Volunteers honoured at Oakville’s 20th Community Spirit Awards

On October 28, 2021, the Oakville Community Spirit Awards were presented to individuals, organizations, businesses and community groups who have demonstrated ongoing dedication and commitment to the Oakville community through their volunteer efforts.

2021 Community Spirit Award recipients: 

• Sybil Rampen and Ruth Sheridan, Access Award sponsored by Access Abilities
• Leslie Ashworth and Erin Zhang, Arts Award sponsored by the Oakville Beaver
• The Innovators Council and Distress Centre Halton Volunteer Trainers, Group Volunteer Award sponsored by FirstOntario Credit Union
• Angela Parsons and Mark Verlinden, Heritage Award sponsored by Sagen
• Matthew Aslett, Linda Lightfoot and Vimla Martinez de Hoz, Individual Volunteer Award sponsored by Budds’ Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC
• Margaret Andrews and Phone-a-Friend Volunteer team, Senior Award sponsored by Chartwell Waterford Retirement Residence 
• Sarah Yasini and Kusha Shirani, Youth Award sponsored by RBC Royal Bank

Since the Town of Oakville was unable to host last year’s awards due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years were combined into one special event at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Weather Network host Chris Mei emceed the evening, which featured pre-recorded performances by Girls Nite Out comedy troupe and jazz singer Molly Johnson, and a video showcasing local artist Kara Bruce and how she created this year’s one-of-a-kind stone sculpture awards.

Since 2002, Oakville’s Community Spirit Awards have recognized individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to the community.

“Congratulations to the 2021 Community Spirit Award recipients! I continue to be inspired by our community volunteers and all that they do to help make our town more livable. Each of them embody the spirit of our engaged community that Oakville is famous for. I thank each of them for their efforts, which help us advance through adversity. ”

Mayor Rob Burton