Excellence in Volunteering recognizes individuals and groups for donating their time, energy and skills to enhance the lives of residents and clients in the City’s 10 long-term care homes and community programs.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Holyday (Councillor for Ward 2 Etobicoke Centre) was joined by members of City Council at City Hall to honour volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their volunteering activities at the City’s long-term care homes.

Recipients of this year’s Excellence in Volunteering Awards are: Gordon Crutchley (Bendale Acres); Fran Axmith, Margaret Chan, Cindy Cheng, Esther Cheng, Bill Hu, Charmaine Lym, Mahrukh Mack, Lin Mu, Sally Woo, Agnes Yang and Alina Zhao (Carefree Lodge); Gizella Hudik (Castleview Wychwood Towers); Marlene Zeidenberg (Cummer Lodge); Neil Milne (Fudger House); Barbara Russell (Kipling Acres); Joshua Bonnici, Elizabeth Short  and Sherry Snow (Lakeshore Lodge); Eleanor McKendrick (Seven Oaks); Shirley Currie (True Davidson Acres); and Leila Morrison (Wesburn Manor).

The Divisional Excellence in Volunteering Award, given to an individual or group that volunteers at multiple homes or with several different programs, was presented to members of the Korean-Canada Family Ministry, under the leadership of Reverend Grace Kim. Members of the Korean-Canadian Family Ministry have been performing and organizing Korean programs at the City’s long-term care homes for more than 30 years.

Roy Miya (Castleview Wychwood Towers) received this year’s Mary Ellen Glover Award,which is presented to a resident volunteer whose contribution makes a lasting impact on fellow residents. As an accomplished jazz pianist and visual artist, Miya regularly volunteers his time performing at events at the home and drawing portraits of residents and their families.

Last year, more than 2,200 volunteers contributed 136,000 volunteer hours through a wide range of services including arts and gardening programs, friendly visiting, operating gift shops and bistros, hosting fundraisers, providing end-of-life support, and organizing cultural and religious activities and special events.

The City’s Long-Term Care Homes & Services division is a leader in providing ground-breaking services for healthy aging, with a commitment to compassion, accountability, respect and excellence (CARE).