Town council in St. Marys has recognized selfless deeds from its citizens.
Five individuals were recognized through the 'Strong as Stone' program.
The program allows people to nominate people whose volunteer acts benefit the community.
Included in the group, per information provided by the Town, are Andrew Middleton, who delivered meals during the peak of the pandemic and assisted with fundraisers for Camp Bimini. He also regularly drives others to and from church.
Gord Barnett was recognized for donating a kayak to the Yak Shack, and for using his photography and social media skills to promote local initiatives and share helpful information.
Grant Barton was recognized for his work with the local food bank and Nourish Market. He decorates and drives the Rotary Christmas float and delivers meals to seniors during the holidays.
Rev. Gwen Ament’s long-time advocacy for inclusion was recognized with recent efforts to help re-settle Ukrainian refugees.
Susan McCutcheon was honoured for a decade of teaching fitness classes at the Friendship Centre, helping countless local seniors stay strong and active.
St. Marys' residents of any age, or those from outside of the community whose actions benefit St. Marys, are eligible for nomination. Only volunteer and voluntary service can be nominated.
Mayor Al Strathdee told StratfordToday that the program started during the pandemic, when heroic acts were popping up all over town. It moved away from a more traditional volunteer of the year-style award format, he added.
"So many people stepped up (during the pandemic)," he said.
One of the first recipients was Lyle Fisher, who grocery shopped for people who could not do it themselves or felt uncomfortable doing it.
He built a relationship with local grocery stores, finding out what they had in stock and when items out of stock would be available. Fisher posted pictures and updates on his Facebook page and took orders throughout the day.
“We are incredibly grateful to this generous group of individuals for giving their time, effort and energy to others,” said Strathdee. “Their actions truly embody the Stonetown spirit.”
The next call for Strong as Stone nominations will start next February. Recognition will take place in April, as part of National Volunteer Week. An announcement will be made when nominations open through local media, social media, and at: www.townofstmarys.com.
