Article | April 26, 2013 Today, Mayor Rob Ford proclaimed National Volunteer Week in Toronto at an awards ceremony for Excellence in Volunteering. In recognition of their dedication and commitment to enhancing the lives of residents in the City of Toronto's 10 long-term care homes, 28 volunteers received awards.
Along with Mayor Ford, Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee, Councillor David Shiner (Ward 24 Willowdale), Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East) and Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) made the presentations during Long-Term Care Homes and Services' Excellence in Volunteering Awards ceremony at City Hall.
"Volunteering is one of the most admirable forms of civic participation," said Councillor Robinson. "Your time and talents are tremendously valued and essential to enhancing the lives of residents in our homes. The City and Long-Term Care Homes and Services greatly appreciates your commitment and dedication."
National Volunteer Week, April 21 to 27, acknowledges and celebrates the volunteer efforts of 13.3 million Canadians. The City of Toronto's Volunteer Week Proclamation can be viewed at www.toronto.ca/proclamations/2013/volunteerweek2013.htm.
The Excellence in Volunteering Awards are given to exceptional volunteers who have donated their time, energy and skills to enhance the lives of residents at the City of Toronto's 10 long-term care homes.
Long-Term Care Homes and Services proudly recognized approximately 2,100 volunteers, who visit residents and support a wide range of services including arts and gardening programs, gift shops, cultural and religious activities, and special events. Volunteers in Long-Term Care Homes and Services contributed more than 133,000 hours of service in 2012. That equates to over 50 hours of time per resident.
Recipients of Excellence in Volunteering Awards: Lewis and Loretta Ng Ah Foong (Bendale Acres); Jason Xie (Carefree Lodge); Gregory Robson (Cummer Lodge); Lucie Simons (Fudger House); Ron Might (Kipling Acres); Jeffrey Steele (Lakeshore Lodge); Lisa Rice (Seven Oaks); and Andrew Cooney (Wesburn Manor).
Michelle Dubé, CTV News Toronto anchor, received the divisional award for her outstanding contributions to the Toronto Challenge.
Doug Stuart, Castleview Wychwood Towers, received the Mary Ellen Glover Award, presented to a resident volunteer whose contribution makes a positive difference for fellow residents.
Awards were also presented to the following volunteers:
The Coffee House Group: Marg Iwata, Barry Shainbaum, Colleen Stanley, Ats Nakashima, Jeanette LeBlanc, Jim Lasby, Mai Lees, Darcy Gilland, Cathy Dziak, Julia Brandon, Clothilda Richards, Gino Spatafora, Paul Bradbury and Doug Stuart (Castlefield Wychwood Towers) and the Craft Group: Cecilia LaManna, Bea Dombrowsky, Isabel Campbell and Muriel Beattie (True Davidson Acres).
Long-Term Care Homes and Services is a leader in excellence and groundbreaking services for healthy aging with a commitment to CARE. More information about Long-Term Care Homes and Services volunteer programs and the Excellence in Volunteering Awards is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/ltc/volunteer.htm. |