For Immediate Release
July 5th, 2017
Council and Staff, Celebrate Nationally Recognized Local Volunteers
The Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers celebrates exceptional volunteers who contribute to their community and selflessly offer their time, talent and treasure toward elevating the quality of life for people in cities and towns across Canada, Mayor Bonnie Crombie said today.
Mayor Crombie made the comments during today’s Council meeting, where Councillors and staff recognized seven different remarkable residents who have earned the Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
This is a prestigious national honour that recognizes volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields, Mayor Crombie said, adding that “all of Mississauga is proud of your remarkable achievements.”
Four of the seven recipients were in the gallery to formally receive the medals from Mayor Crombie, joined by family members and friends.
The complete list of award recipients includes:
- Gaye Gould (Ward 1)
- Captain Mark Bradley Phillips, C.D. (Ward 2)
- Jamie McKenzie (Ward 2)
- Alan Waring and Mrs. Ethel Waring (Ward 2)
- Roman Yasinsky (Ward 3)
- Filip Ivanovski (Ward 4)
“We recently marked the celebrated occasion of the 150th anniversary of Confederation and our nation’s founding,” Mayor Crombie said.
“As we reflect on Canada’s proud past and promising future, our country continues to be shaped by thoughtful and committed citizens who unselfishly give back toward elevating the quality of life for people in communities across our nation.”
Mayor Crombie concluded “I truly believe in the positive difference volunteering makes, and have joined countless others in using personal time to give back to make our community stronger.”
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- Photo Caption: Mayor Crombie and Council join award recipients (front row, left to right: Roman Yasinksy, Jamie McKenzie, Gaye Gould, Filip Ivanosk)
- Visit mississauga.ca to find local volunteer opportunities and to do your part.
- Click here for more information about the Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Backgrounder: The Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers Citations
- From Ward 1, Ms. Gaye Gould – As chair of the Port Credit Secondary School executive council between 2007 and 2015, Gaye Gould organized fundraisers, coordinated food drives and established a parent library. In January 2016, she played an instrumental leadership role in the school’s campaign to collect toiletries, bedding and clothing for Syrian refugees resettling in the Greater Toronto Area.
- From Ward 2, Ms. Jamie McKenzie – Whose dedication to mental health and well-being has extended over 15 years through her sustained commitment to various organizations in and around Toronto. She has applied her skills through her volunteer efforts to increase access to mental health services and to expand community engagement.
- From Ward 2, Captain Mark Bradley Phillips – Over the past 45 years, Captain Mark Phillips has volunteered with several organizations, such as Scouts Canada, SickKids, the Navy and Army Cadets, the Historica Dominion Institute, and St. John Ambulance. With these groups, he sets an example for those around him through his efforts as a youth mentor, a leader, an active participant and organizer, and through his work promoting community development.
- From Ward 2, Mr. Alan Waring – Over the past seven years, Alan Waring has been helping those less fortunate in the Toronto area through Haven on the Queensway. Every week, he devotes several hours to the organization’s food bank and clothing boutique, providing the essentials of life to individuals of varying backgrounds.
- From Ward 2, Mrs. Ethel Waring – Ethel Waring has been helping underprivileged and low-income individuals through Haven on the Queensway for over 20 years. She performs a variety of duties to help feed, clothe and ensure the well-being of others in her community.
- From Ward 3, Mr. Roman Yasinsky – With the help of Roman Yasinsky, the reach of both classical music and Ukrainian culture in Toronto has expanded. The impact he has had can be seen through his efforts with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada and also with the Ukrainian Youth Ensemble, of which he is a founding member and musical director.
- From Ward 4, Mr. Filip Ivanoski – Since 2008, Filip Ivanovski has volunteered with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation and with Rise Asset Development, through which he has helped entrepreneurs with mental health issues achieve success in their chosen fields.