From left to right: Heidi Soudant - Volunteer of the Year 2022 - Community Partner; Mayor R. Brad Loosley; and Ginny Williams - Volunteer of the Year 2023 - Community Partner Not pictured: Stuart and Cindy Sharp - Volunteers of the Year 2023 - Community Partners (Image courtesy of the Town of Petrolia)From left to right: Heidi Soudant - Volunteer of the Year 2022 - Community Partner; Mayor R. Brad Loosley; and Ginny Williams - Volunteer of the Year 2023 - Community Partner Not pictured: Stuart and Cindy Sharp - Volunteers of the Year 2023 - Community Partners (Image courtesy of the Town of Petrolia)
Sarnia

Petrolia's mayor celebrates volunteerism

Petrolia Mayor R. Brad Loosley hosted over 100 volunteers at an appreciation dinner on Wednesday to celebrate their accomplishments.

Service Club members, Town Committees, Victoria Playhouse Petrolia volunteers, and many other groups were recognized at the annual event.

"It is an honour to recognize the volunteers for the Town of Petrolia each year," the mayor said. "We are very fortunate to have so many people that are very giving of their time and expertise to make Petrolia an awesome community."

The event concluded with Mayor Loosely awarding the Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Volunteer of the Year for 2022 went to Heidi Soudant, whose volunteerism includes:

  • Petrolia Community Refrigerator

  • Rotary Club of Petrolia

  • Community Partner for events, activities, and donor to several groups and organizations

There were two awards handed out for Volunteer of the Year for 2023.

The first went a couple, Stuart and Cindy Sharp, who participate with a number of organizations including:

  • Petrolia Christmas Planter Decorators

  • Santa Parade Float Decorators

  • Former Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Members

  • Key members of Christ Anglican Church – home tours, maintenance, board members and helpers

  • Assists with the Petrolia Preschool

The final award went to Ginny Williams, she spends her time with a number of groups as:

  • Member of Royal Canadian Legion Br. 216

  • Secretary for Legion and Ladies Auxiliary

  • Legion Kitchen Co-ordinator

  • Member of I.O.D.E.

  • Vice President of the C.E.E. Hospital Auxiliary

  • Previous manager of the C.E.E. Gift Shop, current volunteer

  • Volunteer for Hospice

As well as the night out on the town, each honouree was given a framed certificate from the mayor and a bouquet of flowers.

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