WELLINGTON NORTH – Crystal Steffler and John Ray share a passion for bettering their communities.
And that passion was recognized on Oct. 18 during the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence Awards ceremony.
In front of a large crowd at the Mount Forest Legion, Steffler was named Mount Forest’s Citizen of the Year and Ray the town’s Youth Citizen of the Year.
“I got into volunteering and being a part of the community … right from when I was still living at home in Linwood,” Steffler told the Advertiser.
She gained inspiration through her parents, who were heavily involved in the Linwood community.
“I’ve always been a person that likes to help people, likes to be involved and wants to be a part of community,” she added.
Steffler moved to Mount Forest eight years ago and joined the Mount Forest Lions Club five years ago.
“One of the first things I helped with was I believe a bingo night,” she noted.
Steffler, who said she appreciates the camaraderie the club provides, found out she was nominated for Mount Forest Citizen of the Year through a list released by the chamber of commerce.
“When I saw the list I thought, ‘Oh my goodness I’m nominated again’ … I felt so honoured [and] humbled to just be nominated,” she said.
Steffler and Ray were both nominated for their respective awards last year but ultimately didn’t win.
“To see everyone standing and clapping and cheering it was just very overwhelming,” Steffler said of the reaction at the chamber’s awards celebration.
“I know for myself I certainly don’t do the things that I do for recognition.
“For me it’s not about the award, it’s being out there and being present and being helpful in a community that I have now called home.”
In addition to volunteering with the Lions Club and Mount Forest Fireworks festival, she is also a personal support worker.
“[She] has provided outstanding care to her clients … she’s always there,” noted an anonymous nominator.
An initiative she created herself called Child Cancer Blanket project has helped children across the province – and soon, across Canada.
“I know I can’t make a big difference on my own, but now that I have community members and Lions Clubs … we are slowly making a difference to these little kids,” she stated.
The project involves community members making blankets or quilts and donating them to children’s hospitals across Ontario.
“These blankets have been shipped as far a CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) in Ottawa,” she added.
Steffler has even been asked to make a shipment of blankets in March to Manitoba and Alberta.
“I started this myself a few years ago and then gradually took it to my home club and from there it’s just gotten bigger,” she said.
“If anyone out there is looking for a way to get involved or to be a volunteer come and check out the Mount Forest Lions Club.”
Youth Citizen
Youth Citizen of the Year went to John Ray. From left: Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce treasurer Sharon Wenger and Ray. Photo by Georgia York
At just 15 years old, John Ray has been recognized as the Youth Citizen of the Year in Mount Forest.
His passion for volunteering sprouted from his parents.
“It kind of just runs in my blood to help people,” Ray told the Advertiser.
He can be found on Saturdays during the summer at the Wellington North Farmers’ Market selling fresh produce from his family’s farm.
“I always grew up with it. My mom helps around with the community a lot,” he said.
Ray describes himself as a “chatty person” who enjoys speaking to new people to “make their days better.”
He received a standing ovation at the Oct. 18 awards ceremony when he was announced as Youth Citizen of the Year.
“I was actually very excited; last year I was nominated too, but I didn’t win so I thought this year might be the year,” said Ray.
He enjoys volunteering at the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival as well as the farmers’ market.
“I get to talk to so many people and meet new people and they can share their experiences with me,” he added.
Ray noted he appreciates his nominators and the opportunity for the award.
“It’s a great feeling to help other people out when they need it,” he said.
