April 13, 2016
Today, the City of Toronto recognized the contribution of volunteers to the City's 10 long-term care homes and community programs.
Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 10 York Centre), Chair of the City's Community Development and Recreation Committee, joined other councillors and City officials at the annual event held during National Volunteer Week, 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 caring and committed individuals provide friendship, activities and assistance to residents of our homes and in our communities," said Councillor Pasternak. "The roles volunteers play are varied but every single individual who gives of their own time, in our homes and in the community, is making a difference to enhance the lives of others. For that we thank you."
The quality of life of residents in the City's long-term care homes and programs is greatly enhanced by the support of more than 2,250 volunteers who contributed 140,000 hours of volunteer service in 2015. 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: Debbie Murney (Bendale Acres); Clement Gomes (Carefree Lodge); Lori Gershon (Castleview Wychwood Towers); Arthur Freeman (Cummer Lodge); Paul Cheung (Fudger House); Karin Loane (Kipling Acres); Margaret Bastin (Lakeshore Lodge); Melissa Gibson (Seven Oaks); Tea Room Group (True Davidson Acres); and Kathy Huang and Victoria Li (Wesburn Manor).
Karen Wianecki and Donna Vibert were the recipients of the divisional award for their service organizing the Secret Santa Program, which benefits residents from various homes. Gerald Robinson, of Wesburn Manor, 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 with a Commitment to CARE (Compassion-Accountability-Respect-Excellence). 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. 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: Jennifer Wing, Strategic Communications, 416-392-5349, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
