and has already more than $100 in pledges.
Donna is more politically minded. Donna sits on several local and provincial committees advocating on behalf of individuals who have an intellectual disability. She works on an occasional basis at Culligan and at Georgian College . Donna plays baseball and bowls and coaches an integrated baseball team Her daughter, Cassie is a typical teen. A grade 12 student last year, she works in food preparation part-time at Boston pizza. She enjoys riding her bike, playing ball with the Barrie Integrated Baseball Association and bowling.
Everyone enjoys being a part of their community – that’s what it’s all about! Paddles up!
For further information, please contact Reet Skelton, Volunteer & Public Awareness Coordinator at 726-9082 ext 238