2025 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards
October 10, 2025
Recognizing the contributions of 56 outstanding Simcoe-Grey residents
October 10, 2025 – For Immediate Release
Stayner, ON – Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey is pleased to share that the Ontario government has recognized 56 outstanding Simcoe-Grey residents with the Volunteer Service Award. This honour is given in acknowledgment of exceptional contributions from individuals providing dedicated service to a single organization.
Recipients were recently celebrated at local ceremonies and received a personalized certificate and lapel pin as a token of appreciation for their years of service.
“Looking after our neighbours and community has never been more important,” said MPP Brian Saunderson. “I am grateful to see so many volunteers selflessly stepping up and embodying the best of Ontario’s spirit. On behalf of the residents of Simcoe-Grey, thank you to this year’s award recipients for helping make our communities strong, vibrant, and welcoming.”
Across the province, Ontario’s Volunteer Service Award recipients support a wide variety of causes, from hospitals, senior centres, and food security programs to arts, culture, and youth initiatives. Their commitment, whether as volunteers, board members, or fundraisers, enriches the lives of countless people and showcases the very best of our communities.
“The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are all about celebrating the incredible people who give their time to make our communities stronger,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Volunteers are the heart of Ontario, and we’re truly grateful for everything they do to support and uplift those around them.”
The 2025 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recipients from Simcoe-Grey include:
YOUTH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
Immanuel Deo Sewah, Town of New Tecumseth
Victoria Kolba, ZHR Polish Scouts of Canada
Nicholas Morrow, Town of New Tecumseth
5 YEARS OF SERCICE AWARD
Jay Anstey, Rotary Club – Wasaga Beach
Carla Beckett, Tec-We-Gwill Women’s Institute
Joan Bercovitch, Prime Time Club
Judy Burrell, Georgian Triangle Humane Society
Nancy Chapple Smokler, County of Simcoe – Simcoe Manor Long Term Care
Pamela Close, County of Simcoe – Simcoe Manor Long Term Care
Cheryl Drynan, Georgian Triangle Humane Society
Pat James, County of Simcoe – Simcoe Manor Long Term Care
Karlene Langman, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children
Christine Looker, Friends of Nancy Island and Wasaga Beach Park
Bronwyn MacLean, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka – Collingwood
Annette MacMaster, Georgian Triangle Humane Society
Rob Maguire, Prime Time Club
Teresa Main, County of Simcoe – Simcoe Manor Long Term Care
Cathy Marengeur, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children
Fran McDonell, Catholic Women’s League – St. Paul the Apostle Church
Millie Quigley, Alliston & District Humane Society
Diana Rudolph, Prime Time Club
Anne Sledz, County of Simcoe – Simcoe Manor Long Term Care
Kim Smith, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Jackie Akeson, National Association of Federal Retirees – Huronia Branch
Beverley Beesley, Friends of the Utopia Mill and Park
Myra Carvalho, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka – Collingwood
Kellie Casey, Georgian Triangle Humane Society
Maggie Curran, Friends of the Utopia Mill and Park
Simon Czarnecki, ZHR Polish Scouts of Canada
Ralph D’Alonzo, Friends of the Utopia Mill and Park
Bryan Davies, Rotary Club – Wasaga Beach
Kevin deGroot, Rotary Club – Wasaga Beach
Jacqui Eger – YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka – Collingwood
Patricia Gagnon, Prime Time Club
Patti Grossman, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka – Collingwood
Carmen Isopescu, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka – Collingwood
Alan Lo, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka – Collingwood
Michael Lubiana, County of Simcoe – Simcoe Manor Long Term Care
Linda Patenaude, Alliston & District Humane Society
Maureen Powling, Friends of the Utopia Mill and Park
Lisa Rowland, Georgian Triangle Humane Society
Anne Sharpe, Friends of the Utopia Mill and Park
Mari Thompson, Prime Time Club
Melissa Weiss, Rotary Club – Wasaga Beach
Doris Willis, Prime Time Club
15 YEARS OF SERVICE
Sheila Churchill, Brightshores Health System – Meaford
Mary Lafazanos, Catholic Women’s League – St. Paul the Apostle Church
20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Peter Brown, Beaver Valley Outreach
Floy Catt, Friends of the Utopia Mill and Park
Pat Skelly, Alliston & District Humane Society
Edith Steinmayr, Alliston & District Humane Society
25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Marie Heffernan, Catholic Women’s League – St. Paul the Apostle Church
30 YEARS OF SERVICE
Patricia Marshall, CONTACT Community Services
35 YEARS OF SERVICE
Sandra Luksys, Alliston & District Humane Society
45 YEARS OF SERVICE
Sylvia Plant, Tec-We-Gwill Women’s Institute
55 YEARS OF SERVICE
Suzanne Hayes, Catholic Women’s League – St. Paul the Apostle Church
“Every day thousands of volunteers from all over the province dedicate their time and talents to make Ontario a better place,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As Premier, I want to thank each and every volunteer for the efforts they make and the examples they set for the next generation of Ontarians. We could not ask for better role models and we are so grateful to them all.”
For more information about the program or to submit a nomination, please CLICK HERE to visit the Ontario Volunteer Service Award web site.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 1986, more than 250,000 volunteers have been recognized through the Ontario Volunteer Service Award.
- Adult volunteers are recognized for five to 65+ years of continuous service in five- year increments.
- Youth volunteers are recognized for two or more years of continuous service.
