‘We are the Villagers’ celebrating a year of success

By Sharon Weatherall

‘We are the Villagers’ of North Simcoe can give themselves a huge pat on the back.

Since incorporating nearly a year ago, the innovative children’s charity can boast close to 50 children already registered in Villager programs and 22 active volunteers now working with kids. The organization has raised $72,000 through community supported events and has 18 more volunteers eagerly waiting for kids in programs. We are the Villagers has brought smiles to families across the area through establishing equal opportunity  - the program covers costly fees allowing more children to participate in  sports, music, art and other recreational programs supported by the organization.

We are the Villagers is the brainchild of Julianna Matyas and Geoff Crompton  - two Midland business people who believe it takes a village to raise a child. Through their passion to help others the pair developed a program that puts the responsibility on ‘Villagers’ to nurture, support, inspire,  motivate, validate and bring joy to the children that need it.

“It’s all about children and it’s for all children. We have had 44 children registered in programs since January and more applications are on the way. We should have 50 kids by the end of this month,” said Matyas proudly.

“We raised enough money to get the program up and running prior to starting and have had generous continuing support from the community with each event we have.”

Crompton says the goal of The Villagers in its first year was to encourage the local business community to participate through hosting fundraiser events themselves or contributing to Silent Auctions and to enlist the help of senior citizens whom would benefit as much from the interaction with children and volunteers. So far many of those goals have come to fruition and a reputation is growing for the good work of the organization.

“We are planning to do at least ten fundraisers per year to raise money engaging the community on all levels. We will actively involve schools, Salvation Army, Children’s Aid program and other community groups to assist us in identifying families who could benefit by our program,” said Crompton.  

Matyas says while local businesses have been extremely supportive, assistance comes through the community as a whole - everyone from residents to politicians are embracing the concept. She and Crompton recently met with Garfield Dunlop for lunch to tell him about the organization and won the Simcoe North MP over.  

“We look forward to MP Garfield Dunlop’s enthusiasm for our ‘children’s movement’ and anticipate a long lived association with him. He was very enthusiastic and says he wants to put together an event to support us,” said Matyas.

MP Dunlop inquired what The Villagers plans were to move forward and Matyas answered, "non-stop as far as it can go". She wanted to wait until the Villagers was up and running for a year before approaching Dunlop so he could actually see the success – it was a move that paid off by gaining his support for the idea.

Matyas says the success Villagers are experiencing comes through a lot of work for volunteers, with all monies going back into the organization except the actual cost to cover events. The Villagers premier function took place last June at the Library Restaurant in Midland with a five course dinner - the ‘Simply Splendiferous Soiree’ sold out. Since then the organization has hosted several more events including two fashion shows, a Valentine’s Day Dance, a surf and turf Murder Mystery Dinner, and various involvement with community celebrations.

The Villagers are really getting out there and have plenty more events on the schedule for this year. On July 1^st there will be face painting and children’s activities in the park, participation in the August 16/17 Art Walk, a third Fashion Show on October 6^th, a scarecrow making event this fall and another Murder Mystery Dinner on September 15^th  - just to name a few.

“We just enjoyed a very successful Murder Mystery Dinner and tickets sales were really good. The event was a lot of fun and sponsored by TD Bank, Union Taxi, Matyas Consulting, Library Restaurant, Jones Aluminum, The Mirror, BC Roofing and the Water Stop. It was the first time we had gone to the community so the response was excellent,” said Matyas.

“Something else very exciting is that Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program plans to partner with us – this is big news and details are in the works now.”

Local service clubs are coming on board to support The Villagers as Matyas spreads the word. Tiny Lions Club presented Matyas with a cheque for $500 after she recently spoke for them and Rotary Club of Penetanguishene did a donation in support of the Georgian Bay Cancer Centre in her name.  When she talks about the program, Matyas shares stories about the kids involved and their achievements. The Villagers has already had program sponsored award winners resulting from one sport and looks forward to many more. She says knowing that people care helps inspire self-esteem and confidence in kids.
   

The Villagers now have active programs in jujitsu, cross fit, art, dance and music programs, singing lessons, ball hockey, soccer, various summer camps and are currently dealing with hockey registration for this fall.

“Since beginning, we have now started a tutoring leg with kids from grade seven that only read at a grade two level. This will help to give them a fighting chance at high school. We have teachers as volunteer tutors who are qualified to help if there is a need and music teachers are volunteering their service to tutor piano, guitar, trumpet and other lessons which are all ongoing,” said Matyas.

“Assistance depends on the income of the parents and the length of the program. We put up the cost for the program and uniforms.  The hitch is that the kids have to promise to stay focused on their school work and do the best they can at school.”

Another personal touch of The Villagers is all children who become involved are met with on a one-to-one basis before entering a program.

“We like to impress upon the kids the importance of school and life in general by helping to build their self-esteem and bring joy into their lives.  We inspire them by letting them know that to do well in school will help them do well in life,” said Matyas.

We are the Villagers is wide spread supporting children not only in Midland and Penetanguishene but other North Simcoe communities including Honey Harbour, Waubaushene, Port McNicoll, Elmvale, Wyevale and surrounding area, and reaching as far away as Port Severn, Barrie and Vaughan.  In time, Matyas hopes The Villagers will continue to grow into the neighbouring areas of Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township and further.  The charity has both an executive and operating board which makes it different from other organizations and distinguishes it as being unique.

We are the Villagers is a charity Matyas has dreamed of starting her whole life and to watch it developing so quickly is a real thrill. To see so many community members embrace the concept and come on board in just one year has been elating for both Matyas and Crompton. However, they realize success comes one step at a time through hard work and public awareness.

“The Villagers are growing in momentum and we are trying to put on quality events to give back to the people who support us. We are trying to make the events into ‘date nights’ and something that people look forward to going to,” said Matyas.

For more information on We are the Villagers or to find out about upcoming events contact the Library Restaurant toll free at 1-855-528-5252 or visit the web site: www.wearethevillagers.com