The City of Owen Sound has announced the 2021 Volunteer Award recipients.
Pat McDonough and Thom McDonough have been recognized as the 2021 Volunteers of the Year, while the 2021 Senior of the Year award goes to Jan Chamberlain.
A media release reported Mr. Thom McDonough was nominated by OSHaRE where he has held a number of positions since 2015. Among other volunteer commitments, he has volunteered up to 70 hours in one week during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Described by his peers as “volunteering with a genuine smile, you know he cares”.
The report noted that Mr. Pat McDonough was also nominated by OSHaRE where he has held several positions since 2013. Described by his peers as “approachable, dependable and willing to struggle and serve”. Pat continues to spend 6-7 days each week volunteering where his colleagues say, “he’s a blessing and when you are in his company, you feel perhaps that you are a blessing too”.
The release added that Ms. Chamberlain has a long history of volunteering through a number of difference boards for over 25 years. Described by her peers as “professional and bringing a compassionate voice to everything she is involved with”, “changemaker”, “strong sense of judgement and compassion” and enthusiastic and tireless in her efforts to educate others”.
"It’s so great to recognize volunteers for their work in our community. I encourage everyone to take a minute and thank a volunteer for their efforts,” said Mayor Ian Boddy.
Owen Sound has been recognizing local volunteers since 1975.
Ms. Chamberlain was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2008 and was nominated for Senior of the Year for the first time this year.
