SIRCH Community Services

an unwavering belief in people and possibilities

an unwavering belief in people and possibilities

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Meet our new Volunteer Coordinator: Betty Harmathy

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Betty Harmathy has spent the past two and a half years volunteering across the country. “I started in BC and finished in PEI,” she said.

The experience — from building houses on First Nations’ land, to working on an organic farm to coordinating hospitality at a teaching ashram — was unlike any other in her life and gave her many of the tools she would use in her new position at SIRCH Community Services as Volunteer Coordinator.

Prior to that life changing time in her life, Betty lived and worked in Barrie doing Children’s programming at the library. She also had previous experience working in legislatures in BC and the Northwest Territories. With a certificate in volunteer management, the position at SIRCH seemed like a perfect fit for Betty’s skill set and interests.

“I didn’t want to work for just anybody, I really wanted to work for a community based organization that was addressing community needs,” she said. “And so I did my research and found SIRCH.”

An outdoor enthusiast, Betty is looking forward to hiking the Haliburton trails, exploring the area on cross-country skis and getting to know the community.

Since starting at the organization in August, Betty has felt like SIRCH and Haliburton are the perfect fit for her life.

 “I’m so happy to not just have found work but to have found meaningful work,” she said.

To connect with Betty you can email her at: betty_harmathy@sirch.on.ca.

Meet our new Marketing and Sales Coordinator- Eric Wolfe

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Don’t let his last name fool you, there is nothing intimidating about one of the newest team members to join SIRCH.

The marketing professional has over 15 years in the marketing world as a manager, salesperson, promotions coordinator, digital specialist and much more.  Born and raised in Waterloo, Eric jokes that he moved to cottage country just before the world shut down.

“We sold our house and moved in March 2020,” he said.

The move was inspired to be closer to lakes and nature. Eric and his wife Julie have two “awesome” young sons, Ethan and Austin.

The switch to a not-for-profit came from a desire to find meaningful work.  Eric said “My end game has always been to land in a company that truly helps people and has an impact on the community. What really motivates me, is coming to work everyday and knowing that the work I do is making a difference. I believe SIRCH is that company.”

When he’s not working or enjoying time with his family, Eric can most likely be found enjoying one of his biggest passions, the Atlanta Falcons.  The NFL team holds a special place in his heart.

“There’s my family and there’s the Atlanta Falcons, whom I love almost as much as my family,” he jokes.

You can drop Eric a line at eric_wolfe@sirch.on.ca.

Meet the Baker: Judith Bamford

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Judith Bamford is one of our talented bakers who is bringing her skills to the SIRCH Bistro bakery every Saturday. Her specialties include her artisan breads and everything she makes is made with care.

There are few hotels in Ontario and beyond that Judith Bamford hasn’t worked at. With a lifelong career in the hospitality industry that spans across the country and includes working in establishments such as the Four Seasons and Deerhurst Resort, Judith is no stranger to hard work and making people feel at home. She has spent decades working in various management, sales and marketing positions. She’s even been an executive housekeeper. “Boy can I make a bed,” she said.

            She first became involved with SIRCH when she decided retirement wasn’t for her and she joined the organization as the Ready for Retail coordinator. She has held many positions with SIRCH and is currently the Kitchen Coordinator for the Bistro.

            You can often find her planning menus, doing inventory and most importantly, baking delicious goods. She learned to bake from her mom, who taught her as a young girl. “We would get off the school bus to be welcomed by the wonderful aroma of home baked breads, pies, cookies and Chelsea buns.  I can smell it now.  As the oldest of 8, I was Mom’s right hand and from ever since I can remember I loved to bake.  The feeling of the dough when kneading, the aroma of the bread baking, nothing beats this,” she said.  Some of her specialties include rustic artisan loaves, which she loves to add flavour to with herbs, cheeses and infused oils.

Born and raised in the Harcourt area, Judith’s family roots in the Highlands go as far back as the 1800s. Her grandfather was even the postmaster in Highland Grove. She continues to be involved in the community, serving as the chair of the Harcourt Community Centre and active with the Harcourt Community Chapel.

            When she’s not working or volunteering you can most likely find her spending time with her four dogs, Gertie Lou, Coco Grace, Bootsy Boy and Matilda Joy.

Goodness and generosity grow in local boys garden

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Two and a half year old Nicholas Thaler helps his mom and dad pick a zucchini out of their garden this past summer. Nicholas donated $93 to SIRCH, which was half the money he raised from his veggie stand. The other half went to his education fund.

Two and a half year-old Nicholas Thaler spent the past summer helping his mom and dad grow a variety of delicious vegetables in their family garden in Ingoldsby.

A gardener at heart, some of the items he grew included zucchinis, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, kale and more. His favourite things to grow and eat are little tomatoes and zucchini, said his mom Katie Paroschy.

“We have a big garden and Nicholas helps plant it,” she said. “Mostly he helps pick things.”

After he helps pick the veggies, he then sells them to neighbours and friends at ‘Nicholas’s Veggie Stand’, said Katie. However Nicholas doesn’t squander his proceeds on candy or toys, but instead puts it to good use.

“With the money he made he got to keep half for his savings account and the other half he donates to a local charity. This year we decided to donate to SIRCH Community Services,” said Katie.

Nicholas donated $93 to SIRCH this fall, all raised from selling his veggies. His donation enabled SIRCH to give more than 18 nutritious meals to those in need. We are so grateful to Nicholas!

Last year he donated his garden proceeds to the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre.

Katie says the large garden is a community effort, with lots of friends and neighbours helping out. However Nicholas pulls his weight.

“He is a good worker, he’s a good helper around the house and the yard,” said his mom.