June Callwood Award Recipients
Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
2021-01-27 19:00:00
The Ontario government is recognizing 16 volunteers and volunteer organizations with the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism for their contributions to their communities and to the province.

The outstanding volunteer award recipients are:

Réjeanne Bélisle - Haileybury

A leader with the Association Canadienne-français de l'Ontario (ACFO) and a volunteer for more than 15 years, Réjeanne works to mobilize and connect the Francophone community of Temiskaming Shores and keep the French art and culture community vibrant and connected.

Charles "Charlie" Brown - Mississauga

A gifted gardener and lifelong volunteer, Charlie has contributed to the development of several community parks and established the Mississauga Garden Council, now known as The Riverwood Conservancy, which attracts thousands of visitors to their gardens.

David R. Edgerton - Peterborough

A local military historian, David spent more than 12 years and countless volunteer hours spearheading the creation of Peterborough's Veterans Wall of Honour in 2010. He eagerly shares his knowledge and enjoys making regular visits to seniors, service clubs and schools.

Victor Herrington - Sparta

Victor is Catfish Creek Conservation Authority's longest serving volunteer. For the past 21 years, he has volunteered several days a week, contributing his time, knowledge and support with infectious happiness.

Eli Katan - Toronto

After retiring from his successful auto parts business more than eight years ago, Eli began volunteering with Circle of Care, delivering Meals on Wheels to seniors, and with the Scarborough Bluffs Rotary Club, volunteering in soup kitchens and shelters.

Adam Lake - Mississauga

Adam is a Toronto-born community activist and advocate whose volunteerism with various organizations has put him at the forefront of change, advancing the conversation on discrimination and equality. In 2015, he co-founded Books Breaking Barriers, a not-for-profit organization that provides inmates with books.

Divya Massilamani - Ottawa

Despite being a busy student, Divya has devoted more than 3,000 volunteer hours at various organizations, helping seniors and children in her community. Her sense of community and generosity have also earned her community builder awards from the United Way and the City of Ottawa.

Sue Murray - Burlington

A passionate advocate for health and fitness, Sue has dedicated more than 40 years to volunteering in her community, teaching children how to swim and leading hydrotherapy classes. Out of the pool, she fundraises for social programs, mentors at-risk youth and helps neighbours in need.

Aditi Sivakumar - Ottawa

Creator of the My Empowerment (ME) Platform, Aditi works to provide education and resources for women and children facing violence in Canada. She was the only Canadian to receive the 2019 Princess Diana Legacy Award, the most prestigious recognition a young person can receive for social action or humanitarian work.

Richard Zarour - Tecumseh

Richard serves as president of the Tecumseh Community Policing Committee and the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach, as volunteer coach for L'Essor Aigles Football team, and as a parent volunteer at St. Antoine School. His passion for community service sets a positive example for local youth.

The May Court Club of Ottawa - Ottawa

With approximately 20,000 annual volunteer hours, the women of the May Court Club of Ottawa have become a significant contributor to the health and well-being of the city's residents. Community services supported and sponsored by the club include the Bargain Box, the Munch and Learn program and Hospice Care Ottawa.

Multicultural Heritage Association of Norfolk - Delhi

The group represents more than 20 nationalities from around the world, sharing history, food, arts and tradition. The organization has created an inclusive community and has instilled the value of volunteerism with residents, including youth who are now taking on leadership roles to maintain this legacy.

Nipissing Trackers - North Bay

The Nipissing Trackers provides free downhill ski programs to special needs children. Dedicated volunteers receive specialized training to work one-on-one with differently abled children, many of whom can now ski on their own or have joined the Canadian Paralympics and Special Olympics teams.

The Volunteers of the 24/7 Support Line Peer Mentor Team - London

The Peer Mentor Team is a dedicated group of volunteers who help train and educate new and existing support line volunteers, making it possible to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since November 2016, volunteers have fielded more than 20,000 phone calls, helping vulnerable callers with their ability to cope.

The Nile Association of Ontario - Brampton

The Nile Association of Ontario is a non-profit organization that helps to preserve Egyptian heritage and culture in Canada and supports new Egyptian immigrants settle and integrate into Canadian society. Voluntarism has been the foundation and the fuel behind the growth and strength of the organization.

Youth Assisting Youth - Toronto

Youth Assisting Youth provides youth mentors with training to help vulnerable and at-risk youth. Mentees are empowered with leadership skills to help them succeed at school, work and life, keeping them in school and out of the juvenile justice system. The program's best practices have gained local, national and international recognition.