Seeking nominations for Volunteer Awards

Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

All across Ontario people volunteer their time and give of their talents, energy and enthusiasm. Ontario’s volunteers impact all sectors including health, recreation, sport, agriculture, culture, arts, environment, education and heritage. There is no aspect of life in Ontario that has not been enriched by the efforts of dedicated citizens who are volunteers. All Ontarians benefit from the millions of volunteers who help to make our communities safe, caring and prosperous.
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are a way for the government to recognize volunteers for their undeniable contributions. The awards are also a way to thank volunteers for their continuous years of commitment and dedicated service to a group. Youth volunteers (under the age of 24) are recognized for two or more years of continuous service. Adults are recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 or more years of continuous service.
The government of Ontario offers other programs that recognize volunteers for contributions beyond years of continuous service. The Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism in Ontario are presented to 20 individuals, groups and businesses that have made exceptional contributions to their communities and the province through voluntary action.
The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers recognizes the outstanding achievements of 10 young volunteers between the ages of 15 and 24 who have made a difference to their communities.
Who is eligible? The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are presented to volunteers who contribute consecutive years of service to a group* within Ontario, and whose work is characterized by the following:
·Volunteer time given on an ongoing and active basis to the same group for which no payment has been received
·Membership alone is not a qualification for recognition
·Services performed during the normal course of professional or business duties are not eligible for recognition.
Groups that have been in existence for a minimum of five years may complete a nomination. Each group may nominate up to six volunteers. Nominators must attest to the accuracy of the information provided for each volunteer by signing a Certification Clause on the nomination form for this program.
*For the purposes of this program “group” is defined as: community, not-for-profit, and non-profit organizations/associations; co-operatives; boards; commissions; businesses; government ministries that directly recruit volunteers; arts/educational/correctional institutions and schools; municipalities; long term care facilities; hospitals.
How are the recipients selected?
The ministry relies on the judgement of the head of group (Chair, President etc.) to ensure the information provided is true and the nominees are deserving of recognition in keeping with the requirements of the award. Nominations are reviewed and acknowledged by letter.
Recipients are presented with stylized trillium pins and personalized certificates at special ceremonies held across the province. Pins and certificates each correspond to the length of service being recognized. Recipients receive an invitation to attend the ceremony with one guest. Each organization making a nomination is also invited to have two representatives attend the ceremony.

For more information:
Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue
Ground Floor, South Lobby
Toronto, ON M7A 2R9
Tel: (416) 314-7526
Fax: (416) 314-7743
E-mail: OntarioHonoursAndAwards@mci.gov.on.ca