The Ontario government recognized 4,555 Ontarians with a Volunteer Service Award, an annual award honouring the exceptional contributions of individuals providing dedicated service to a single organization. Nine volunteers from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre received a personalized certificate and lapel pin to acknowledge their years of service.

In a news release, Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism said, “Volunteers are the backbones of our communities and embody the best of the Ontario spirit. They have shown — through their commitment, dedication and selfless service — that we can achieve anything and overcome any challenge when we come together as Team Ontario. I want to thank these incredible leaders, changemakers and everyday heroes for the incredible work they do to make our communities and our province a stronger and better place to live, work and succeed.”

Join us in congratulating the award recipients and thanking them for their dedication to our Hospital:

Ontario Volunteer Service Awards:
Loretta Brassard (Cancer Centre Volunteer, 40 years)
Carole McCollum (Gardening Volunteer, 20 years)
Kim Montanaro (Cancer Centre Volunteer, 25 years)
Marilyn Parker (Seasons Gift Shop Volunteer, 20 years)
Barb Rickards (Wayfinding and Surgical Day Care Volunteer, 25 years)
Judy Surkan (Cancer Centre Volunteer, 25 years)

Ontario Volunteer Service Youth Awards:
Paniz Bashari (Hospital Elder Life Program, HELP, 4 years)
Kieran Cross (Wayfinding, 4 years)
Lahama Naeem (Child Life/Pediatrics, 6 years)

Remember – We want to hear from you! Tell us how volunteers and PFAs have made a difference in your department or why you appreciate volunteers. Please send your responses to Sara Cicchitano, Volunteer Coordinator at Sara.Cicchitano@tbh.net.