ELGIN KNOPP, CHUCK MERCIER
During 2007 and the spring of 2008, two Scugog residents became the heart and soul of the monumental effort to host the 2008 Ontario Special Olympic Games in Durham. These gentlemen led the committee in raising $1 million to help finance over 1,000 athletes, coaches and managers from around the province and put Durham and our athletes on the map. For nearly three years, Elgin & Chuck were on the road inspiring one and all about how important our Special Olympians are and encouraging everyone to “Embrace our Spirit”. Their work raised the public awareness of those who live with a disability but more importantly it allowed the athletes to be celebrities and heroes in their own communities. The spirit was infectious that weekend thanks to the hard work of these two men.
DENNIS BURKE
Every year around the beginning of December, a local volunteer from the Shriners pays a visit to the Municipal Office to sell cookies and cakes for charity. This soft-spoken resident has been doing this for over 25 years as well as canvassing in the community for Heart & Stroke, the Kidney Foundation, and the Cancer Society. In his many years of service, Dennis has quietly raised over $250,000 for local charities. He also spends his free time each summer volunteering three days a week at the Oshawa Second Marsh – weeding, fixing trails, picking up litter and when asked why he simply states “I like to keep busy”. Listening to his stories of the good things and the good deeds that come from volunteering, he truly is an inspiration. Keep up the good work Dennis and thanks for making a difference.
Port Perry & Caesarea Firefighter Associations
The combined efforts of the two local Firefighter Associations came to my attention this year as they sponsored a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for four Scugog children called “Dreams Take Flight”. The kids were taken on a 42 hour whirlwind dream vacation to the Disney World Resort in Florida and not only did they sponsor our local kids, but they also contributed to sending a foursome from the Hamilton area. These volunteers raised funds for their projects and charities through golf tournaments, car washes, pancake breakfasts and their Yuk Yuk’s evenings. There is a lot to be said for the volunteer firefighters who give of their personal and family time to keep us all safe and there is even more to be said in that they are still so charitable in their free time.
DEBRA & WILL CORNEAL
If you are involved in scouting in Port Perry, you certainly know these two volunteers. Together they have over 50 years of dedicated service. Debra is the present Commissioner of Scouts for 2008/2009 and Will still serves in a leadership role. Through the highs and lows of scouting registration, these two volunteers have always remained up-beat and involved with our youth. They truly value all that is important about scouting and whether camping, planting trees, teaching new skills or serving on the executive they embody the volunteerism that keeps scouting active in this community. Engaging our youth in quality pastimes that make a difference is an extremely important volunteer calling and these two have answered that call. From a family that inspired them to devote their time to scouting to the fact their children seem destined to carry on the tradition, we thank Debra & Will for their commitment.
PINE RIDGE GARDEN CLUB
In March of 1977, the Pine Ridge Garden Club became a charter member of the Ontario Horticultural Association and 31 years and countless civic projects later they are more dedicated than ever in making Scugog Township a beautiful place to live. These unsung volunteers work countless hours on the Spring Garden Show each year so that they have the funds to make donations to bursaries and special projects throughout our community and this past year donated $2,000 towards the new look for the Blackstock Cenotaph. Whether it is Communities in Bloom, Cartwright Fields, the hospital, the museum or young students needing funds to continue on in school, this club has been very generous with their time and hard-earned funds over the years and deserve recognition for all they have done.
DOUG BROWN, BILL COHOON
The “Lighting the Way” campaign was completed in 2008 with the community raising over $4 million towards a new endoscopy suite at Lakeridge Health Port Perry. Leading the large team of fundraisers, organizations and individuals were these two co-chairman who managed to pull it all together. Over the course of two years, they spent countless hours explaining the benefits of a well-equipped health care system and what it means in terms of physician recruitment and retention as well as creating a centre of excellence for this procedure at our local hospital. While both men could take a breather right now, Doug continues to work as Chair of the Hospital Foundation and Bill serves on the very successful physician recruitment team. Thank you for leading us on “Bill & Doug’s Excellent Adventure” for our hospital.
