Ontario Recognizes Exceptional Seniors

TORONTO, Feb. 11 – The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will present the province’s highest recognition for seniors to 26 Ontarians on February 15 at Queen’s Park.

The Ontario Senior Achievement Awards recognize seniors over the age of 65 who have made significant contributions to their communities through voluntary or professional activities. “Ontario’s seniors have made, and continue to make, important contributions to our province,” said Lieutenant Governor Onley. “This group of honorees are exceptional community leaders and it is fitting to commend them and applaud their good works.”

“Our government is proud to recognize some of the unique and outstanding contributions made by seniors in Ontario,” said the Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister Responsible for Seniors.

This year’s recipients are:

Vera Jane Armstrong, Exeter – A World War II veteran, a strong supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion and an active member of the South Huron Hospital Auxiliary.

Newton William Clayton, Guelph – A member of the Rotary Club of Guelph, he spearheaded a campaign for local dialysis services.

Anna Burij, Toronto – A long-time volunteer, she has provided leadership and service on boards of a number of Ukrainian organizations.

A. Hugh Clark, Dundas – A volunteer with numerous organizations including the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, Alternatives for Youth and the Clark Family Foundation.

John Gillies, Orangeville – A fundraiser for local hospitals, a new youth drop-in centre and skateboard park, and library renovations.

Jhalman Gosal, Mississauga – A founding member of the East Indian Workers Association, Malton Community Neighbourhood Services and the Peel Multicultural Council.

Richard Graves, Etobicoke – A competitive runner who, at age 72, ran 20 races in eight months in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Bernice Greenfield, Novar – A member of the Royal Canadian Legion and recipient of its Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding volunteer work.

Dr. Henry Hedges, St. George – An author, avid gardener and leading authority on horticulture.

Peter Hensel, Dover Center – The force behind the Ontario Senior Games for Chatham-Kent.

Jean Hillis, Ingersoll – One of Canada’s most highly respected quilters and a founding member of the Canadian Quilters Association and the Oxford Quilters Guild.

Dr. Elizabeth Hillman, Ottawa – Professor of paediatrics at the University of Ottawa, renowned for her work in the field of international health.

Gail Hilyer, Fonthill – President of Pelham Cares and volunteer with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program.

Marion Holman, Fenwick – Worked with the local conservation authority for nearly 30 years and is a founding member of the Canadian Quilters Association.

Richard Illingworth, Aurora – At 91 years of age, he hosts a weekly cable television show and is the chief columnist for The Auroran.

Victor Jackson, Petawawa – A board member of the Petawawa Heritage Society and has volunteered with The Lung Association.

Dr. Nancy Johnston, St. Catharines – A leading clinical psychologist, professor at Brock University, children’s advocate, researcher and scholar.

Alexandra Kowalsky, Toronto – Active in women’s organizations both in Ontario and in the Ukraine.

Maureen Lacroix, Sudbury – A retired registered nurse and manager, chair of the Northern Cancer Research Foundation and past chair of Laurentian University’s board of governors.

Mieczyslaw Lutczyk, Oshawa – A highly decorated World War II combat soldier and member of the General Sikorski Polish Veterans’ Association.

Nancy Morrison, Kenora – Aboriginal community elder who helped found the grassroots organization, Making Kenora Home.

Kenneth Murray, Guelph – A business leader, innovator and philanthropist with a strong record of volunteerism and community service. He has supported projects in health, environment, culture, education and social services.

Elsie Rossi, Mississauga – A competitive walker whose participation in local and national Senior Games and sporting events has led to 33 medals.

Mul Raj Sethi, Richmond Hill – Founded the Arya Samaj Senior Citizens’ Club in Markham in 1993 and recently founded a club for Indian Seniors in Richmond Hill.

Jean-Roch Vachon, Ottawa – Educator, local columnist and genealogist dedicated to promoting and preserving Franco-Ontarian heritage.

Aileen Williams, Toronto – Founding member of the Canadian Negro Women’s Association, she helped create the Calypso Carnival and the first celebrations of Black History Week.

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For further information: Alicia Johnston, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-1676; Sandra Nicholson, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, (416) 314-7242; Nanda Casucci-Byrne, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, (416) 325-7780