Fall Civic Recognition recipients honoured by City Council for volunteer efforts

Burlington, Ont.—Oct. 23, 2025— Burlington City Council handed out Civic Recognition honours to seven recipients at a special meeting of Council on Tuesday, Oct. 21. 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.

Fall 2025 Civic Recognition recipients

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Burlington Teen Tour Band Boosters – This dedicated volunteer group has been supporting the Burlington Teen Tour Band since the late 1960s. Officially incorporated in 1974, they play a vital role in fundraising, event coordination, and behind-the-scenes support. Their contributions include chaperoning events and tours, organizing the annual Spring Concert, supporting Band Camp, and running year-round fundraisers. Their commitment enables the Band to proudly represent Burlington both locally and around the world.

Anne & Arnold Koopman - For the past 19 years, Anne and Arnold have been instrumental in the success of building Burlington’s twin city relationship with Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, each serving in the role of Committee Chair and fostering resident exchanges, education, and events like Canada Netherlands Friendship Day. Arnold also generously volunteers his time, sharing personal remembrances about the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian soldiers with the community to help younger generations understand its lasting impact. In addition, Anne has dedicated over 20 years volunteering in Halton schools and has supported cancer research through two decades of fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Jamie Kozub - As co-founder of Burlington Dads, Jamie plays a vital role in supporting local fathers and fostering connections that benefit both families and the broader community. Through this organization, he’s helped raise over $1 million for local charities through inclusive, family-focused events. His leadership extends to serving on the Carpenter Hospice Board and co-hosting the global podcast Sh*t My Dad Taught Me.

Restorations Second Stage Homes - Restorations Second Stage Homes operates Nancy’s House, Burlington’s only specialized home for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Nancy’s House provides safe housing, stability, and holistic care for vulnerable residents through programs like survivor-led peer advocacy. Restorations bridges the gap between crisis shelters and independent living, promoting healing and reducing the risk of re-exploitation. Their work addresses a critical, often hidden, local issue with dignity and impact.

Colton Roberts - For over 12 years, Colton has been a dedicated volunteer at the North Burlington Community Dinner Night Out. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he delivered “Food for Life” hampers to vulnerable residents and continues this work through Meals of Hope at Bethany House. As a greeter at Next-door Social Space and an active member of Compass Point Church, Colton’s volunteerism enriches the lives of his neighbours, always lending a caring and inclusive ear.

Kai Ruhl - Since 2021, Kai has been a passionate advocate for ending gender-based violence. Kai’s activism helped spark change within the Halton District School Board, including the creation of ConsentEd. A member of SAFE (Survivor Advocates for Empowerment) since 2023, Kai has participated in numerous local and regional events and previously served with Women’s Place and Karina Gould’s Youth Council. In 2024, Kai received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network - For over 20 years, the volunteer-led Sahaja Yoga Meditation Network has fostered strong mental health in the Burlington community. Through their “100 Seeds of Joy” initiative, they hosted over 487 free events in 2024, offering inclusive meditation and creative sessions. The Network creates a welcoming, supportive space for people of all backgrounds to connect, heal, and find inner peace.

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Quick Facts

Civic recognition celebrates individuals and groups who volunteer to make Burlington better. Nominees 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

Quote

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“Every year, I’m humbled by the incredible spirit of service that runs through our community. Our Civic Recognition recipients have not only recognized a need in our community, but also acted on it with compassion, drive, and commitment to make a difference. We are proud to support and celebrate their contributions, which reflect the very spirit of our city motto: "Stand by" which means we stand with each other and are ready for service. Congratulations to each recipient. Thank you for making Burlington a place we’re all proud to call home.”

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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