Each municipality in Wellington County is asked every year to nominate a group or an individual deserving of recognition for volunteering.
Mapleton township’s nominee this year was neither a group nor individual, but instead a couple.
Mayor John Green told county council they were nominated as a duo because, “They’re almost always together.”
The county and the Guelph-Wellington Volunteer Centre partner to deliver the awards.
The citation for Ray and Ruth Grose stated, “The multitude of ways that Ray and Ruth Grose contributed to their community is truly overwhelming. Ray is a founding member of the Alma Optimists with which he has been involved for over 35 years, including two terms as president.
“Ray is currently the chairperson of the fundraising committee. Ray also volunteered as a Scout leader and a board member with both the Drayton Festival Theatre and Alma United Church. Ray, with his interest and skill at welding, not only founded the business Husky Farm Equipment, but also build the world’s largest frying pan which is periodically loaned out for charitable purposes.
“In addition to being a handyman, Ray is also a great cook. He barbecues for local volunteer groups and it is estimated that last year alone, he cooked 5,000 pounds of meat, which was served with 90 gallons of his wife’s famous gravy.”
The citation said of Ruth Grose that she is “no stranger to volunteerism either. Ruth volunteered with UNICEF for almost 40 years, where, together with the children, she collects $1,000 annually.
“Ruth especially likes working with youth and has served as a Sunday School teacher with the Alma United Church for 25 years, a 4-H Club leader for 18 years and a Canadian Girls in Training volunteer for four years. Ruth is a leader in her community.
“She has been a very active member of the Women’s Institute for 35 years having served on the executive at the local, regional and provincial levels. Similar to her husband, Ruth has put her professional talents in to service at various local charities as both a treasurer and auditor.”
The citation concluded the service provided by the Groses, “is invaluable and plays and important role in the building of community spirit … By generously giving of their time, energy and enthusiasm, the world is a better place.”
Ruth Grose thanked those who nominated them, and said of volunteering, “We hope we can do this for many more years.”
Ray Grose added, “We’re just doing our thing day to day.”
