The South
Georgian Bay community is embracing ‘We are the Villagers’ - a children’s
charity which has sponsored over 100 children since becoming registered in June
2012.
Co-founders Julianna Matyas and Geoff Crompton cannot believe how quickly the movement has spread and how well the community has accepted the concept that “it takes a village to raise a child”.
“Word is getting out there. The community is
embracing the Village concept in bringing its children into the program in
order to make their dreams possible. This is a priority of the village and the
fact that it is happening is amazing,” said Matyas.
“It is
wonderful meeting the children and following them as they move on to enjoy an
activity they might have only dreamed of doing – that’s my favourite part. Also,
the fact that quite a few of our parents and guardians want to come out and
volunteer really shows community spirit.”
Children in
the Village enjoy being able to join in recreational, sports and art activities
thanks to the ongoing sponsorship of this caring organization. Initially We are
the Villagers focused on identifying and supporting children being raised by
their grandparents who were on fixed incomes but the program has since been
expanded to cover any home that a child is living in and struggling to support
that child in activities. Currently a strategy is being developed to support
children who are being bullied that does not expose them to further bullying,
but benefits both the bullied and the bullies.
New as well, a parenting guide book is being published that will cover
parenting tips, nutrition, social skills along with putting together a series
of books that will help children learn core values. The one requirement from Villager children is
they must promise to do the best they can in school.
We are the
Villagers includes everyone in a community from those who are benefitting from
the program to those supporting it. Astounding growth over the past year proves
there is a need for this charitable cause. Matyas and Crompton believe that all
of us have a duty to ensure that children in the community have a caring,
supportive environment to help them obtain a rich and fulfilling childhood. As
this concept becomes accepted and blossoms, there is of course, a need for more
people to step forward and support the program.
We are the
Villagers financially supports Villager children through ongoing fundraising,
public and business/corporate donations. Last year the group raised $72,000. to
get the program underway. It costs approximately $1000 to sponsor a child in an
activity, which includes sending them to summer camp for one week each year.
The support is ongoing but there is a yearly requirement for Village families
to update with budget and tax returns.
Crompton
says the organization is growing at such a fast rate there is a need for more
community support.
“If it keeps
growing at this rate we will need a lot more volunteers and funding. It is obvious
that what we are doing so far is not enough. We need much more funding from
grants, fundraising and commitment from the public by way of donations through
the web site to meet the needs,” said Crompton who is active in the
organization through assisting with children’s activities and hosting
fundraising events at his business establishment - ‘The
Library Restaurant’ in Midland.
Some businesses
have realized what it takes for this charity to succeed and stepped up to the
plate.
“Phil’s
Casual Dining in Penetanguishene has made a commitment to The Villagers through
hosting an upcoming pancake breakfast. He is supporting the whole event with
100 percent of the proceeds going back to We are the Villagers. We are hoping at
least 1000 people will attend.”
The 1st
Annual ‘We are the Villagers Charity Pancake Breakfast’ is on Saturday
September 21st from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brian Orser Hall in Penetang
Arena. The meal includes pancakes, bacon or sausage and a beverage at a cost of
$10 adults and $5 for children under five.
Some
fundraisers in the past year were so popular they are taking place again such
as the 2nd Annual ‘Putting on the Glitz’ on Sunday October 6th
at 2p.m. at The Library Restaurant. Last year’s fashion show was a huge success
the upcoming event is much anticipated. Tickets are $35 each for this fall and
winter fashion extravaganza being presented by Cashmere Blue, Kim’s Boutique and
Shoes to Boot. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. For ticket
information call 1-855-528-5252 or drop by The Library Restaurant or Matyas
Consulting.
Throughout the
year there are regular activities hosted which involve Villager children. Upcoming
Sunday September 29th Geoff Crompton and his helpers will be hosting
a Scarecrow Building Day in the parking lot at The Library Restaurant inviting
kids from the Village to take part. Scarecrows resulting from the workshop will
be used to decorate Midland’s main street and around the town. A majority of
the kids are expected to take part in this fun day. As well, We are the
Villagers are once again participating in the annual Santa Claus Parade on
Saturday December 7 including a special event scheduled afterwards for Village
kids.
Currently
with over 100 registered in Village programs there are participants in
everything from hockey, gymnastics, skating and martial arts to tutoring, bowling,
music (drums, piano, string instruments), art and more. Some weeks there are as
many as ten applications for assistance submitted from Southern Georgian Bay and
surrounding area families but also from Barrie and beyond. This includes registered
Village children from Alliston, Angus and Stayner.
Matyas would
like to see more supporting partnerships to help meet the growing number of
recipients.
“We are
currently partnered with Canadian Tire ‘Jump Start’ - they have been very good
in helping with funds and will continue to do so. This was set in place after we
became a registered charity,” said Matyas whose role has become a fulltime
commitment.
“We are busy
meeting people, running programs and making sure we feel good about where we are
sending the kids, which is very important. The concept of nurturing children is
on the rise again. There is a great need to take care of children and give them
the best chance at life they can get. We want them to know we are here for
them.”
For more
information about We are the Villagers call 1-855-528-5252;
email:info@wearethevillagers.com or visit the web site:www.wearethevillagers.com
