Numerous north Wellington residents were among those recognized at an Ontario Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony in Stratford on March 15.
Ontario is celebrating more than 11,000 volunteers at 54 Ontario Volunteer Service Award ceremonies across the province from March to June.
The awards recognize Ontarians for volunteering their time to organizations like local conservation authorities, and agricultural societies and helping out with community volunteer projects like organizing science fairs, planting trees, helping seniors stay active and welcoming newcomers.
Certificates and customized trillium pins are awarded to people with five to 60-plus years of service. Youths are also recognized for two or more years of volunteer service.
Doug Anderson of Harriston was recognized for 60 years of service to the Harriston-Minto Agricultural Society.
Several Palmerston Lions Club members were recognized for long service.
Frank Rundle was recognized for 60 years with the club, while Robert Finlayson and Robert Logan, both of Palmerston, received 50-year pins, and Robert Emmerson of Palmerston was recognized for 40 years of service to the Lions.
Nancy Dietrich of Harriston and George and Alice Van Ankum of Drayton were all recognized for 40 years of service to the Canadian Diabetes Association’s North Perth/North Wellington branch.
Receiving 25-year pins were: Audrey Morden of Harriston, Cora Anne Morden and Henry Westendorp of Harriston for service to the Canadian Diabetes Association’s North Perth/North Wellington branch, and Victoria Lacroix and Daniel Plessis-Belair, both of Palmerston, for service to the First Palmerston Scouts.
Recognized for 15 years of service to the First Palmerston Scouts were Ben Poot and Peter Poot, both of Palmerston.
Recognized for 10 years of service were Mike Canning of Drayton, First Palmerston Scouts, and Ross Wilkie of Harriston, Minto Retirees Activity Group.
Mary Kerr of Palmerston, was recognized for five years of service to the Listowel Wingham Hospital Alliance.
Youth volunteers included Abigail Wiens of Drayton for service to Drayton Entertainment and Isaac Poot and Jared Lacroix of Palmerston for work with First Palmerston Scouts.
Several local residents were also recognized at a ceremony held in Guelph on March 14. Recognized for 10 years of service were: Candace Burnett of Moorefield, Girl Guides of Canada; Peter Debeyer of Moorefield, Victorian Order of Nurses; Margaret Feller of Drayton, Girl Guides of Canada;
Recognized for five years were: Marion Gray of Moorefield, Girl Guides of Canada; and Shannon Smith of Alma, Girl Guides of Canada.
