Pelham, ON - Community volunteers from across Pelham packed into the Meridian Community Centre on November 20, 2024, at the annual Town of Pelham volunteer appreciation event.
Over 200 individuals were recognized through nominations from service clubs, volunteer groups, sports organizations and committees. In addition, each organization submitted a Peer Award nomination for someone who has provided exceptional service in their volunteer role. As part of the award ceremony, Town of Pelham councillors shared highlights of the award recipients and their contributions to the community.
"Volunteers are truly the foundation that creates a caring community in Pelham," said Mayor Marvin Junkin, who was the master of ceremonies for the event. "I don’t think the hard work and dedication of Pelham volunteers can ever be matched."
Recipients of the peer awards included Lois LaCroix, Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH) and Communities in Bloom Working Group; Krystle Vanderzanden, North Pelham Youth Association; Darren Vahrmeyer, Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club; Gregory Dyson, 613 Lincoln and Welland Regiment Army Cadet Corps; Todd Barber for Kame & Kettle, Corporate Award, Tammy van den Brink; Pelham Cultural Advisory Committee; Alison Cousineau, Pelham Minor Baseball Association; Bill King, Canada Day Working Group (accepted by his wife Beverly); Frank Adamson, Pelham Active Transportation Committee; Cam McLaren, 3rd Fonthill Scouting; Eleanor Arbor, Fonthill Lionettes; Jacqueline Schwenker, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613; Susan Mark, Pelham Cares; Liz LeMesurier; Niagara Centre Skating Club; Linda Warren, Pelham Art Festival; Ann Harrison, Rotary Club of Fonthill; Len Doyle, Pelham Summerfest Working Group and Fonthill Kinsmen; Barbara Botden, Pelham Garden Club; Ed Hazlett, Fonthill Lions Club; Anthony Ferrara; Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee; Yvonne Van Lankveld, Lincoln Pelham Public Library; Anushka Shettigar, Summer Chill Volunteer; Anne Durst, Pelham Farmers Market Committee; Michael Cottenden, Pelham Finance and Audit Committee. Peer award recipients received a unique handmade pen from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, crafted by local woodturner Marv Ens utilizing 100% pruned wood from the Comfort Maple.
The evening's keynote presentation was given by Pelham resident Jeanette Dempster, who shared her experiences as a swimmer, earning four gold medals at the Canadian Transplant Games. Dempster shared how a positive mindset and the willingness to try new things can build resiliency. As a heart transplant recipient, she shared how personal trials can be transformed into triumphs as one navigates life’s challenges.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities in Pelham at www.pelham.ca/volunteer