Festival volunteer wins award
On Nov. 8, Margaret Molitor was named Volunteer of the Year at the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s 2010 Ontario Tourism Summit.
The award announcement was made in Muskoka, at the finalists’ reception and awards dinner.
The award is granted to an individual who has significantly contributed volunteer hours in the community and who has enhanced the professionalism and image of Ontario’s tourism industry.
Molitor said she was pleasantly surprised upon learning that she had been awarded the honour.
She was very clear, however, that the award is not solely hers.
“I would like to accept this award on behalf of all volunteers in the tourism industry,” Molitor said in her acceptance speech. “For we all know that if we had no volunteers, we would have no tourism industry.”
The more than 550 people in attendance showed their agreement to the statement with resounding applause.
After accepting her award, Molitor had her photo taken with Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Chan, prior to making the most of the summit by exchanging ideas with fellow tourism industry members.
Molitor was nominated for the award by the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, with support from the Wellington County Museum and other local community groups.
Festival President Deb Dalziel accompanied Molitor to the Summit and noted her excitement over the achievement.
“The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is tickled tartan about Margaret’s accomplishments,” said Dalziel.
“She is a prime example of the value our local volunteers add to the festivals and events in our community.”
