Celebrating National Volunteer Week

April 15-21 is National Volunteer Week, when 12.7 million volunteers across Canada are recognized for their contributions serving communities throughout the nation. Last year during Canada 150, the Volunteer Action Centre, along with volunteer centres from across the country, challenged residents to volunteer 150 hours in recognition of Canada’s birthday. Waterloo Region stepped up with nearly 62,000 hours of tracked volunteer contributions toward this challenge. “We are so proud to be a resource to the contributions of community organizations and the volunteers who contribute so much to this community,” says Jane Hennig, Executive Director at the Volunteer Action Centre. “I am thrilled that our volunteers stood up to be counted and shared how much they contribute! Congratulations and thank you to all Waterloo Region Volunteers!” The 13th Annual Volunteer Impact Awards, will be held Thursday, April 19, and the following individuals/groups will be celebrated at the awards gala dinner for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Caring Program Award - Freda Millar

Over the last 17 years Freda Millar has volunteered 1,200 hours and driven 9,000 kilometres to deliver over 7,000 meals for Community Support Connections Meals on Wheels.

Mentorship Award - Jill Strome

The success of the partnership between Langs, a community, health, and wellness organization, and W. G. Davis School owes much to the leadership and direction of Mrs. Strome.

Organizational Support Award - Barbara Duncan

For the past 12 years Barb has been the driving force behind the small but mighty library at Fairview Senior’s Community.

Outstanding Youth Award - Chloe Jang

7 different organizations, from the Grand River Hospital to the Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre can attest to this third-year biomedical student’s dedication to helping others.

Special Event Award - Marlene O’Brien

For the last 8 years the House of Friendship staff have relied on the ‘Marlene Effect’ to provide support and creative problem solving for the Community Potato Lunch, the Golf Tournament and the Friendship Dinner.

Neighbour Award - Yvonne Hilker

At 86 years young Yvonne is currently volunteering in 8 different roles in her senior’s complex in addition to volunteering with Golden Years Nursing Home and the Alzheimer Society.

Neighbour Award - Mamaye Yimegnuhal

For the last 12 years Mamaye has been volunteering for the House of Friendship’s Sunnydale Community Centre, spending over 15 hours a week welcoming newcomers to the community.

Multicultural Award - Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns

This grassroots group focuses on all aspects of the challenges refugees and immigrants face when settling in a new country.

Board of Directors Award - Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation

These champions invest a huge amount of time to ensure community causes that matter continue to thrive.

Committee Award Professional Advisory Committee - Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region

The skills and commitment of this advisory have led to stronger programs supporting more families in our communities.

Group Engagement Award - Menno S. Martin Contractor Ltd.

Menno S. Martin has been a supporter of the House of Friendship for 25 years and recently built fencing to provide private outdoor spaces for people transitioning out of addiction treatment.

Leadership Award - Chuck Snider

Chuck has provided leadership for the operation of 3 businesses at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Volunteer Association and also volunteers in the Diagnostic Imaging Department.

Volunteer Manager Award - Janine Armstrong

As Manager of Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, Janine recently integrated inmates from the Grand Valley Institution for Women into the volunteer program.

Visit www.volunteerWR.ca for information about becoming a volunteer or to purchase tickets for the Volunteer Impact Awards.