They don't do it for the recognition - but these local volunteers certainly deserve it. Volunteers from several disciplines in Oakville were honoured recently at the town's annual presentation of the Community Spirit Awards.
Outstanding local volunteers were celebrated for what nominators called, "their exemplary contributions to the community" at the 22nd Annual Community Spirit Awards.
The awards were presented in six categories last Thursday, June 6, at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre. The Oakville Community Spirit Awards are presented annually to individuals, organizations, businesses, and community groups who "have demonstrated ongoing leadership, dedication and involvement in Oakville."
This year’s awards were designed by local artist Cathy Lorraway, who specializes in vibrant landscape paintings. Individual unique paintings were presented to each award recipient at the event.
Listed below are the recipients of the 2024 Community Spirit Awards in each category:
- Rachel Williams - Arts, Culture and Heritage Award – sponsored by Oakville News/Village Media
- Gweneth Arumainayagam - Climate Action Award – sponsored by FirstOntario Credit Union
- Charles Yaeck - Good Neighbour Award – sponsored by Chartwell Retirement Residences
- Olamidotun Votu-Obada - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Award – sponsored by Access Abilities
- Joachim (Joe) Berkmanns and Ruth Sheridan - Inspiration Award – sponsored by RBC Royal Bank
- Fatima Sultan - Leadership and Innovation Award – sponsored by Amica Senior Lifestyles
A selection committee made up of Council members and community leaders reviewed each nomination and selected the recipients.
More information about the Community Spirit Awards and this year’s recipients are catalogued by the town on their Community Spirit Awards webpage.