The 2022 Mayor's Honour List recognizes 14 residents and organizations in Sarnia.
The annual tradition started in 1981 by the late mayor Marceil Saddy as a tribute to those who go above and beyond for others and the community.
Mayor Mike Bradley is recognizing the work of Kevin Allen who founded Sarnia Blessings. The volunteer organization prepares and delivers meals to seniors and those recovering from surgeries at home. Bradley said during the peak of the pandemic, Sarnia Blessings was preparing about 1,000 meals a week.
A group of Sarnia-Lambton residents who came together to help those fleeing Ukraine is also being recognized. Save Ukraine assists individuals and families starting a new life in the area, from arranging English classes, babysitting services and helping in the search for a job.
Kevin Schofield, a retired police officer who captured five fold medals in bowling at The World Police & Fire Games in Rotterdam, Netherlands is being celebrated for his success. He's now won a total of 28 medals, 16 gold, seven silver and five bronze in 11 trips to the games.
Kristi Disper is being commended for launching The Fresh Start Project: Sarnia Area. The non-profit program helps those moving out of shelters, abusive homes or from another country settle into a new home. Since its inception in May, the program has grown to 1,300 members collecting, donating and distributing thousands of items to families across the city. Disper also spearheaded the "Socktober" collection drive at Sacred Heart School, collecting 785 pairs of socks.
The founder of Diversity Ed, Crystal Fach is being honoured for going above and beyond the call of duty to help create an inclusive community. The non-for-profit organization provides education and the development of community spaces for 2SLGBTQA1+ people. Mayor Bradley said Crystal has been described as an impeccable role model who incorporates the values that we should all have for protecting and creating an inclusive community.
Carissa Houle is being recognized for her dedicated service to organizations like Temple Baptist church, the Diabetes Association, the Inn of the Good Shepherd, Habitat for Humanity and World Vision. Houle is a recipient of the 2021 Women of Excellence Award, presented this past year by the Sarnia Community Foundation.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain is being recognized as a leader in the community. Plain was acclaimed to another term in September 2022. Bradley said the Aamjiwnaang First Nation has been a leader in social and economic development because of Chris and council leadership and vision.
Mike Bradley said Elvira Popova, a recipient of a Sarnia Community Foundation 2021 Women of Excellence Award for her work in mentoring others finding a way in a new country, is being recognized. He said in addition to her mentoring work, Popova is also involved in the community through the Goodwill, Green Drinks, the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, Artwalk and the Hub.
Cestar College, one of Canada's largest private career colleges made the list this year. Bradley said Cestar has had a long-standing partnership with Lambton College benefitting local and international students over the years. He said Cestar-Lambton College has become an integral part of the Sarnia community through its generosity in supporting the Oversized Load Corridor, multi-year sponsorship of the Sarnia Sting Major Junior A Hockey Team and various programs through The Inn of the Good Shepherd.
Brian DeWagner and June Partridge, founders of Janie Lax and Janie Puck, are being celebrated for providing a sports program that's both accessible and affordable for girls ages four to 12. Bradley said the recent donation of portable lacrosse goals and women's sticks for lacrosse and hockey from the "TD Thanks You Campaign", as well as a storage unit, will go a long way to carrying on with the programs.
Angela Sekeris is being recognized for improving the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment. Bradley said she came up with the idea of "Totes for Hope", a large bag containing personal care items to be used during chemo treatments along with a warm blanket, in honour of her late husband. This past December, Angela surpassed the delivery of 1,000 totes to patients at Bluewater Health. Each tote also comes with a handwritten note offering an encouraging message. Bradley said the positive messages Angela receives from patients who have received a tote puts life into perspective.
Jim and Elly Vergunst were also named to the honour list. They are being commended for their years of volunteer work with several local organizations. Bradley said they have lent their creative talents to assist with events and have spearheaded rebranding of events. He said fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia have been very successful and Jim and Elly played a large role in that success.
Bradley said this year marks the 41st anniversary of the list, as there was no list presented in 1988.
A reception for the 2022 honourees will be held in the New Year.