Chatham-Kent is set to celebrate those who make a difference in the community with a special event later this month.
The municipality has teamed up with CN Railway to launch a new community recognition awards program, which will celebrate the contributions local residents have made throughout the region.
"Our community is fortunate to have an incredible network of volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of our residents," said Mayor Darrin Canniff. "It's important we recognize the invaluable work of these individuals and groups and showcase the impact they have on our community."
This year's recipients will be awarded during a celebration night at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham on May 31, 2023.
According to Canniff, the municipality won't be handing out plaques to this year's recipients, but "something very nice" to give appreciation to all that they do in Chatham-Kent.
Recipients were submitted by councillors across Chatham-Kent this year, however, next year community members will be able to submit a volunteer they feel should be nominated by contacting the mayor or a councillor.
"We've been wanting to do this for a while now, but the COVID-19 pandemic happened to get in the way," said Canniff. "The celebration won't be a dinner but there will be hors d'oeuvres. It will be a night to celebrate everything our residents do in Chatham-Kent."
Here is a list of the 2023 recipients:
• Jackie Beatty from Thamesville
• Ken Bechard from Chatham
• Carole Ann Belanger from Mitchell's Bay
• Richard Bouwmeester from Blenheim
• George and Margaret Darnley from Merlin
• Kim Doucet from Tilbury
• Hassan El Khodr from Chatham
• Dianne Flook from Raleigh Township
• Jim and Lisa Gilbert from Chatham
• Derek and Brett Gore from Chatham
• Sandra Johnston from Wallaceburg
• Tim Joyce from Blenheim
• Blake Handsor from Chatham
• Mary Ann Hawthorne from Ridgetown
• Liz Kominek from Dresden
• Donna Matier from Wheatley
• Donald McKillop from Highgate
• James Rankin from Pain Court
• Newt and Deb Richardson from Wallaceburg
• Bret Vanderheide from Thamesville
• Jeff Vidler from Erieau
• Dorothy Wallace from Chatham
• The Williston Family from Chatham
• Marianne Willson from Chatham
• Bill Wolsing from Wallaceburg