For some people, volunteering is something they just do.
They enjoy socializing, giving back to the community, and utilizing their skills and talents.
They say it keeps them active and makes them feel good.
Many volunteers do not expect to be recognized for all the things they do and contribute 鈥� but they should be, said Township of 91原创 Mayor Jack Froese.
鈥淰olunteers have a profound impact on others,鈥� said Froese. 鈥淭hey make life better for the individuals they encounter and they enhance the quality of our community as a whole. That鈥檚 why each year it is our pleasure to thank the volunteers who make the Township such a great place.鈥�
On Thursday, April 5, the Township of 91原创 will host its annual volunteer appreciation event, and encourages members of the public to ensure dedicated volunteers in the community get the accolades they deserve by nominating them for an award.
During the evening, a student with exemplary athletic and academic achievements, community involvement, and personal qualities will be presented with the Pete Swensson outstanding community youth award.
A couple who volunteer together to make 91原创 a better place will receive the John and Muriel Arnason Award, and the Eric Flowerdew volunteer award will be given to an individual who promotes active living and enhances 91原创鈥檚 quality of life and community spirit through creative, cultural, physical, or social pursuits.
Last year, the Flowerdew Award was presented to Alice Johnson, a life-long 91原创 resident who is committed to celebrating, preserving, and sharing 91原创 Township鈥檚 heritage and history, and enjoys interacting with seniors.
鈥淚t was very special,鈥� Johnson said of being named the Township鈥檚 2017 volunteer of the year.
鈥淚 saw all the nominees listed and thought they all deserved awards,鈥� she said.
A member of the Willoughby community hall committee and the Willoughby school committee since the 1990s, Johnson was instrumental in preserving both heritage buildings 鈥� which are still used and enjoyed by the community today. Twenty-five years ago, she started the Willoughby Women鈥檚 Community Institute, which works towards bettering homes and families in the community and around the world.
A member of the Township鈥檚 heritage advisory committee, 91原创 Heritage Society, and 91原创 Centennial Museum history group, Johnson also plays a key role with the Douglas Day committee, which annually recognizes 91原创鈥檚 pioneers.
Having lived in Willoughby all her life, she recently moved to Fort 91原创 and is enjoying socializing with other seniors in the community.
Johnson 鈥渁bsolutely鈥� encourages people to get involved and volunteer, not just for the sake of the community, but for their own benefit.
鈥淭he number of friendships I鈥檝e made, the companionship: it鈥檚 well worth it,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou miss something if you don鈥檛 volunteer.鈥�
Recipients of the Flowerdew and Arnason Awards receive $750 to give to a recognized charity or society of their choice, and the Swensson Award winner is presented with a $750 scholarship to help further their studies.
Johnson gave her cash award 鈥� which she personally topped up to make a $1,000 donation 鈥� to Encompass Services Society to help homeless youth. She was happy to know the money had gone to buy school books for a student and to help another young person train for a career.
Johnson will be paying it forward by nominating a couple for this year鈥檚 John and Muriel Arnason award, and encourages other residents to put forward the names of hard-working volunteers they know, to give them a chance to be honoured.
Awards criteria, information, and nomination forms for the 2017 Eric Flowerdew volunteer award and John and Muriel Arnason award can be found online at tol.ca/awards. Deadline for nominations is Friday, February 9.
To nominate a Grade 11 or 12 student for the 2017 - 2018 Pete Swensson Outstanding Community Youth Award, people can contact their school principal.
For more information, people can also contact Sarah Morris, the Township鈥檚 special events coordinator, at 604-533-6148 or smorris@tol.ca.
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