Burlington, Ont. – May 11, 2017— The City of Burlington honoured 24 nominees and eight award winners at the annual Burlington’s Best Awards ceremony on May 11, 2017.
The Burlington’s Best categories include:
- Heritage Award
- Community Service Award
- Environmental Award
- Arts Person of the Year
- Accessibility Award
- Junior Citizen of the Year
- Senior Person of the Year
- Citizen of the Year
2016 Burlington’s Best Award winners
Heritage Award
This award is sponsored by Heritage Burlington, a City of Burlington citizen advisory committee made up of 14 volunteers who provide advice to City Council on issues related to the conservation of Burlington’s cultural heritage.
The award goes to an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the preservation of Burlington’s heritage, and has volunteered his or her time to support the preservation of Burlington’s heritage.
Winner: Jim Clemens
Clemens has been a leader and supporter of heritage and culture in Burlington for many years. He has a deep knowledge of the issues and legalities that influence Burlington’s capacity to preserve its heritage. As a past member and Chair of Heritage Burlington, he was instrumental in the development of the document “A New Approach for Conserving Burlington’s Heritage” resulting in the implementation of the Burlington Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program. Through his work with the Burlington Historical Society and Heritage Burlington, Jim has demonstrated an ongoing commitment and dedication to maintaining Burlington’s heritage for future generations.
Community Service Award
This award is sponsored by COGECO, a diversified communications company that strives to meet the communication needs of consumers and advertisers through cable distribution and radio broadcasting. Cogeco Cable is the second largest cable telecommunications company in Ontario and Québec in terms of basic cable service customers.
The Community Service Award is given to an individual or group whose volunteer activity has contributed to the betterment of the Burlington community.
Winner: Marion Goard
Goard sincerely believes a better community is the responsibility of every individual and she strives to find ways to contribute to Burlington. She is the co-founder of 100 Women Who Care Burlington, an organization of 100 women who donate $100 four times a year to four different charities - $10,000 per charity. Many organizations and initiatives in Burlington have benefited such as the Burlington Humane Society, Halton Women’s Place, Home Suite Hope, Food4Kids and Carpenter Hospices. Goard also led the charge for 100 of her work associates to participate in a Habitat for Humanity Build Day in Burlington and she single-handedly collected more than 450 pounds (204 kilograms) of non-perishable food items and toiletries for Partnership West Food Bank. Goard’s drive to make a difference in Burlington is an inspiration to all those around her.
Environmental Award
This award is sponsored by Walker Environmental Group, a leading waste management company that develops solutions for environmental challenges—solutions that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable—including aerobic composting, alternative energy production and environmental project management. The company’s diverse range of services provides sustainable solutions that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and enhance the environment.
The Environmental Award is given to an individual or group that improved and/or protects Burlington’s environment.
Winner: Kale Black
Black is a shining example of how one person can truly make a difference. His journey to champion the environment began while attending Aldershot High School and since then, he has dedicated almost nine years of his life striving to create a better planet and benefit the community. Black has hand-sorted more waste at Burlington festivals and events than any other individual in the city and his active participation and team leadership at 44 community events has resulted in the diversion of 61 tonnes of waste from the landfill. Black is best known in the community for his extensive contributions to inspiring and engaging local youth to grow up green and has taught fun-filled, educational workshops to 7000 Burlington children. Black is an environmental and community champion who actively leads and serves as a steward for our environment and the youth of Burlington.
His hard work and dedication to environmental initiatives in Burlington, including protecting the rural environment and valuable green space, has touched many lives. Woodruff has pushed for environmentally sustainable policy and decision-making and has led the BurlingtonGreen team to grow as an effective, impactful organization through various programs, services and advocacy campaigns.
Arts Person of the Year
THE K.W. IRMISCH AWARD
The Arts Person of the Year Award was donated to the City of Burlington by the Irmisch family to recognize the importance of the arts in the community and to recognize all of the volunteers who work so hard to showcase the amazing talent and culture of Burlington.
The award is given to an individual who has contributed to the arts in Burlington as an artist, patron or advocate, including, but not limited to, visual arts, media arts, musical arts, performing arts and literary arts.
Winner: Margaret Lindsay Holton
Holton is a well-known Burlington born artist and activist who has made significant contributions to the community. She recently completed a 25 minute short film called "The Frozen Goose" that included some shots in north Burlington and the only known Canadian film to include both Rattlesnake Point and Mount Nemo. She was very specific about hiring local cast and crew and keeping the production "grassroots" and grounded in this area. This well received work promotes local talent on a larger stage and encourages other filmmakers to consider the uniqueness of Burlington too. Reviews of her film raved about the Burlington scenery and introduced the area to a substantially wider audience. Holton's unique view of the area portrayed through her work encourages Burlington residents to feel proud of their city and be inspired by its natural beauty.
