Volunteers recognized with Shamrock Awards

ERIN – The Town of Erin held its annual Shamrock Awards ceremony on April 22 to honour and recognize the many volunteers who keep essential community services and events running all year round. 

The ceremony took place at Centre 2000 in Erin. 

“The Shamrock Awards give us a glimpse into what makes Erin so special,” stated Erin CAO Rob Adams, in a news release following the event.

“From the quiet dedication of our volunteers, to the creativity in our arts community, the energy of our young leaders, the strength of our local businesses and the passion behind those supporting health, sport and our environment ... it’s clear that there is no shortage of heart in this community.”

Rick Scott, longtime Erin firefighter and now retired deputy fire chief, was named 2026 Citizen of the Year. Scott retired from his position in December after 38 years of service with the Erin Fire Department.

This year’s Young Changemaker Award was given to 16-year-old Abigail Cormack for her commitment to volunteer work in the community. 

“I was really excited to get the Young Changemaker Award and to see all the other people there winning awards,” said Cormack. 

“A lot of the people were people I know and look up to. So to have that experience is really good.”

Cormack has a laundry list of volunteer work under her belt, including volunteering with the Legion, Cadets, the Rotary Club, Erin Fall Fair, the Terry Fox organization, the Orton Community Association, her school and many more. 

“My favorite part of volunteering is being able to interact with others and find different communities,” said Cormack.

“Erin is its own community, but then you have the people who are in the Legion community and the people who are in the Optimist Club community ... I get to meet a lot more people and learn different perspectives.”

Erin Legion president Patty Booth was given the Community Volunteer Award.

Asked how she felt about receiving the award, Booth told the Advertiser she was “grateful but undeserving.”

Booth emphasized the importance of all the volunteers in Erin and cited tradition and making a difference as driving factors for her volunteer work.

“You’re helping to keep a tradition alive, I think, and at the same time making a difference in the lives of some of the people that you may or may not know around you,” said Booth.

Erin resident Deb Flear was also given a Community Volunteer Award for her work with the Century Church Theatre, East Wellington Community Services, Rotary Club of Erin and other organizations.

“My first volunteer experience was with The Grove ‘Main Place’ in Erin,” said Flear.

“Being involved with our youth was such a rewarding experience, watching them evolve into young adults going out into the world with hopes for a good future filled my heart more than a pay cheque ever could.” 

From the youth centre, Flear became involved with the Adult Day Program through East Wellington Community Services.

“This experience without a doubt was one of my greatest experiences and even after moving on to our community theatre I still pop by every now and again just to say hello,” said Flear.  

Now with the Century Church Theatre in Hillsburgh, Flear says she feels “right at home.”

“As I have been a creative my whole life when the universe connected me to this amazing place I knew with all my heart that this is where I am fully connected and am able to serve both young and old through my set designs,” said Flear. 

“I am truly humbled and grateful to receive the Shamrock Award for Community Volunteer for 2026. This is a beautiful award and I will forever cherish the acknowledgement that I received.”

Other Shamrock Award winners included:

• The Erin Agricultural Society’s 175th Anniversary Committee, which was recognized with a Community Volunteer Award;
• Erin’s 2026 Business of the Year went to Busholme, a locally owned staple of the community;
• Susan Powell, president of Tree Trust’s Erin chapter, won the Environmental Stewardship Award;
• local artist Jennifer McKinnon is the Creative Excellence Award for her dedication and leadership in the local arts community; and 
• The Community Health and Sports Impact Award went to the Erin-Hillsburgh Minor Hockey U18BB team, which won the provincial championship for the third year in a row.