Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is recognizing 16 individuals and four groups from this community and others in his 2020 honour list.
The mayor's honour list was established in 1981 by the late mayor Marceil Saddy as a tribute to the unsung people and groups who've been instrumental in improving the quality of life or making a significant contribution to the City of Sarnia and Lambton County.
Carrie Beauchamp is being recognized for her contribution towards culture in the city. She has worked on musical productions including the Nightingale Chorus Christmas shows at the Imperial Theatre. This year, she organized "The Christmas Ribbon" which saw carolers perform outside the hospital and long term care and retirement homes.
The Bluewater International Granfondo committee is being commended for its popular event. Since its inception four years ago, over $200,000 has been raised to support Palliative Care at Bluewater Health and St. Joseph's Hospice. Although this year's event was cancelled, plans are underway for the bike ride to resume in 2021.
Blackburn Radio News Manager Dave Dentinger is being honoured for 40 years of broadcasting and multimedia journalism. Bradley calls Dentinger a "voice of comfort in challenging times" on 1070AM, 103.9FM CHOK Radio.
Heather Gillis, a food bank volunteer and Bright's Grove Optimist Club member, is being recognized for assisting people in need of food, clothing, appliances, and other items for day-to-day living.
Former Sarnia Mayor Ron Gordon is being honoured for community accomplishments. Gordon was a chairman of the Sarnia Canada Day Committee and the first Ontario Handicapped Games held in Sarnia. He's also helped with fundraising drives for Sarnia General Hospital, the Sarnia-Lambton Women's Interval Home and donated his mothers home, which is now part of Sarnia's St. Joseph's Hospice.
Bluewater Health Chief of Staff Dr. Michel Haddad is being commended for his leadership at the hospital and recruiting more medical specialists to the city.
Filmmaker and Sarnia native Sami Khan is being honoured for his work. His film, St. Louis Superman, received an Academy Award nomination this year in the short documentary category.
Lindsay Kirkland is being recognized as an advocate for struggling youth with mental illness.
Carolyn Leaver-Luciani is being commended for her community support. She has worked with the Inn of the Good Shepherd to give children starting school backpacks and other tools they need. She has also led fundraisers for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and is a Sarnia Rotary Club member.
Karen Mathewson is honoured for her years of work with the Poverty Reduction Network, which advocates for better support for people who are struggling.
Camilla McGill is being commended for her dedication to make local and international communities better places to live. The Sarnia Bluewaterland Rotary Club member has worked with organizations to improve literacy skills in Kenya and eye care to individuals in India.
Blackburn Radio's Eve Morgan-Langille is being recognized for her volunteer work. The Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre President is a former board member with the local Alzheimer's Association.
Retiring Lambton College President and CEO Judith Morris is being commended for championing Indigenous relationships, attracting international students and establishing strong partnerships between Sarnia-Lambton and the Greater Toronto Area.
Rick Perdeaux is being honoured for his tireless work in the past decade to implement the oversize load corridor, which is currently under construction.
Former Aamjiwnaang chief and current councillor Joanne Rogers is being recognized for building bridges between the First Nation, City of Sarnia and Lambton County. Rogers is also a member of the Sarnia Police Services Board.
The Sarnia Horticultural Society, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2020, the Sarnia Quilters' Guild, which began in the community 41 years ago, and Sarnia Lambton Crime Stoppers are being honoured.
Robert Williamson, a past general manager of the Sarnia Legionnaires, is being commended for his involvement in a variety of sports and work with youth.
Folk and country singer/songwriter Donovan Woods is being recognized for his professional accomplishments. The Sarnia native was awarded English Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, he was also awarded a Juno in 2019.
Bradley said this year's list was treated as a regular year and when the pandemic has concluded proper recognition will be given to those who helped bring our community to a better place.