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JCCC volunteers receive Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. Some of the JCCC Ontario Volunteer Service Award recipients (plus two JCCC volunteer coordinators on either end) at the award ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum on April 15. Photo credit: Ailin Oishi-Stamatiou.

TORONTO — National Volunteer Week (April 14 to 20) is a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 24 million volunteers. This year’s theme, “Every Moment Matters,” highlights the importance of every volunteer and the contributions they make at a moment when we need support more than ever.

The Ontario government’s medal and recognition programs celebrate the people who make our province a better place to live via positive economic and social impact on their communities and society. The volunteer service awards are the cornerstone of the government’s recognition program. The province created this program to recognize volunteers’ continuous commitment and dedicated service to organizations such as not-for-profits, schools, community centres, hospitals, libraries and community associations.

“Volunteers touch our lives in so many ways and help to make our province one of the greatest places to live,” said Michael Ford, minister of citizenship and multiculturalism. “We are proud to recognize their efforts through the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards and are grateful that Ontarians continue to step up to support their communities.”

Each organization may nominate up to nine volunteers with a maximum of six adults. Organizations with more than one branch can nominate up to nine volunteers for each branch. Adults are recognized by the length of time they’ve volunteered with one organization, ranging from five to 65 years of continuous service. Youth (24 years old and under) are recognized for two or more years of continuous service. Recipients receive a personalized certificate and trillium lapel pin acknowledging their years of service at local award recognition ceremonies across Ontario.

Since 1986, more than 250,000 volunteers have been recognized through the award program. Recipient’s reasons for their service ranged from the enjoyment of volunteering, giving back because they were needed, wanting to make a difference, continuing a family tradition and following their faith.

The awards ceremony was held at the Royal Ontario Museum on April 15, the first of 45 planned events across the province over the next three months.

Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth, Eglinton-Lawrence MPP Robin Martin, Ontario Volunteer Service Award recipients Gabriel and Sophia Stamatiou, Don Valley West MPP Stephanie Bowman, and Davenport MPP Marit Stiles. Photo credit: Dr. Ailin Oishi-Stamatiou.

Attendance included special guests Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michael Ford, St. Paul’s MPP Jill Andrew, Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth, Eglinton-Lawrence MPP Robin Martin, Don Valley East MPP Adil Shamji, Davenport MPP Marit Stiles, and Don Valley West MPP Stephanie Bowman. The event was MCed by Jennifer Lang, Director of Honors and Awards Secretariat. The ceremony opened with a rousing rendition of the Canadian national anthem sung by Emma Armstrong, a classically trained rock singer from Mississauga and lead singer of the band Short Walk to Pluto. A simple, but elegant reception followed, where award recipients mingled with special guests and their proud family members, making memories and connections.

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) acknowledged 21 people for their outstanding contribution, dedication and continual support of the JCCC. See the list of recipients below.

Of special mention is Mr. Roy Asa, a kendo instructor at the JCCC, who is credited with popularizing kendo in Toronto and spreading goodwill between Japan and Canada through martial arts. He started the Kendo Club at the JCCC in 1964 with his father, and continues to practice and teach kendo there today. He was previously nominated in 1998, and as he celebrates an impressive 55 years of service with the JCCC, he has been renominated, marking a monumental milestone in his journey.

Muhammad Ali said it best, “Service to others is the rent you pay for the room here on earth.” Award recipients embody the best of Ontario volunteerism spirit, compassion, empathy, and civic duty, contributing towards a stronger and more vibrant Ontario.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to all the remarkable volunteers who received recognition for their dedication and commitment to service, driving positive change by inspiring the next generation and building a legacy we can continue to build on.

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Editor’s note: Author Dr. Oishi’s children were among the award recipients.

THIS ARTICLE WAS REPRINTED FROM NIKKEI VOICE’S MAY 2024 ISSUE. SUBSCRIBE OR DONATE TODAY TO HELP SUPPORT OUR NEWSPAPER.