Chris Groeneveld-Barry Memorial Fund

“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart”.  This quote from Vincent van Gogh sums up how Christopher Groeneveld-Barry lived his life.

Chris was a talented and passionate artist, writer, actor, and a true philosopher and humanitarian at heart. A graduate of the Film and Media Studies Program from Humber College and of the Social Service Worker Program from Fleming College, Chris used his passion for people and art for the benefit of the community.

He was a firm believer that art should be accessible to everyone and to that end he volunteered his time and artistic talents with many local charities including The Mess Studio, Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Domino Theatre.

Those closest to him describe how using his creative side allowed him to learn more about himself as well as the community around him.  

To honour his legacy, the family created the Chris Groeneveld-Barry Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation.  This fund will support local arts organizations, selected by the family, that promote the principles of social inclusion and community engagement.

His mother shares why this focus was selected: “Chris believed in the magic of people coming together, in community, to create without judgement. Chris loved the idea that Art could build Community for those, who, like the arts, were often misunderstood.”

Chris believed in people and the transformative power of the arts, and that the freedom of expression creative art invites should be available to all. His fund will help local charities continue to provide the barrier free access he believed in so deeply.    

Donations of any size can be made to the Chris Groeneveld-Barry Memorial Fund. The family will be notified of your gift (name only, not amount) and any message sent with it.

Chris adored, and was adored by, his family and his community. This memorial fund is one small way that the legacy of this beautiful, passionate, young man will continue.