Accessibility Award
The Arts Person of the Year Award was donated to the City of Burlington by the Irmisch family to recognize the importance of the arts in the community and to recognize all of the volunteers who work so hard to showcase the amazing talent and culture of Burlington.
The award is given to an individual who has contributed to the arts in Burlington as an artist, patron or advocate, including, but not limited to, visual arts, media arts, musical arts, performing arts and literary arts.
Winner: The Tetra Society
The Tetra Society recruits skilled volunteers to create customized assistive devices for people with physical disabilities and enhances the health and quality of life for thousands of people with disabilities. Within their organization, Tetra designs and builds a wide variety of “gizmos” such as communication adaptations, eating and drinking utensils and educational and recreational aides for people of all ages and abilities. The Tetra Society is a hidden hero in the Burlington community that is invaluable in enriching the lives of others.
Junior Citizen of the Year
Youthfest was founded in 2002, and avidly promotes the importance of youth in our community, develops youth responsibility and action in the community and connects youth to meaningful volunteer opportunities and available supportive service. The winner will receive a $500 bursary, courtesy of the Bank of Montreal, which has been a leading and supportive partner since the inception of Youthfest.
The Junior Citizen of the Year Award is given to a high school student, 18 years of age or younger, who has made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
Winner: Mehr Mahmood
Mehr has made significant contributions to the Burlington community through her volunteer work as a volunteer. She has contributed her time, energy and talents to many organizations including Burlington Public Library, 3 Things for Burlington, Halton Mosque and the Compassion Society. Mehr has been an inspiration and natural leader on the Library's Teen Advisory Board in the development of a program called Fusion, which brings teen volunteers and teens with developmental disabilities together. Mehr a compassionate young woman and is dedicated to growing acceptance and inclusivity in our community.
Senior Person of the Year
Canadian-owned and operated, Schlegel Villages’ mission is to provide holistic health care in-home environment, located within an internal neighbourhood design that promotes a caring community, with emphasis on optimal health and life purpose for each resident. The Village of Tansley Woods offers a rich selection of programs and activities year around. The Village is designed to build a community while serving residents’ personal needs and wants. The Senior Person of the Year Award is given to a Burlington resident aged 55 years or older who has advocated on behalf of seniors and/or made a significant contribution to the Burlington community.
Winner: Dave Page
Page has been an active volunteer with the Age Friendly Housing Committee for more than five years and demonstrates his passion for the need for affordable, accessible and safe housing for older adults living in Burlington. He played a vital role in the development of the Halton HomeShare Toolkit, a guide to support older adults to stay in their home and share it with a home seeker who can help with household responsibilities. In addition, Page is responsible for the creation of a conversation circle where Halton Multicultural Council’s newcomers and refugee groups can practice their English speaking skills. Burlington is richer for having a man like Page who silently goes about supporting the health and well being of the community through his volunteer activities.
Citizen of the Year Award
The City of Burlington is a unique city within the Greater Toronto Area that is defined by both significant urban and rural areas. The city is proud of its clean, safe, close-knit neighbourhoods, many employment opportunities and commitment to alternative ways of getting around. The City of Burlington’s vision is to be a city “that grows, moves, is healthy, green and engaging.”
The Citizen of the Year Award is given to a person whose volunteer activity has made a significant and sustained contribution to the vibrancy and wellbeing of the Burlington community.
Winner: Dorothy Borovich
Borovich has been a community builder for more than 15 years. She co-founded Youthfest, an initiative that brought together community not-for-profit agencies, city, business and youth leaders to promote youth philanthropy and engage in volunteerism. Borovich encourages youth to take on community involvement and volunteering as a lifestyle in order to gain a sense of belonging. Through her fundraising efforts, a permanent endowment fund with the Burlington Community Foundation was established and continues to assist youth in their community endeavours. Borovich also founded the Crystal Ball, a significant source of annual funding for Joseph Brant Hospital, and the Healthy Reflections event which raises funds to assist women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Borovich is an inspiring leader and her commitment and passion has made Burlington a better city.
About Burlington’s Best
Burlington’s Best Awards are managed by a citizen’s committee established in 1965 with the mandate of recognizing Burlington residents who bring honour to the city and make a difference in the community.
To learn more about the city’s annual recognition awards, Burlington’s Best, visit www.burlington.ca/best .
Burlington is one of Canada’s best and most livable cities, a place where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at www.burlington.ca/enews.
Quotes
Mayor Rick Goldring
“All nominees wanted to see changes in our community and selflessly donated their time and talent to make a difference. The Burlington’s Best nominees and award winners are wonderful examples of engaged citizens that are inspiring. I applaud the Burlington’s Best Awards Committee for managing the difficult task of picking only one winner in each category.”
Links and Resources
www.burlington.ca/best
Images/Photos
By request
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