The familiar crack of the bat meeting ball will soon echo at Athletic Kulture Stadium, but this weekend’s game carries a weight far heavier than athletic competition. As the Barrie Baycats prepare for their season, they first join community members for a crucial fundraising event, highlighting a stark reality facing the city: a dramatic surge in the need for food assistance.
The event, known as Home Runs for the Hungry, is entering its 3rd annual iteration this Saturday. Spearheaded by Ward 2 Councillor Craig Nixon, this community baseball game aims to rally support for the Barrie Food Bank. Nixon, deeply involved in organizing the initiative, has voiced serious concerns regarding the escalating demand for the food bank’s services. The situation paints a troubling picture of growing food insecurity in Barrie.
When the charity game initiative began just three years prior, the Barrie Food Bank was assisting approximately 2,000 to 2,500 individuals monthly. Councillor Nixon revealed that this figure has now alarmingly ballooned to over 7,000 people each month. This near-tripling of demand underscores a significant challenge within the community, placing immense pressure on local resources dedicated to combating hunger.
This Saturday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. at Athletic Kulture Stadium in Midhurst, serves as a vital community fundraising effort. The event structure involves members of the Barrie Baycats team being divided, with rosters filled out by numerous recognizable figures from across the Barrie area. Participants include local media personalities like CTV Barrie’s Sarah Freemark and Dana Roberts, alongside community leaders such as Deputy Chief Rob Burke, Councillor Sergio Morales, and many others, demonstrating a united front against local hardship.
The ‘Why’ behind this event is compelling and urgent. The funds generated directly address the intensified need documented by the Barrie Food Bank. The game itself offers more than just baseball; it features giveaways and a 50/50 draw, creating an engaging atmosphere designed to encourage community participation and donations. Last year’s event drew nearly one thousand attendees, a number organizers hope to meet or exceed this year, reflecting the community’s capacity for generosity even in challenging times.
The Home Runs for the Hungry game represents more than just a pre-season warm-up; it’s a proactive response to a critical local issue. It brings together sports, community figures, and residents under the common goal of supporting neighbours facing food insecurity. As Councillor Craig Nixon highlighted, the need is greater than ever, making this 3rd annual gathering not just a game, but a necessary act of community solidarity and support for the essential services provided by the Barrie Food Bank.
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Baycats to take to the diamond for charity game filled with familiar faces
