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Citizens recognized for community contributions ahead of Canada Day

July 9, 2021   ·   0 Comments

The Town of New Tecumseth announced the 2021 award winners for volunteerism and community involvement during the June 28 Council meeting.

The awards are presented to local residents who have given their time and effort through volunteering and public service in the community.

“Strong communities are built with the help of dedicated volunteers who offer their time, energy, and skills for the benefit of others,” said New Tecumseth Mayor Rick Milne. “In New Tecumseth, we have a great history of volunteering and community involvement. Our residents selflessly give their time every day. Volunteers are the heart of our community and demonstrate the ultimate form of public service. We have seen our residents come together during these extraordinary times, answer the call of service and make an invaluable contribution to our vibrant community life.”

Award recipients are nominated by other members of the community who recognize these individuals’ contributions to the town.

2021 Senior of the Year Award

Larry Keogh – Former mayor of New Tecumseth, 1998 to 2003. Former teacher and principal at Banting Memorial High School. Fundraiser for local churches and Banting Homestead, Gibson Centre restoration project. Member of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation.

2021 Virtual Wall of Honour

Wendy Gabrek – Former president of the Tottenham & Beeton District Chamber of Commerce. South Simcoe Legacy Council Spelling Bee. Tottenham Community Week events. Heart and Stroke Big Bike Fundraiser. Volunteer at Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation, Service. Former editor of the New Tecumseth Times.

2021 Student Volunteer Award

Hayden Lacey – Student council and student mayor at Banting Memorial High School and many other school initiatives including Relay for Life. Accumulated over 300 volunteer hours in the community.

Jacob Bruce – Volunteer at St. Aquinas Catholic Secondary School. Over 600 hours of volunteer hours in the community and parish. Lead by example and encouraged other students to volunteer.

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled,” said Gabrek. “It’s staggering to see my name next to all the past recipients of this prestigious award on the Town of New Tecumseth’s Virtual Wall of Honour. Thank you so much for this acknowledgement. I look forward to a time when volunteers are needed once again, as community events and fundraisers start up in our ‘new normal’

“The majority of my service came through connections I made while editing The Times. I have made so many friends and lifelong memories through that experience and although I am being honoured tonight, the real honour belongs to the people who are planning for our community and its residents. Countless acts of kindness that I have had the privilege of participating in, if only in a small way.”

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

– with files from Brock Weir

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