At a special event the Town of Erin celebrated seven volunteers who have gone above and beyond expectations in their contributions the community.
The volunteers received a Shamrock Award at the annual Celebrate Erin dinner and awards ceremony at Centre 2000 on April 23.
“We’re very fortunate that we have these people in this community, because they make for a much stronger community,” said Mayor Allan Alls after the event.
The seven individuals recognized were: Chris Bailey, Gayle Lawr, Nancy McDougall, David Spencer, Ed Stewart and Lloyd and Jackie Turbitt.
Chris Bailey
Chris Bailey, owner of Brighten Up and chair of the Village BIA, was awarded a Shamrock Award from Mary Cunningham, a member of the Rotary Club of Erin.
Bailey, also a member of the Rotary Club, has helped organize the Family Fun Day and has offered his experience with different tasks with the Rotary.
Bailey helped organize the Home and Lifestyle Show, and has spearheaded the annual toy drive for East Wellington Community Services.
“His involvement with the BIA and Chamber of Commerce prove his desire to enhance the economic development of Erin but he didn’t stop there,” said Cunningham, adding Bailey joined the economic development committee.
Gayle Lawr
Gayle Lawr is an 18-year volunteer with East Wellington Community Services.
Barb Carscadden, the community and volunteer engagement manager at EWCS, said she nominated Lawr for the Shamrock Award because Lawr makes all the clients feel welcome. In the morning she works at front reception at EWCS then in the afternoon she volunteers at New to You.
On Sundays, Lawr volunteers at the Bethel House Hospice preparing meals for families and patients.
“She delivers the meals to the rooms and sits and talks the with patients to offer them comfort during their last stages of life,” said Carscadden.
Lawr also offers her time to the Belfountain Cemetery and the Young at Heart Choir.
Nancy McDougall
Brian Nuttall of the Optimist Club of Erin nominated Nancy McDougall for a Shamrock Award.
McDougall is deserving because she is “a true volunteer because she generously gives her time and monetary donations and never asks for anything in return,” said Nuttall.
McDougall organizes and runs a seven-week summer camp for Special Friends Club and volunteers with Community Living Guelph Wellington. She and her husband Marvin also offer their home to a Family Support Circle.
David Spencer
From research into blackouts to Syrian refugees to the Erin Radio, David Spencer is a well-rounded volunteer. He was presented a Shamrock Award for his volunteer services by Mayor Allan Alls.
Spencer’s initiatives led to the establishment of Erin Radio, the installation of one of five new power transformers on Erin Heights Drive, helped launch the Erin Residents’ Association and brought night school back to the Town of Erin. He also volunteers with the economic development committee.
“David, has been the driving force within his neighbourhood for encouraging everyone to be more aware of and to be part of the neighbourhood and to be involved in our town activities,” stated his nomination.
Ed Stewart
Ed Stewart was posthumously awarded a Shamrock Award by Mayor Allan Alls.
Stewart, who was born and raised in Ospringe, built a small garage operation into one of the largest family-owned agricultural equipment dealerships in Ontario.
Stewart spent his extra hours with the Erin District Lions Club, which he joined about 40 years ago. He received the Melvin Jones Award of Merit from Lions International for his dedication.
Stewart passed away on April 5, 2015. The award was accepted by family members Lorna, Randy and Jeff Stewart.
Lloyd and Jackie Turbitt
Long time Let’s Get Hillsburgh Growing (LGHG)members Lloyd and Jackie Turbitt received Shamrock Awards for their efforts in beautifying Hillsburgh.
Nominator Donna Revell of the LGHG committee, said the “dynamic duo” help with the Spirit of the Hills event, as well as offer their time to help raise funds for hanging baskets and planters in Hillsburgh.
LGHG offers plenty of events throughout the year but “without the enthusiasm and hard work of Jackie and Lloyd Turbitt, attempting all of these (events) would be unthinkable,” stated Revell.
