Helpers

'My husband Tom and I wanted to use Ryan's lived experience to make a difference. We wanted what he went through to be used for good,' says Barrie woman behind Ryan's Hope

'Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active,' says COPE Service Dogs official

'If you see someone in need, you help them. It’s important to recognize that people have a right to live, have a right to be and have dignity,' says centre volunteer

'For our medical first-responder unit, there are people who join who are looking for careers within firefighting or being paramedics and police officers,' says St. John Ambulance official

'Sometimes it’s nice to simply contribute without expectation and motive,' says longtime auxiliary officer in Barrie

'It’s a shock that you’re faced with a chronic disease, especially at that age,' says Kathy Rupnow, whose son was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 38

Slo-pitch tournament May 21 at the Barrie Community Sports Complex will raise money for Special Olympics Barrie