Richmond Hill recognizes volunteers at annual awards

More than 600 individuals and organizations honoured for their volunteer work

Yorkregion.com
April 18, 2019
Sheila Wang

It was a room full of helping hands, and generous hearts in the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts in the evening of April 10.

Hundreds of people gathered at the 55th Volunteer Achievement Awards in Richmond Hill to celebrate the dedication and contribution made by local volunteers and organizations.

A total of eight volunteers received the Volunteer Achievement Award at this year’s event: Cheryl Butler, Hayden Cheung, Judy Clement, Peter Devita, Jennifer Krizel, Bertha Mohl, Ed Sackfield and Elizabeth Wilfert.

“Your stories of long-term dedication and commitment to our community through volunteering illustrates that you are truly community builders helping to create a stronger and more vibrant Richmond Hill,” said Mayor Dave Barrow, who congratulated all award recipients.

The Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra performs during the 55th Richmond Hill Volunteer Achievement Awards. Steve Somerville/Metroland

Richmond Hill has recognized more than 600 individuals and organizations for their dedicated volunteer work in the community since the inception of the annual award celebration in 1963.

This year, Hannah Alper, 16, received the Youth Volunteer Achievement Award for her volunteer efforts in environmentalism, and promoting inclusivity.

Hannah Alper stands proudly on stage after being named the Youth Award winner. Steve

The Citizen of the Year Award went to Lyn May, a longtime volunteer at the Richmond Hill United Church, for her continuous work supporting refugees in the community.

A modest Lyn May is all smiles as she is escorted on stage by Coun. Karen Cilevitz while being named Citizen of the Year.

Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, an independently run, non-profit, non-government agency, was named the Community Organization of the Year.

The food bank provides temporary, emergency food assistance to those in need.

Richmond Hill Food Bank volunteers including Mary Maccon, Filomena Smith, Lee Reynolds, Marney Beck Robinson and chairperson Fergie Reynolds celebrated at the event.

Kidambi Raj, a board member of the Richmond Hill Hindu Temple, won the Naim Malik Award for the Promotion of Intercultural Friendships.

Kidambi Raj won the Naim Malik Award for the promotion of intercultural friendships.