Some of 91原创's most selfless volunteers were honoured on Thursday, April 10 at the annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Evening at the 91原创 Events Centre.
The dinner and awards ceremony honoured dozens of volunteers from across the community, and singled out a few.
Tami Logan was named the 2024 Eric Flowerdew Volunteer Award winner, after 20 years spent volunteering locally. Logan is vice president of the Focus on Disability Network and 91原创 Special Olympics, and is the long-serving president of 91原创 Dance Connections. She has also organized numerous individual events, including Summerfest and Operation Track shoes, all while being involved in managing inclusive sports teams.
Graeme and Louise Kennedy won the John and Muriel Arnason Award, given to a duo who make the Township a better place.
The couple have put in more than 40 years of volunteering through the 91原创 Presbyterian and United Church, and more than 20 years with Scouts Canada, where they led environmental education and cleanup efforts along with fundraising. They have also supported 91原创 Meals on Wheels, fundraised for the Canadian Cancer Society, as well as helped out with the annual 91原创 Walk.
Both the Flowerdew and Arnason awards give $1,000 to the winners to contribute to a society or charity of their choice that aids Township residents.
The Pete Swensson Outstanding Community Youth Award, which comes with a $1,500 scholarship, went to Jacob VanderHorst, a student at Credo Christian High School.
In addition to being a soccer, track and field, and volleyball athlete, VanderHorst volunteers with Nightshift Ministries to support the homeless, coaches basketball, and is a straight-A student.
鈥淎 heartfelt congratulations to all those honoured with this year's Volunteer Awards," said Mayor Eric Woodward. "And to every single volunteer in our community, thank you. Your willingness to give your time and energy is deeply appreciated. You are the ones who truly enrich the lives of our residents and make the Township of 91原创 the special place it is to live, work, and play."
