Some of Chatham-Kent’s most selfless residents have been honoured with the annual Ontario Volunteer Service Awards handed out at Club Lentinas Tuesday night.
Mary Williston was the night’s keynote speaker, and says her 50 years of volunteering has inspired the rest of her family, down to her great-grandchildren, to get involved in helping the community as well.
“It just seems that it becomes a way of life that’s been passed down,” Williston says. “It keeps us communicating, it’s almost like the glue that keeps the family together.”
Darren Winger, an advisor with the Ministries of Citizenship & Immigration and Tourism, Culture & Sport, says in all, the recipients in Chatham-Kent have donated a total of 2192 years of service.
“There are so many things people can do to make our communities stronger and better,” Winger says. “That’s what the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards are all about, giving back to people who give selflessly of their time, and sometimes their money also, to help put a smile on someone else’s face.”
Eight of the recipients at last night’s ceremony have donated more than 50 years each to their community.
