More than 100 volunteers from Fort Frances and area were honoured by the province yesterday evening at the Townshend Theatre here.
“Everyone here tonight is a hero. Everyone has given of their time freely, and everyone has a story to tell about something they’ve learned or gained from volunteering,” said Fort Frances Times’ publisher Jim Cumming, who emceed the ceremony.
The awards ceremony was presented by Rick Beaver from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.
“That’s the spirit of volunteerism,” said Beaver. “It’s the heart and soul that you put into your good works . . . it’s the willingness to do that without any fanfare.
“Your contributions are immeasurable and you may think that they go unnoticed, but, in fact, they don’t,” he stressed.
“Volunteers do, indeed, build communities,” Beaver continued, commending the audience full of volunteers.
Stanley Ward was one recipient of an award for his 20 years of service with the Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances.
“There’s many people that need your help and the Kiwanis Club has lots of projects that are used by families,” he noted.
Like many of the volunteers at last night’s ceremony, Ward volunteers his time because “It’s just a good feeling.”
Collectively, there were 1,007 years of volunteer service among the 106 award recipients.
Those who received an award last night had volunteered with a particular group for a minimum of five-consecutive years.
Then there are increments of nine levels that are awarded at five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 or more years of continuous service.
Recipients are nominated by the organizations they are affiliated with.
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recognizes thousands of people across the province who have provided service over many years.
The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration estimates Ontarians donate more than five million hours of their time each year to various organizations and communities.
The complete list of local award recipients can be found at www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/honours/vsa
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
