Nearly 30 players hit the course for a fun round of disc golf — all in support of Barrie Families Unite’s Doors to Dignity fundraising campaign.
The local organization’s mission is to help people access essential needs, such as food, clothing and basic household items, regardless of their circumstances. The Doors to Dignity campaign is aiming to raise $500,000 to open a thrift store in Barrie.
Wes Ayranto, team leader of Ayranto Real Estate with RE/MAX Crosstown and a disc golf enthusiast, co-sponsored the Chains For Change Charity Disc Golf Tournament at the Sandy Hollow Disc Golf Course in Barrie. With a fundraising goal of $2,000 for the campaign, he said the target was surpassed.
“We did a little more than $2,000. We’re happy with what we managed to raise,” he said.
Ayranto said he jumped at the opportunity to support Barrie Families Unite’s campaign.
“They do amazing work in our community and help so many people. I wanted to support this great campaign, and I know a lot of people who enjoy playing disc golf, so this event seemed like a good idea,” he said.
Roman Doudko with Alliston Machinery said it was a pleasure to attend and support the cause.
“It’s a great cause. I wanted to come out, play some disc golf for a great charity, and spread a little love in the world,” he said.
Lisa Whalen, a volunteer with Barrie Families Unite, attended the event and said the organization is thrilled with the money raised.
“It’s excellent. Every little bit helps us a lot, so we’re thankful,” she said.
“The turnout was amazing, there was so much positivity, and it was nice seeing so many people having a good time.”
While she couldn’t provide an exact figure on how much has been raised so far for Doors to Dignity, Whalen said other fundraisers have already taken place, with more being planned to help reach the campaign’s $500,000 goal.
She said a location for the thrift store hasn’t yet been finalized, but the organization is actively searching.
“We’ve been looking for the right location — something accessible and affordable,” she said.
Several local businesses also sponsored the tournament, including Eastman Car Audio Accessories, The Travel Agent Next Door, and At Your Speed Computer Training.
