(Photo courtesy of CanadianCrown.com/queens-park-ontario)(Photo courtesy of CanadianCrown.com/queens-park-ontario)
Windsor

Local seniors recognized by Lieutenant Governor for contributions

A Windsor man who served as a Canadian diplomat and a woman from Leamington who helped establish Hospice Erie Shores are among 16 recipients of the Ontario Senior Achievement Award this year.

The province created the Ontario Senior Achievement Awards in 1986 and has since honoured 676 for their contributions to their communities.

This year, Larry Duffield of Windsor and Joan McSweeney of Leamington will be recognized.

Duffield spent almost 37 years as a Canadian diplomat in Foreign Affairs and International Trade. During that time, he held seven foreign postings and took part in several Election Observation Missions to Haiti, Pakistan, and Ukraine. Since moving to Windsor in 2004, he has volunteered with the Windsor Seniors Advisory Committee, Canterbury Elder College, Glengarry Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels.

McSweeney was a member of the Board of Directors of the South Essex Community Council for 12 years and a municipal representative on the Leamington Police Services Board for 21. In addition to helping bring a hospice to Leamington, she worked to expand the only hospice in Toronto that caters to the homeless population.

Many past recipients have raised funds, led beautification projects, volunteered in local hospitals and churches, and supported local programs.

"Ontario seniors have played a vital role in building our province into the strong, diverse, and prosperous place it is today," said Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michael Ford.

Recipients will receive their awards during a reception hosted by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho.

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