Community champions honoured at the 21st Oakville Community Spirit Awards

On June 8, 2023, the community gathered at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre for a sold-out Oakville Community Spirit Awards, celebrating individuals, organizations, businesses and community groups who have demonstrated ongoing leadership, dedication and involvement in Oakville.

The 2023 Community Spirit Award recipients are: 

• The Oakville Diwali Committee and Reem Al-Rawi, Arts, Culture and Heritage Award sponsored by the Oakville Beaver
• Hannah Kohler and Mervyn Russell, Climate Action Award sponsored by FirstOntario Credit Union
• Penny Smith and Kim Melhuish, Good Neighbour Award sponsored by Chartwell Retirement Residences
• Gennile Thomas-Smith, Marlyne Van Exan and Nic Hotchkiss, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Award sponsored by Access Abilities
• Lionel Latter, Lorna Van de Mosselaer and Patrick Gorman, Inspiration Award sponsored by RBC Royal Bank
• Desmond Jordan and Grant Foster, Leadership and Innovation Award – sponsored by Amica Seniors Lifestyles

This is the 21st year the Community Spirit Awards is being celebrated after undergoing a refresh to include broader awards categories. Emceed again by media personality Chris Mei, the event brought together the community in celebration of the individuals and groups and their outstanding contributions to the community and featured a video showcasing local artist Rafia Shafiq, who specializes in phulkari embroidery, and how she created this year’s one-of-a-kind embroidered awards. 

To learn more, visit the Community Spirit Awards page.
 

Quote

“Congratulations to the 2023 Community Spirit Award recipients! Council and I were pleased to be part of the sold-out celebration and meet members of our community that contribute to the vibrant spirit of Oakville. I am always inspired by the commitment, dedication and love that our engaged community demonstrates through volunteer efforts and acts of kindness.” 

– Mayor Rob Burton