Take some time during pandemic to honour a hero

In a period of great stress, let's help local stars shine, Steve Desroches says.

As many feared, this miserable pandemic has emerged as a terrible menace over the winter months. The lockdown has affected local businesses and citizens in profound and difficult ways. Many people are hurting and are doing their best to cope under personal and financial difficulties.

Lots of people in Ottawa are working from home under trying circumstances. Statistics Canada has estimated that 40 per cent of jobs can be done in a home office or at a kitchen table. The number of people working from home in Ottawa might be higher because of the federal public sector and educational institutions.

Despite the challenges, many homebodies find themselves with time on their hands, given the numerous limits on our once busy lives. Public opinion polls have suggested that a large number of Canadians are watching more TV and movies. South of the border, American politics has reached the sad apex of reality TV. The Ottawa Senators and modified NHL schedule also provide an entertaining distraction for some.

Aside from these entertainment options, there are opportunities for more productive endeavours such as cleaning out our closets, garages and crawl spaces, as well as a range of home-improvement projects, both big and small.

But there is another important project people can take on to help beat the monotony and gloom of the lockdown. This assignment is a positive and uplifting task that will help shed a beam of light during these challenging winter months.

If you are able, consider taking the time to nominate a worthy person for an honour or award.

There is usually no shortage of meritorious candidates, but there is often a scarcity of people who are willing to take the time to put forward a nominee.

After all, award submissions take time to complete and must be well written and properly researched.

The nomination packages sometimes need to be co-ordinated with other reference letters and supporting materials. Often, bureaucratic forms must be completed with specific dates and picky details. In short, it takes time and effort to produce an impressive and high-quality application.

But these days, many residents actually have the time to honour a local hero or outstanding Canadian citizen.

There are many award options to consider. For example, at the municipal level, the Order of Ottawa honours residents of Ottawa who have made a significant contribution in a professional capacity that has been of benefit to our community. The Mayor's City Builder Award recognizes an individual, group or organization for outstanding volunteerism or exemplary action.

The province of Ontario has a comprehensive list of awards within the ministry of local MPP Lisa MacLeod. These provincial honours include the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility, the Lincoln M. Alexander Award, and the Order of Ontario, to name a few.

Federal awards include the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, the Polar Medal, and Canada's foremost and most prestigious honour, the Order of Canada.

First-aid heroes who have helped save a life can also be nominated for recognition through the local St. John Ambulance organization. Thankfully, there are examples of volunteers and bystanders who have used their first-aid training and quick action to help save a life.

Now is the time to shock and awe the honours and awards selection committees with a dazzling array of applications and nominations. There is no shortage of negativity in our world, so let's help the stars shine. With a brighter spring on the horizon it is time to turn off the TV and help spread some joy by honouring others.

Steve Desroches is a former city councillor and deputy mayor. Twitter: @SteveDesroches