ERIN – Three community volunteers were honoured at the 2025 Erin Shamrock Awards ceremony on April 16 at Centre 2000 in Erin.
Shirley Edgerton, Goody Leblanc and Carole Dollmaier each received a community volunteer award for their commitment and community involvement in the Town of Erin.
Shirley Edgerton
Edgerton has volunteered with East Wellington Community Services (EWCS) for over 22 years.
She began her volunteer journey at the EWCS front desk, where she greeted visitors and clients and provided information as the first point of contact to anyone in need of assistance.
Edgerton then transitioned to the role of volunteer manager of The Opportunity Shop, now known as New to You in Fergus.
“Shirly’s skills and leadership helped bring in much needed funds to keep to keep East Wellington Services programs running,” said nominator Barb Carscadden.
Soon after, Edgerton found her calling with the EWCS adult day program, which provides supports for older adults, and adults with disabilities and connect them with services and transportation needs.
“Her compassion for others helped create a warm, welcoming environment for elderly clients and those living with dementia,” said Carscadden.
“It wasn’t long before Shirley offered to help out on the bus … Shirley is the first friendly face that they see in the morning and the last one at the end of the day.”
Other volunteer organizations Edgerton has dedicated her time to include the Erin Horticultural Society, helping out during the Erin Fall Fair and the Erin Village Quilters, where she hold the title or outreach coordinator.
Goody Leblanc
Leblanc was descried as a “devoted supporter of From Seed to Plate” by Erin councillor Bridget Ryan who read out the reasons for her nomination.
Leblanc has been credited with filling the community fridge on a regular basis “rain or shine, even with a broken ankle”.
Ryan told the audience that when she asked others who have worked with Leblanc if they could describe her, words like “angel in the community,” “special,” “not looking for recognition” and “always there” were used.
Carole Dollmaier
Dollmaier was not present for the ceremony, however Erin councillor Jamie Cheyne shared a few words on behalf of Dollmaier’s nominator Venus Hood.
“Through Venus’s words, our community of Erin has many amazing groups made up of volunteers. Carol sits on several of these groups,” said Cheyne.
From the Erin Lions Club, the 242 Ross Ferguson Air Cadets sponsor support committee and treasurer and longtime member of the Erin Legion executive, Dollmaier remains engaged in the community.
As a member of the Erin Legion for over 20 years, Dollmaier has been described as “an inspiration to many”.
“We are extremely lucky to have Carol Dollmaier on our committees,” said Cheyne
