We raise funds to improve the quality of life for people of all abilities and to foster an inclusive society.
The Empower Simcoe Foundation is a registered charity established in 1998 that directly supports the activities of Empower Simcoe. Funds raised by the Foundation support people with intellectual disabilities and their families. We also raise funds for special projects which respond to community needs and further our mission to enhance the quality of all lives.
Many people with intellectual disabilities are living at or below the poverty line and barely have enough money to cover rent, food and basic health expenses. This means recreational activities and specialized equipment that would contribute to a better quality of life are simply out of reach.
With the support of many generous donors, our fundraising campaigns support the purchase of accessibility equipment; cover the cost of specialized housing needs; assist families with respite; provide youth with skills development; offer adults and seniors recreational and leisure activities.
Whether it’s $25 or $250, every dollar helps. Become a monthly donor and make it possible for people of all abilities to Be, Belong and Thrive!
Whether it’s $25 or $250, every dollar helps. Your donation helps make it possible for people of all abilities to Be, Belong and Thrive. Want to make a more of an impact? Become a monthly donor!
Click the Donate Now Button Below or send Cheque to: Empower Simcoe Foundation 39 Fraser Court Barrie, ON L4N 5J5
By including the Empower Simcoe Foundation in your estate plans, you will help empower people of all abilities to lead a meaningful and inclusive life now and well into the future.
Plan your own fundraising event for Empower Simcoe Foundation! Perhaps it’s a sports event, a dance, lemonade stand or something fun with your business. Why not consider making it a fundraiser? The Empower Simcoe Foundation is happy to help guide you in the planning of your event.
Big Thanks also to the service clubs, private foundations, businesses, and friends whose donations to the Empower Simcoe Foundation have helped make life better for so many people. Please see our Annual Report for a full list of donors and supporters.
Whether it’s $25 or $250, every dollar helps. $25 can provide one hour of respite care for a family, while $100 can pay for an inclusion worker so a child or youth with special needs can attend a recreation program. Or join our Community Champions Club of monthly donors – you can set your recurring donation at any amount, and you will make the greatest impact you can have as a donor.
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We are always looking for volunteers to help with fundraising initiatives like our Empower Simcoe Foundation Bingo. Check out our volunteer page for more details.
Empower Simcoe’s 25th Annual Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, raising over $35,000 for the Foundation to continue its supports and services for people of all abilities. Visit our Golf Tournament page for more information and photos. Our other signature event, the Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show, should return in 2022. Contact us for more details about our signature events.
PLAN YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR EMPOWER SIMCOE!
Maybe it’s a sports event, a dance, or something fun with your business. Why not consider making it a fundraiser for Empower Simcoe? The Empower Simcoe Foundation is happy to help guide you in the planning of your event. Begin your planning with our handy Community Fundraising Guide.
Big Thanks also to the service clubs, private foundations, businesses, and friends whose donations to the Empower Simcoe Foundation have helped make life better for so many people. Please see our Annual Report for a full list of donors and supporters.
Mike is a Real Estate Professional, proudly serving Sellers and Buyers in the Barrie, Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Muskoka regions. He’s a former white water kayaking national team member, international touring musician and father of two daughters. Mike also served on the Lakelands Association of Realtors Board of Directors for many years, and as its President in 2017.
Dr. Mitch Whyne
Vice Chair
Dr. Mitch Whyne has been caring for patients in Simcoe County for more than thirty years. Currently, Mitch is an Emergency Room Physician at Royal Victoria Hospital. He is a father to three boys and is actively involved in coaching with Special Olympics. Mitch has been a member of Empower Simcoe for more than 25 years.
Randy Craig
Treasurer
Randy is a retired police officer of 30 years. He has extensive experience working with individuals with special needs and is currently employed as an investment advisor with Edward Jones in Barrie. He obtained his MBA from Edinburgh University in Scotland and is a Chartered Investment Manager. He has three children and lives in the city of Barrie.
Miriam Villamil-Pallister
Board Member
Miriam is an Assistant Crown Attorney with the Barrie Crown Attorney’s office. She received her Bachelors of Arts (Honours) from the University of Windsor where she also obtained a Juris Doctor. Miriam was called to the Ontario Bar in 2011. She is passionate about advocating for those with intellectual disabilities. She lives in Simcoe County with her husband and two daughters.
Mackenzie Gamache
Board Member
Mackenzie previously volunteered with Community Living Renfrew and Kingston for over 8 years. Mackenzie currently works for RBC in Commercial Financial Services in Barrie. She loves to be connected to her community and in her free time she enjoys playing hockey and traveling.
Karl Cadera
Board Member
Karl is a retired educator and has been active for over forty years through the St. Vincent Depaul Society. Karl is a Scout Master, has been a coach for the Barrie Integrated Baseball Association and is a past board member of the United Way and C.L.A.S.S. He is a proud grandfather of three and member of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie.
Roch Langevin
Board Member
Roch is an Assurance and Business Advisory Manager for a public accounting firm. He provides accounting and advisory services to his clients within Simcoe County and the GTA. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Nipissing University. Roch lives in Barrie with his wife and is soon to be a proud father of two.
Valerie Scott
Board Member
Valerie is a sales rep for a food company based out of Toronto. She also hosts a television cooking show in Orillia called Sunshine City Chefs. As well as being a valued volunteer with Simcoe Community Services, Valerie also belongs to The Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia. Valerie is a Severn Bridge resident who enjoys cooking, cross-country skiing and traveling the world.
