Over 100 ‘Villagers’ mark milestone celebration

By Sharon Weatherall

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 1^st Annual ‘We are the Villagers Charity Pancake Breakfast’ is on Saturday September 21^st 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 2^nd Annual ‘Putting on the Glitz’ on Sunday October 6^th 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 29^th 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