International Volunteer Year 2026

International Volunteer Year 2026 is the United Nations’ call to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary impact of volunteers around the world.

At Living Green Barrie, we are deeply grateful for the incredible community of volunteers who give their time, talent, skills, and care to support our work. From long-term leaders and Board members to first-time and short-term volunteers, each contribution helps power meaningful climate action right here in Barrie.

May Volunteer Spotlight: Growing Strong Roots in Our Community

This May, as we focus on Plant Trees as our climate action, we’re also taking a moment to celebrate the people who help our organization take root and grow in meaningful ways.

We’re especially pleased to spotlight Elif and Curtis, two newer volunteers who have already made a remarkable impact in a very short time.

Elif & Cakir

Elif and her husband Cakir are recent newcomers to both Barrie and Canada, having arrived from Turkey earlier this year. In just a short time, they have brought an incredible sense of enthusiasm, warmth, and curiosity to our volunteer community.

Whether supporting events or stepping into new roles and supporting special projects, Elif consistently shows up with energy and a genuine desire to connect. Her presence reflects what we see so often in our tree planting work—new roots taking hold and strengthening the whole ecosystem around them.

Like young trees settling into new soil, Elif and Cakir are already becoming an important part of our growing community.

Curtis

Curtis is another new addition to our volunteer team, and he has quickly become a valued part of our behind-the-scenes and on-the-ground support.  He brings youthful and hopeful enthusiasm to our team.

Working closely with our tech team, Curtis has jumped in to help troubleshoot challenges, support events, and strengthen the systems that keep our work running smoothly. His willingness to step in wherever needed has made a real difference.

In a particularly impactful contribution, Curtis was able to rescue and refurbish several tablets that might otherwise have ended up in landfill—giving them a second life at our events. It’s a small act with a big ripple effect, perfectly aligned with the spirit of reducing waste and making the most of what we already have.

Just like the trees we plant each May, Elif, Cakir and Curtis represent what happens when new roots are given space, support, and opportunity – they take hold quickly and begin to strengthen the whole system around them.

We are grateful for their energy, commitment, and the spirit they bring to Living Green Barrie.

Thank you, Elif, Cakir and Curtis, for helping us grow!