Staff
The deadline is fast approaching for local organizations to nominate volunteers for this year’s Ontario Volunteer Service Awards.
Run by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, the annual awards recognize thousands of people from across the province who dedicate their time volunteering.
Nominations are due by Jan. 25, with ceremonies held across the province later in the year to recognize these volunteers.
Last year’s local ceremony in Fort Frances recognized roughly 100 volunteers from across Rainy River District.
An organization may nominate up to six adult volunteers, along with one youth volunteer.
Adult nominees qualify if they have volunteered with an organization for at least five consecutive years.
The award recognize this five-year mark, and also is given for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30+, 40+, 50+, and 60+ years of continuous service.
Youth nominees must be under 24 years old and have volunteered with one group for at least two consecutive years.
Both adult and youth nominees must not have received payment for any of their volunteer work.
Membership alone with the organization does not qualify a person for nomination. As well, services that are a part of professional duties or business do not qualify.
Those recognized with the award are presented with trillium pins and personalized certificates.
More information on the awards, including nomination forms, is available at www.citizenship.gov.on.ca
The website also allows for nominations to be submitted online.
More information also is available by contacting the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat at 1-416-314-7526 or by e-mailing OntarioHonoursAndAwards@ontario.ca
