Volunteers recognized for years of service
The Ontario government has recognized 6,650 community leaders through the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. This year, 642 youth and 6,008 adults have been recognized for their volunteer service at 1,450 organizations.
The annual award honours adult and youth volunteers for their outstanding contributions and continued service at organizations such as non-profits, schools, community centres, hospitals, libraries and community associations.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Ontario communities,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Through the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, we honour the outstanding volunteers who touch our lives and recognize their ongoing dedication and service to the well-being of their communities and our province.”
Recipients for 2024 dedicate their time to supporting a wide range of organizations and causes, including helping vulnerable people, hospitals, senior centres as well as local after-school, community and food security programs. These volunteers also participate as board members, help fundraise and strengthen the arts, culture, heritage and recreation sectors.
This year’s recipients were honoured during one of the 45 local award recognition ceremonies that took place during the spring and summer.
Community volunteers from Unionville Alliance Church were honoured at an Ontario Volunteer Service Awards July ceremony.
Nancy Wilson, Linda Moore, Mike Leaper, Jasmine and Linus Robert and Russell Foy were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Master’s Pantry program at Unionville Alliance Church, which assists families in need of help.
For their many hours of volunteering their time with the Unionville Alliance Church Sunday school program, Ashley Chen, Kaitlin Timbers and Megan Yang were recognized for their commitment to the program. Chen has also volunteered over 200 hours with the Unionville Youth Council and Markham dance programs.
Since 1986, more than 250,000 volunteers have been recognized through the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/honours-and-awards-volunteering#section-1 for more information about the program or to submit a nomination for next year. The deadline to nominate is November 15 each year. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered in the following year.
This year, 642 youth and 6,008 adults have been recognized for their volunteer service at 1,450 organizations.
Main photo: Nancy Wilson (centre) is the coordinator and founder of Unionville Alliance Church’s Master’s Pantry program, which provides support for families in need.