In order to perform its annual ambush of the Citizen-of-the-Year, Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce and township officials had to visit a place where he was volunteering.
Brian Dowling won the award this year.
He was nominated by Jackie Andrews and Fred Aleksandrowicz, who are both involved in the Centre Wellington Food Bank, where Dowling, 83, still volunteers about 15 hours a week.
“I’m really shocked,” he said after being interrupted at his work by a large contingent of well-wishers who presented him with the award.
Dowling lives on Highway 6 north of Fergus in old Nichol township. He worked at the University of Guelph and lived in Puslinch Township but moved to Centre Wellington about 20 years ago.”
His nominators found it easy to obtain numerous supporting letters.
Paul Holyoke, the chairman of the Social Justice Group, wrote, “Brian works tirelessly on behalf of and with disadvantaged people in Centre Wellington … in his quiet, gentle manner, he makes sure that the needs and aspirations of the less fortunate in our community are not excluded.”
Groves Memorial Community Hospital president Jerome Quenneville said, “Brian exemplifies the characteristics of individuals who are candidates for Citizen-of-the-Year.”
Dowling has been a director of the hospital, a community representative on a board committee at the hospital, a member and participant of the ethics committee of the Wellington Health Care Alliance, as well as being involved in honouring and celebrating the Groves Hospital Volunteer Association and he has also “donated generously to help staff and physicians celebrate the hospital’s annual employee recognition event,” Quennville said.
Pastor Tony Albano of Grace Christian Fellowship worked with Dowling for “at least five years on the board for the Centre Wellington Food Bank up until approximately 2004. Brian has continued to work with the food bank even to this day.”
Patricia Young wrote “Brian was a faithful volunteer with Neighbour Link from its inception to when it dissolved. I feel that no one is more deserving … than Brian Dowling.”
Darlene Tremblay wrote of Dowling’s work at the food bank, “Brian comes in every morning at 9am with a smile on his face for everyone. He has been a volunteer in our community since 1991 when he moved here. He has his finger in lots of pots and is very deserving of this award.”
Wendy Gottmers remembers Dowling as a member of the board of Theatre on the Grand several years ago.
“Brian sat on several committees including project management, fundraising and sponsorship,” Gottmers wrote. “He tirelessly gave his all in many projects.”
Rev. Dr. Pauline Head, of St. James Anglican Church said of Dowling, “He is one of the first parishioners I met, as he assists at our 8:30 Sunday morning service every week. I learned immediately of Brian’s commitment to the food bank and of the monthly community dinners that he organizes … Brian is a kind and thoughtful man with a passionate concern for the welfare of the underprivileged”
Dowling said, “I would not have been able to do all that I have without the support of my wife Mary.”
The two of them volunteered for years at the Victoria Park seniors’s centre and wrote about its activities each month.
Kathy Morgan, of that centre, wrote that Dowling was an organizer there before the centre was even built, worked with the foot care clinic, was a walking group convenor, and helped organize carpet bowling there, as well as sitting on the centre’s board and being its president.
Among Dowling’s most pleasurable events is the organizing of a monthly dinner at St. James for clients of the food bank. He said there could be as few as six people or as many as 30, and he does not mind if only a few attend some months
“If there are fewer, there’s more food for them to take home,” he explained.
Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj said of Dowling, “He does it so humbly – with no attention to himself.”
She added she is aware that Dowling also volunteers with Meals on Wheels.
“He’s there for people. At his age, he sees the value of giving back to the community. He’s so deserving of this award.”
Dowling was presented with $500 from the Centre Wellington Community Foundation and he can donate it to any local charity.
Dowling will be further honoured at the annual Awards of Excellence put on by the chamber. This year’s theme is Centre Wellington…Oh the Places We Will Go. It is on April 26 and features cocktails, a dinner, and awards program for Dowling and numerous businesses. To reserve a ticket, call 519-843-5140.
