The Barrie Arts Awards: Proud to be "Business Champion”
At Upchuckle Education, we have always taken pride in bringing professional, industry-level training to our students. But being recognized by our peers and community is a different kind of honour.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Upchuckle has won the Barrie Arts Award for Business Champion, and we’ve also recently been nominated for Best Art School in Barrie for the Canadian Choice Awards (a title we were thrilled to win last year).
These aren’t just trophies on the shelf to us. They are validation that our mission is working: combining the passion to create with unique, professional skill-building, built on genuine empathy and deep community support.
The Real Win: 36 Student Seats
The main reason Upchuckle was recognized as a Business Champion wasn’t just the curriculum or our dedication to students—it was The Upchuckle Student Sponsorship Program.
Since Upchuckle Education’s launch in late February 2023, in coordination with local charities, we’ve provided 36 fully funded seats to local children, teens, and families experiencing financial hardship, bereavement, living in foster care, or utilizing the services of the Women & Children’s Shelter.
That means 36 students got to attend Cartoon Camp, join a Teen Workshop, or sit down together at our Family Art Lessons—experiences that gave them confidence, joy, bonding opportunities, and a creative outlet they might not otherwise have had access to.
This is the "Business" we are championing.
Why It’s Personal
For me, this program isn't just charity; it’s personal history. Every aspect of it is rooted in clearly remembering my own experiences and helping those who are going through something similar.
I know what it is like to grow up without resources or guidance. I know the pain of losing someone close as a child. I’ve seen the lives of children in foster care and those in shelters.
I created this program because I know first-hand that sometimes, a creative outlet is the only light in a dark time. It really makes a difference; it helps us push through and keep going. The fact that 36 students have been nudged toward finding that light and reminded that someone cares, is the award I cherish most.
Double The Impact (We Match It!)
These awards have only fueled our fire to do more. They act as a beacon, signaling that we’re heading in the right direction. That is why we have just completely revamped the Student Sponsorship Program to make it easier for individuals, families, and businesses across Simcoe County (and beyond) to get involved.
The promise remains the same: For every student you sponsor, Upchuckle matches it. One donation = Two students helped.
Join the Mission
Whether you are looking for professional art or animation training, a fun P.A. Day Cartoon Camp, or you want to help us fund the next 36 sponsored seats, you are part of this community.
Thank you to our students, their families, our mentors, volunteers and friends who have made this journey possible and continue to grow. Thank you for helping Upchuckle Education become an Award-Winning space for creativity.
Until next time, keep on creating!
Brad Ferguson
Founder & Director of Upchuckle Education
