April 16, 2015
Today at City Hall, the City of Toronto recognized and thanked volunteers from the City's 10 long-term care homes and community programs for their excellence in volunteering. Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 10 York Centre), Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee, joined other councillors and City officials at the annual event, which recognizes individuals and groups for donating their time, energy and skills to enhance the lives of residents and clients in the City's long-term care homes.
"These extraordinary people are vital to the day-to-day life of our homes, helping to make them vibrant and enjoyable places to live," said Councillor Pasternak. "They support a wide range of programs that enrich the lives of the residents and help keep them connected to the community."
The quality of life of residents in the City's long-term care homes and programs are greatly enhanced by the support of more than 2,200 volunteers who have contributed over 134,000 hours of volunteer service. The City proudly recognizes and thanks the individuals and groups, who support a wide range of services including arts and gardening programs, friendly visiting, operating the gift shops and bistros, hosting fundraisers, providing end-of-life support, and organizing cultural and religious activities and special events.
Recipients of this year's Excellence in Volunteering Awards are: Menaka Sri (Bendale Acres); Shela Qiu (Carefree Lodge); Da Mi Kim (Castleview Wychwood Towers); Russell Bannock (Cummer Lodge); Neil Mudde (Fudger House); St. Benedict Catholic Church Volunteers (Kipling Acres); Hannah Ohata (Lakeshore Lodge); Gloria Kroher (Seven Oaks); Jacinta Ramdial (True Davidson Acres); and Patricia Nelson (Wesburn Manor).
Jan Nowakowski was the recipient of the divisional award for his service on Long-Term Care Homes & Services' advisory boards. Alf Roberts, of Fudger House, received the Mary Ellen Glover Award, presented to a resident volunteer whose contribution makes a positive impact for fellow residents.
Long-Term Care Homes & Services is a leader in excellence and ground-breaking services for healthy aging. More information is available at:
http://www.toronto.ca/ltc/.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit
http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contact: Cheryl San Juan, Strategic Communications, 416, 397-5305, 416-906-3935 (cell), This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
