The June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism recognize individuals and groups that have made an exceptional contribution to volunteerism in Ontario.

June Rose Callwood, CC, O.Ont, LL.D was a Canadian journalist, author and social activist. She was born in Chatham, Ontario in 1924 and grew up in nearby Belle River. She passed away in April, 2007.

Her life was marked by a strong concern for social justice, especially on issues affecting children and women. Callwood was one of Canada's most famous social justice activists, founding or co-founding over 50 Canadian social action organizations including youth and women's hostels. She founded Casey House (1988), a Toronto hospice for people with AIDS; PEN Canada, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and Feminists Against Censorship.

April 22, 2009

Twenty groups and individuals are to receive June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism on April 24, 2009. These awards recognize volunteers who have shown exceptional leadership, innovation and creativity and contributed significantly to their communities and the province.

The groups and individuals that will receive the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism include:

 

􀂃 Arnav Agarwal of Mississauga is a high school student who has donated more than 2,200 volunteer-hours to a number of organizations including Erinoak Kids Centre for Treatment and Development, the Mississauga YMCA, Peel Region’s Energy Smart and the Credit Valley Hospital.

 

 

􀂃 Reuben Cipin of Toronto has successfully lobbied for valid government issued photo identification for people who don’t drive including people who are visually impaired.

 

 

􀂃 Verna Curtin of Lindsay helped found Hospice Kawartha Lakes, and was instrumental in structuring and teaching the Volunteer Training Program for the hospice.

 

 

􀂃 Eleanor Edwards of Southampton spent two decades volunteering for Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre and raised $1.2 million for renovations to the museum.

 

 

􀂃 Dr. James N. Grassby of Sudbury donated decades of volunteer service to hospitals, theatre groups and Laurentian University. He has helped raise over $20 million for a variety of civic, charitable and non-profit organizations.

 

 

􀂃 William Hoyle of Etobicoke has volunteered over 50 years to the sport of soccer in Ontario, helping to induct the first 22 members of The Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum.

 

 

􀂃 Ann C. Kelly of Owen Sound has volunteered thousands of hours, championed numerous causes and motivated many others to volunteer. Organizations in which she has played an important role include the Red Cross, Sleeping Children Around the World, the Owen Sound Hospital, Kiwanis Club, and the Festival of Northern Lights.

 

 

􀂃 Ray Kinoshameg of Sudbury has had a profound impact on First Nations issues and organizations including the Key North training centre, Better Beginnings Better Futures prevention program and N’Swakamok Alternative School. His volunteer activity has been instrumental in the development of services and initiatives that have enhanced the lives of people in his community.

 

􀂃 Maggie McCreath of Uxbridge has been an active volunteer for groups such as Relay for Life, Diabetes Drive, Hospice, and Meals on Wheels. Despite personal challenges, she continues to be a driving force behind organizations such as “Operation Warm Hearts.”

 

 

􀂃 Hendrikus “Dutchy” Van Denzen of Sault Ste. Marie is a volunteer for life. He uses his skills and resources to help organize benefits at little or no cost, such as refurbishing old trophies to recognize children for their achievements in soccer. Organizations he has helped include Bushplane Heritage Centre, Alzheimer Society, Extendicare, and Lions Club.

 

 

􀂃 Bearskin Airlines Hope Classic Committee of Thunder Bay has raised $1.5 million for breast cancer research since its initial curling Bonspiel in 1996.

 

 

􀂃 The Centre Hastings Skatepark Committee of Madoc turned an old unused baseball diamond into an extraordinary multi-purpose recreational facility and tourist attraction that includes a world class skatepark, large playground, beautiful picnic areas, a 5000 sq. ft. splash pad with recyclable water, and the most eco-friendly community arts centre in the country.

 

 

􀂃 Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns of Kitchener has developed forums, resource guides and a World Refugee event, to help raise awareness of refugee issues, help empower refugees and bring the community together.

 

 

􀂃 Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign – Stephen Lewis Foundation of Toronto has raised over $4 million for Africa’s grandmothers who need food, housing grants and school fees for grandchildren orphaned because of AIDS.

 

 

􀂃 Hamilton Youth Justice Committee, John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area, volunteers have helped over 830 youth get back on track by bringing together youth who have committed a minor offence, their families, and victims to negotiate an appropriate way for the youth to make amends.

 

 

􀂃 Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage volunteers in Stirling came together in 1986 to create the museum as a way to preserve the rural heritage of Hastings County and promote awareness of agriculture.

 

 

􀂃 MADD Barrie/Simcoe Chapter has worked hard to raise money for public education programs, including the successful signage campaign that encourages motorists to call 9-1-1 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

 

 

􀂃 Meal Exchange University of Guelph Chapter mobilizes student volunteers to help 19 local organizations, including shelters and food banks. The success of this organization has inspired other universities to do the same.

 

 

􀂃 PROUD Port Dalhousie in St. Catharines consists of more than 600 members dedicated to protecting the old business section of Port Dalhousie and who worked to achieve a “Heritage Designation” for the historic village.

 

 

􀂃 10,000 Trees Project of Waterloo began with the plan of planting 10,000 bare root trees on public land in ten years at no cost to the taxpayer. Volunteers have surpassed the goal years ahead of schedule.

 

QUOTES

“These 20 recipients demonstrate the commitment to creating a better world that June Callwood exemplified. They represent her legacy of social action.”

- Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

 

"Since 2004, members of the Skatepark Committee have given thousands of hours of their time to help turn an old unused baseball diamond into an extraordinary multi-purpose recreational facility and tourist attraction. The park includes a world class skatepark, an enormous playground with award-winning structures, beautiful picnic areas, an eco-friendly community arts centre, splash pad with recyclable water, and more.  Construction of the park has given the community an overall economic boost as well as a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment. The Centre Hastings Skatepark Committee of Madoc has created a great public space that stands as a lasting and meaningful contribution to the community.“

 (This quote was read at the presentation to the Centre Hastings Park Committee)