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.
Why Give?
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.
Your donation helps make it possible for people of all abilities to live a meaningful and inclusive life.
How Can You Help?
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 consider our Monthly Giving program – your ongoing donation can be set at any level you wish, and will make an impact from month to month for as long as you choose.
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.
SPONSOR A SIGNATURE EVENT!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 Golf Tournament was cancelled, and our Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show will be going virtual. The Celebrating Community Champions Virtual Giving Event will showcase the achievements and abilities of people supported by Empower Simcoe while raising money for a good cause. 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.
Get in touch to find out how you can sponsor one of our events, plan your own event, or make a special donation.
Empower Simcoe Foundation Donor Success Stories
Thank you to our valued community partners for their support of the Empower Simcoe Foundation
Maycourt Club of Barrie 
Boston Pizza Barrie 
Wild Wing Barrie {"visible_panels":"3","width":"2000","height":"500","orientation":"horizontal","panel_distance":"10","max_openedaccordion_size":"100%","open_panel_on":"hover","shadow":"false","autoplay":"true","mouse_wheel":"false"}
Maycourt Club of Barrie
Boston Pizza Barrie
Wild Wing Barrie
{"visible_panels":"3","width":"2000","height":"500","orientation":"horizontal","panel_distance":"10","max_openedaccordion_size":"100%","open_panel_on":"hover","shadow":"false","autoplay":"true","mouse_wheel":"false"}
Empower Simcoe Foundation Board of Trustees
Michael Hesson
President
Michael was born in Hamilton, and graduated from the Police Foundations Program at Mohawk College. In 2004, he was hired by the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service and was stationed in Fort Severn First Nation. After two years, Michael was transferred back to Southern Ontario and now resides in Barrie. Michael is also a member of the Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia.
Victoria Ptasiuk
Vice President
Victoria has spent the last decade working at RBC in Simcoe County, most recently in Business Banking. Involved with many volunteer programs, Victoria enjoys being connected to her community. She lives in Barrie with her husband and three children, who can often be seen volunteering alongside her.
Randy Craig
Treasurer
Randy is a retired police 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.
Karl Cadera
Trustee
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.
Ron Ptasiuk
Trustee
Ron has over 30 years of experience in the investment industry and currently is an Investment Advisor with RBC Wealth Management. You can regularly see Ron hosting the current affair show, Viewpoint on Rogers TV. As past President of the Simcoe Community Services Foundation, Ron is dedicated to promoting inclusion in the community for people of all abilities.
Valerie Scott
Trustee
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.
Sherry Smith-Ross
Trustee
Sherry has 28 years of experience with the Ministry of Education. A graduate of Georgian College’s graphic design program, she is the Website Design Lead at the Education Quality and Accountability Office. Sherry volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, North Simcoe, and Tiny Township’s Lions Club. A photographer and animal lover, she enjoys cooking and time with her family.
Miriam Villamil-Pallister
Trustee
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.
Empower Simcoe Foundation
Doug Cleverley, Donor Relations Coordinator
39 Fraser Court, Barrie ON L4N 5J5
705-726-9082 ext. 2285
dcleverley@empowersimcoe.ca