Volunteers play a vital role in the community and that was recognized on Wednesday at the fourth annual Prince Edward County Volunteer Recognition Awards.
The Wellings of Picton hosted the event which showcased those nominated for the Wellings Community Leadership Award, the Wellings Caring Group or Duo Award and the Lifelong Achievement Award.
Wellings General Manager Rachel Henry said the awards are designed to recognize the high level of volunteerism in Prince Edward County.
She told those in attendance this event celebrates every one of the volunteers who help make the County a better place.
Marianne Malachowski won the lifetime achievement award and called it a milestone in her life.
This award is given to those who have tirelessly dedicated their life to volunteering, inspiring other volunteers and making a significant impact on the community through their exceptional achievements through volunteering.
She says it’s an honour to be recognized by her peers.
Malachowski, like most other volunteers, says she doesn’t do what she does for the recognition, she does it because it’s the right thing to do.
Approximately 44 per cent of Ontarians contribute 166 volunteer hours per year.
The top four sectors that benefit from volunteer work include: social services, sports and recreation, education and religious organizations.
Lack of time continues to be the biggest barrier when it comes to volunteering.
Janet Marissen, who is involved with the Wellington District Lions Club, won the Wellings Community Leadership Award. That award is given to an individual who, drawing on their unique leadership skills, has shown exemplary guidance in a volunteer role, led volunteer groups and/or has taken a lead role in finding solutions to local challenges.
The Loyalist Humane Society of Prince Edward County, an organization with 42 volunteers, won the Wellings Caring Group or Duo Award. This award is given to the volunteers who continually show outstanding compassion in their roles and have inspired others to do the same. This award brings to light the example set by the kind-heartedness and engagement that make up the fabric of the County character.
Mayor Steve Ferguson thanked all of the volunteers and said what they contribute on a daily basis is extraordinary and the community is what it is because of those efforts.
He said things like Food to Share, the Milford, Picton and Ameliasburgh fairs, Millennium Trail upgrades, the Attainable Housing Corporation and museums and libraries all run on the hard work of dedicated volunteers.
Ferguson said volunteers rally to a cause and show up organized and in droves and it shows how much importance volunteerism plays in the community.
