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Loyalist Township is pleased to celebrate this year’s nominees and the selected recipient of the Bill Lowry Award. The award recognizes a volunteer or volunteer group’s outstanding hours of volunteerism within Loyalist Township and contributions to the effective delivery of programs, services, and events.

This year’s Bill Lowry Award recipient Paul Proderick has been a member of the Loyalist Township Minor Hockey Association (LTMHA) for the past ten years, serving as President the past five and as Vice President the preceding five years. His contributions to LTMHA and the Township community span over a decade and include many initiatives including spearheading the return of play format in the off-season of Summer 2022 for kids impacted by social isolation, introducing new hockey programs, mentoring, and countless other efforts, many of which having him volunteer more than 40 hours a week over the past ten years.

Other notable volunteers in Loyalist Township that were recognized include:

  • Bruce Johnson is a key member of the Amherstview Lions Club, currently serving as the group’s Club Treasurer, and has been a club member since 2014. Bruce typically volunteers 5-10 + hours a week with the club managing their finances and contributing to Lions community activities. Bruce’s financial expertise was especially noted over the past two years of the pandemic as his efforts to maintain a robust financial plan allowed the Amherstview Lions the ability to assist the community as the needs were and continue to be presented, helping achieve their mandate of WE SERVE.
  • Barb Johnson is another key member of the Amherstview Lions Club, who joined alongside her husband, Bruce Johnson, back in 2014. Barb serves as the Club Secretary and her dedication as secretary ensures information about the club's activities is communicated to the public through club and Township channels, keeping members updated on events, initiatives, and happenings within Amherstview. She continually goes above and beyond her duties as the secretary to ensure that the community's needs are met.
  • David Pickering is well known on Amherst Island for many reasons including his work as the acting Treasurer for the Amherst Island Radio Station and The Men’s Society, being a Committee Member for the Amherst Island Medical Clinic and The Amherst Island Community Alliance and being the local friendly face that drives residents to their medical appointments several times a week.
  • Gail Burtch started volunteering with Lennox & Addington Special Olympics as a basketball coach during her 20-year tenure as a School-to-Community teacher at NDSS. What started as a school team became a staple in the L&A community, along with multiple other sports. She sits on the L&A Special Olympics Council as Secretary and communicates with local agencies such as Community Living and Ongwanada to ensure our athletes with intellectual disabilities are supported. Gail is also a Lionheart's volunteer with her husband and participates in food pick-up and drop off programs in Amherstview.
  • Ida Gavlas is a dedicated island resident who has made great strides to bring a medical centre to the island. She is loyal to her community and is always seeking out new ideas she and the community can contribute. Ida auctions off her homemade pies to raise money for the medical centre. Her caring spirit is unforgettable. Ida is also a past Loyalist Township employee who dedicated her time to the community even before her volunteer work.
  • Judy Janzen has tirelessly worked to ensure that during the Winter months Pickleball play is available. She ensured that recreational play continued safely throughout the pandemic by collecting vaccination information, providing sign-in sheets, COVID screening, and ensuring masking mandates along with hand sanitiser. Her actions helped lessen social isolation and provided a safe outlet for exercise and community. She sets up the courts for Pickleball every Tuesday and Thursday as a volunteer.
  • Peter Field has been a staple in the Loyalist community as a volunteer for decades. Peter recently retired after 41 years of service with Loyalist Fire and Rescue and volunteers with the Agricultural Society and helps plan the Odessa Fair as well as the upkeep of the Odessa Fairgrounds. He is always willing to spearhead fundraisers for Loyalist locals as the need arises.
  • Laurie Minorgan is known for her leadership within the Bath Gardening Club, whether it be leading the beautification of Bath in the Winter months, organizing the mixing and distribution of the club’s fertilizer sale, or looking after the group’s finances. Laurie also volunteers her time to the village by dedicating her time to the planning of Bath Canada Day.
  • The Lions Club of Odessa & District continues to have a very positive impact on the community by providing those in need with much-needed assistance as well as helping the Loyalist community at large for the last 48 years. From coordinating the yearly Remembrance Day Service in Wilton with the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics to their yearly Christmas Basket Campaign, snowsuit drives, student bursary creation, community luncheons, and assistance for those facing financial hardship, etc. The members of the Odessa Club are always available when called upon.

Learn more about volunteering in Loyalist Township.