With an aim to "recognize the best of the Ontario spirit," the provincial government is handing out Volunteer Service Awards to deserving local recipients.
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced 25 Ontarians from Nipissing will receive an Ontario Volunteer Service Award. This award recognizes volunteers for providing committed and dedicated service to an organization.
Adults are recognized by the length of time they've volunteered with one organization, ranging from five to 65 years of continuous service. Youth (24 years old and under) are recognized for two or more years of continuous service.
“We are extremely grateful to the exceptional 25 people in Nipissing who have helped make such a positive impact in our community,” said Fedeli. “Their dedication and commitment have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many of their neighbours and friends, and we are so pleased at this opportunity to recognize their contributions.”
This year 313 youth and 3162 adults in Ontario will be recognized for their volunteer service at 776 organizations.
The 2023 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recipients from Nipissing:
40 Years of Service:
- Nicki Chretien-Mills – Gymnastics Ontario
30 Years of Service:
- Anne Taylor – Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi Club
25 Years of Service:
- Grant Churcher – North Bay Power and Sail Squadron
- Michael Eedy – North Bay Power and Sail Squadron
- Corinne Groulx – Mattawa Senior Citizen Club
- Terry Lang – North Bay Power and Sail Squadron
- Anna Perrotta – Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi Club
20 Years of Service:
- Louise Defonzo – Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi Club
- Richard Taylor – North Bay Power and Sail Squadron
- Janet Zimbalatti – Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi Club
15 Years of Service:
- Beth Brouse – North Bay Regional Health Centre
10 Years of Service:
- Donna Backer – North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation
- Brian Chute – North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation
- Nancy Connor – Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi Club
- Talena Jackson – United Way Greater Toronto
- Christine Saini – Ladies Auxiliary of the Davedi Club
5 Years of Service:
- Peggy Avery – North Bay & Area Master Gardeners
- Jamie Graham – North Bay Regional Health Centre
- Andrea Hudson – North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation
- Walter Manitowabi – North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation
- Nancy Tod – North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation
Youth Volunteer Service:
- Vanika Aggarwal – North Bay Regional Health Centre
- Mia Hubert – North Bay Regional Health Centre
- Lucas Nevrencan – Nipissing Trackers
- Jordan Stewart – Nipissing Trackers
Recipients for 2023 support a wide range of organizations and causes, including those serving vulnerable people, hospitals, senior centres and after-school, community, and food security programs. These volunteers also participate as board members, help raise funds and strengthen the arts, culture, heritage, and recreation sectors.
For more information about volunteering in Ontario, the program itself or to submit a nomination for next year, please visit Ontario Volunteer Service Award. The deadline to nominate someone is November 15 each year. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered in the following year.
