Spring civic recognition recipients honoured by City Council for volunteer commitment

Burlington, Ont.—May 13, 2025— Burlington City Council handed out civic recognition honours to nine recipients at a special meeting of Council on Monday, May 12. The residents were recognized for their outstanding volunteer efforts in the community.

Civic recognition is presented twice a year, in the spring and fall. Applications for civic recognition nominations are open year-round at burlington.ca/civicrecognition.

Spring 2025 civic recognition recipients

Congratulations to the following recipients:

• Andrew Bannerman – As President of the Burlington Runners Club, Andrew has created an inclusive space for runners of all levels, fostering community connection and participation. He plays a key role in organizing group runs, local races, and partnerships with organizations like the Halton Conservatory and the Fit Active Beautiful (FAB) Foundation. His leadership has strengthened the running community and provided others with opportunities to find purpose, support, and a sense of belonging through health and wellness.
• Burlington Community Robotics – This volunteer-driven organization is shaping the next generation of Burlington leaders. Open to high school students in Halton, the robotics and STEM facility provides hands-on robotics training, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. The program encourages students who may have never had exposure to this field to design, build, and program robots, helping them to develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills that prepare them for future careers.
• Burlington Helping Burlington – Formed in 2023 to fight food insecurity, Burlington Helping Burlington began as a food drive and quickly grew into a powerful movement—raising 15,000 lbs of food and over $20,000 in just three months. Now a registered charitable foundation, they connect businesses, residents, and organizations to support local not-for-profits. Through fundraising events, donation drives, and volunteer mobilization, Burlington Helping Burlington continues to make a lasting, positive impact in the community.
• Jenna Bye – Jenna is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. As the Executive Director of Save Our Scruff – Rehome & Rescue, Jenna has helped to build a dog rescue organization that has facilitated over 3,000 dog adoptions across Ontario, Canada and beyond. Jenna leads a team of 100 staff and over 300 volunteers, coordinating programs focused on rescue, rehoming, education, training, and advocacy. Her leadership not only saves dogs but also raises awareness about responsible pet ownership and inspires others to support animal welfare initiatives.
• Michelle Douglas – Michelle has spent over 30 years advocating for equality in Canada. In 1992, she launched a landmark legal challenge that ended the Canadian Armed Forces’ ban on 2SLGBTQI service members. Since then, she has remained a dedicated human rights advocate, testifying before Parliament and serving as Chair for organizations like the Foundation for Equal Families and Toronto’s 519 Community Centre. In 2023, she was appointed the first Honorary Colonel for Professional Conduct and Culture by the Minister of National Defence.
• Food for Life – Celebrating 30 years in 2025, Food for Life is the largest food rescue organization in Halton and Hamilton, having redistributed over 26 million pounds of fresh, perishable food since 1995. By focusing on fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and prepared meals, they ensure access to healthy food for those in need. Their efforts also benefit the environment, diverting food waste and preventing approximately 37 million kilograms of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere.
• Sonia Robinson - Sonia Robinson is a passionate advocate of change to protect women and children. Her efforts were instrumental in the passage of Keira’s Law – both federally through Bill C-233 and provincially through Bill 102. This legislation, named after Keira Kagan, mandates that judges and justices of the peace receive training on intimate partner and gender-based violence. Recently, Sonia was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her work.
• WhiteEagle Stonefish – WhiteEagle is a respected urban Indigenous Elder and a powerful advocate for reconciliation. A residential school Survivor, she stepped forward as a voice of truth, healing, and education following the discovery of 215 children’s graves in Kamloops, B.C. Each month, WhiteEagle leads Full Moon Ceremonies at Burlington Beach, creating inclusive spaces for learning and community-building through Indigenous teachings. She also contributes to countless civic events with land acknowledgments, opening prayers, and blessings— offering her guidance to City Council, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington Food Bank, and many more.
• Grace Anne Wilbur – As a resident of Burlington for 58 years, Grace Anne is a life-long volunteer whose unwavering dedication to community service spans over five decades. She began volunteering as a teenager with programs supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities—an experience that inspired her to become a Developmental Service Worker. Grace Anne supports numerous community initiatives, including more than 16 years with the Sound of Music Festival, where she serves as Parade Team Co-Chair, and the Partnering Aldershot drive-through drop-off collection.

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Quote

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“We’re proud to recognize the incredible individuals and groups in our community who are making a real difference. Their dedication and impact go beyond Burlington, inspiring positive change across the country. Every one of them embodies the city’s motto, ‘Stand By,’ joining with others to ensure all our residents are supported. They reflect the best of who we are and remind us of the power of community. On behalf of Burlington City Council, congratulations and thank you to all of this year’s civic recognition recipients.”

Quick Facts

Burlington’s civic recognition initiative celebrates individuals and groups who volunteer to make Burlington better. Nominated individuals or groups have demonstrated a high level of achievement in one of the following areas:

• Contributed significantly to the quality of life in the community through volunteer efforts
• Identified and addressed a priority need in the community and put a solution into action
• Achieved provincial, national, or international recognition and, in doing so, have brought honour to the City of Burlington

Links and Resources

• For more information about civic recognition, including how to nominate someone, visit burlington.ca/civicrecognition.
• Learn more about volunteer opportunities with the city at burlington.ca/volunteer.

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