Barbara Elias exemplifies what it means to live a life of service. 

If she is made aware of a need, she finds a way to meet it, whether it is providing grocery gift cards to families, support for people experiencing homelessness, or bicycles to neighbourhood children. 

The list of charities she has supported over the years is so long it would be impossible to name them all, but most have one thing in common: Elias is drawn to people and organizations that help those facing hardship or adversity. As one person noted in her nomination, “If it will help someone who is struggling, Barb is the first one to volunteer.”

What really makes Elias stand out is her ability to mobilize others. She has rallied knitters to make hats and mittens, crafters to donate sewing machines to newcomers who had to leave theirs behind, and the whole community to gather furniture, home appliances, and other essentials for displaced Ukrainians.

She has a unique ability to connect people – to find the right people to meet each need. Over her many years of volunteering, she has built an impressive network and always knows who best to contact for the information and resources that will help solve whatever challenge she is presented.

Described as the “epitome of generosity”, Elias runs an online auction site, collecting and selling donated items, and giving the proceeds to charity. The site has raised tens of thousands of dollars under her stewardship.

A proud member of the Moncton West and Riverview Rotary Club, Elias embodies the organization’s vision of taking action to create lasting change. Her work has transformed lives and has been an inspiration to many. Its impact will be felt for years to come.