CENTRE WELLINGTON – Rachel Mulder has been named the Youth Citizen of the Year in Centre Wellington.
The 19-year-old Belwood resident was recognized by the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce for her years of volunteerism with a focus on horticulture.
The June 18 announcement was part of the chamber’s five-day Awards of Excellence event from June 14 to 18, featuring daily Facebook livestreams announcing a few award winners at a time.
“This award is presented to an individual under the age of 25, who makes outstanding contributions to our community,” stated Chamber of Commerce general manager Sally Litchfield, explaining leadership, work ethic and integrity are the main qualifying factors for the Youth Citizen of the Year award.
As the winner, Mulder receives a bursary of $1,000 from RLB Chartered Professional Accountants.
“Firstly, of course, thanks to all the sponsors and congratulations to the other nominees and everyone this week who has deserved and gotten their awards…” said Mulder in her acceptance speech.
“I just want to say, I truly believe in the strength of community and our community, I’m very thankful that it has given me so many opportunities to contribute to it.
“I’ve definitely not done it alone, though; I’ve been coached and inspired by a lot of other volunteers in the awesome work that they do.”
In an interview with the Advertiser following the ceremony, Mulder listed some of the ways she has contributed to the community throughout the years, including:
- serving lunches at her high school cafe;
- singing in the choir at St Joseph Parish in Fergus; and
- horticulture-related volunteering such as maintaining the gardens at the Wellington Terrace Long-Term Care Facility in Aboyne and participating with the Fergus Horticultural Society.
“My favourite thing is to make those lasting connections,” said Mulder on why she volunteers, adding gardening may seem like a small thing, but it brings so much joy and peace.
At the start of the pandemic she also assembled care packages and delivered them to friends and community members.
“It makes people feel like they matter,” she said.
Currently attending Fanshawe College’s horticulture technician program, Mulder hopes to one day own a wildflower farm that could be used as a community-oriented event venue.
Mulder emphasized the importance of volunteering, and the positive impact it’s had on her.
“I just want to encourage all young people to take the opportunity to do something… for the community,” she said.
Lori Cipparrone, secretary at St. Joseph Parish, said she appreciates Mulder as “an active participant” in the church community.
“She’s been a terrific volunteer,” said Cipparrone, who noted Mulder’s many contributions include serving food and cleaning tables during church events, as well as helping her family “look after the Christmas float every year.”
Cipparrone added Mulder is “always happy and upbeat; you’re happy to see her coming.”
