The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards and the Outstanding Achievement Awards for Voluntarism are two of the Ontario government s initiatives supporting and strengthening the voluntary sector. As one of the government of Ontario s initiatives for IYV, the Volunteer Service Awards have been expanded from 31 to 39 ceremonies. This year, the dedication of more than 6,000 volunteers will be recognized across the province. The Volunteer Service Awards honour individual volunteers for continuous years of service to an organization.
Community groups can nominate up to six recipients each year.
All award winners receive stylized trillium pins and personalized certificates to commemorate their achievements. The awards are presented to individuals, groups and businesses that have made superlative contributions or provide significant support to the voluntary sector. Twenty recipients are selected annually by a committee made up of seven to nine individuals from across the province, representing a variety of disciplines. Special recognition for past OAA recipients will also take place this year. See the site s new Volunteer Hall of Fame for photos and captions of previous award winners.