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.
One of those organizations is the Nipissing Trackers, a volunteer organization in North Bay that provides free downhill ski programs to special needs children at Laurentian Ski Hill. 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.
See: Nipissing Trackers program looking for volunteers
"It shows our work with these kids on the hill is being recognized," Martial Gerolami, a Nipissing Trackers Coordinator proudly told BayToday. "It's a group effort. We're a pretty close-knit family of instructors up there that take care of these kids. We all have the same feeling about getting this award, it kinda put a smile on our faces. We don't do this for recognition but it's always nice when someone gives you a pat on the back."
Unfortunately, recent events concerning Covid, forced organizers not to run the Trackers program this year.
Réjeanne Bélisle of Haileybury is also a recipient.
A leader with the Association Canadienne-français de l'Ontario (ACFO) and a volunteer for more than 15 years, Belisle works to mobilize and connect the Francophone community of Temiskaming Shores and keep the French art and culture community vibrant and connected says a news release.
See the complete list here.
The awards were presented yesterday in a virtual ceremony. The award recipients include leaders who give their time to help seniors and children, support those who face violence in the community, and mentor and coach people of all abilities.
Journalist, author and Order of Ontario appointee, the late June Callwood was one of Canada's most well-known social activists, founding or co-founding more than 50 Canadian social action organizations. In memory of this outstanding individual, this award recognizes the exceptional leadership, innovation and creativity of volunteers and volunteer administrators who make Ontario communities better places to live and work.
Visit Ontario's website for more information on how to recognize an exceptional volunteer or organization for the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism.
See the Nipissing Trackers on the Rick Mercer Reportr.