MARG SNIDER-MCGRATH, BONNIE THOMSON,
MARTHA LARSEN
In the fall of 2008, the Township of Scugog saw the official opening of Reflection Park. What started out as an initiative to make Prince Albert’s history students connect with their past, blossomed into a major project involving all the elementary school students in Scugog. The vision and persistence of the three organizers to this beautiful legacy in our community is to be commended. The official opening in October was one of the premier events of the year as children, veterans, parents and the citizens came together to officially dedicate our newest park. As one reporter put it “this is Scugog’s greatest collaborative project” and the fact that so many of our students were involved in its creation can only ensure that it will stay beautiful.
HEATHER HALIBURTON-SMITH
How I missed recognizing this volunteer for so long is a mystery to me. Heather has been a Rotary president, the founder and driving force behind the annual Aquarama fundraiser and the voice of the Dragon Boat races at the waterfront this past June. Heather is also the first person many think of if they need flowers, decorations or some creative ideas for local fundraisers. Hardworking, caring, and unassuming are just some of the words used to describe this very busy lady. As well, her family and especially her son Devon have become an integral part of our community and are always very supportive of sharing her with all of us. Last August, Heather stated she received the perfect Christmas gift and that was the good weather needed to help her raise money for charity. That sums up this recipient the best.
SCUGOG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
For more than 75 years, the local Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Port Perry Businessmen’s Association) has brought the Santa Claus Parade to the residents of Scugog and for many, many years they have also organized the Canada Day festivities at the waterfront. These two events have become hugely successful. It is important to remember that these events are run by Chamber volunteers and we should thank them for all they have done over the years. Organizing and running events takes a great deal of time and energy – time that many may need to invest in their business. Successful communities need service clubs, individuals and business to all work together. By recognizing the Chambers volunteerism, we have a chance to recognize the charitable nature of our local businesses. It is my hope we can continue to support them the way they support the community.
JOHN MACKEY, AL FULFORD
If you enjoy skating at the waterfront in the winter you can thank these volunteers. John has run the Port Perry Marina for well over 20 years. Al and his wife Debbie run the Boardwalk Café. But for many years, John & Al have taken on the winter challenge of flooding the outdoor rink at the base of Queen St. Young and old can enjoy our waterfront in the winter thanks to their generosity. However, it does not stop there as John volunteers with many other events including weed removal and equipment for Aquarama – if it happens on the water or at the waterfront he always seems willing to help. This winter take the time to go for a skate on the lake and then stop by for a hot chocolate and thank John and Al for they truly are the “Lords of the Rink.”
Serve Leadership Team-Hope Christian Reform Church
For the past three years a local Church has sponsored a program whereby young people from across Ontario and the U.S. meet for a week and dedicate their time and skills to “serve” their chosen communities. During the summer of 2008, the group met once again and had plenty of initiatives planned both for private citizens who did not have the funds or the capability of accomplishing small maintenance projects and for community organizations such as WindReach Farms, Precious Minds, and Reflection Park that could simply use the help. However, the program changed when vandals struck the Prince Albert Cemetery and immediately the Serve group decided to assist by helping to restore the destruction of the vandalized areas. Thanks to co-ordinators Brian DeJong and Ron Bruinsma and all the leaders & youth involved in helping to “Right the Wrong”. Your random acts of kindness were appreciated.
THE DRAGON FLIES
For the past four years Port Perry has been home to Dragon Boat Races and in 2008 we saw the 4th Annual Festival take place in Palmer Park when over 1,200 paddlers took part. What is unique about this event is that it is organized by a group of volunteers to raise awareness of breast cancer and at the same time raise funds for local hospitals. Over the four years, more than $300,000 has been donated to Port Perry, Uxbridge and Lindsay hospitals as well as the Oshawa Cancer Centre. The event also promotes the value of physical fitness and is a boon to local tourism. Countless hours are spent putting this event together by the Dragon Flies, a local group of breast cancer survivors. They have turned their adversity into a huge community awareness exercise of what needs to be done to overcome this terrible disease and at the same time treated us to one of the highlights of the summer.
Personalities
