The recipients of the 2023 Volunteer Award received recognition for their contributions to the City of Owen Sound.
The Volunteer of the Year for 2023 is Carol Reaney, while the Young Volunteer of the Year award for 2023 was given to Parker Davis. Joan Beecroft was honoured with Senior of the Year for 2023.
The awards were given out at the start of the council meeting on Monday, June 12 by Mayor Ian Boddy on behalf of the Owen Sound City Council.
“Volunteers contribute so much to the City by giving their time and expertise to support community projects. Thank you to Carol Reaney, Parker Davis, and Joan Beecroft, and all the other incredible volunteers in our community for your contributions,” said Boddy.
2023 Youth Volunteer of the Year – Parker Davis
Photo from Owen Sound
2023 Senior of the Year – Joan Beecroft
Photo from City of Owen Sound
Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) nominated Reaney for the award in recognition of her more than ten years of volunteer service to the company.
“Reaney sits on several committees at GBHS and contributes her valuable expertise as a retired nurse. Her calm and caring manner is a great comfort for patients and their families during stressful times. She also makes sure that volunteering at GBHS is a very positive experience for all volunteers, despite the challenging environment in a hospital,” said a release from city council.
Davis was nominated by the Owen Sound & District Junior Optimists. For the past three years, Davis has served as president of the youth service club that raises funds for various causes that benefit the community.
Beecroft was nominated by Maryann Thomas, citing her unwavering commitment to ensuring basic rights for others over the past decades,. Beecroft advocates for human and visibility rights for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Grey-Bruce and beyond. Thomas said Beecroft provides a strong voice for those faced with economic, racial, gender-based, and other inequities.
This is the 40th year the city has handed out awards to community volunteers.
