Five Georgian Bluffs residents have become recipients of the first annual Volunteer of the Year awards for 2022.
The volunteer recognition program was established in December of 2021 to thank the many volunteers that contribute to causes and organizations serving the Georgian Bluffs community.
Senior of the Year recognitions were shared by Keith Davidson, Robert Knapp, and Ann & Clark Schneider. Anna Zandvliet was recognized as Youth Volunteer of the Year.
According to a statement from organizers, Keith Davidson is famous for his green thumb and playing the bagpipe. He gardens at Keppel Croft Gardens and Centennial Park in Big Bay. He piped at the annual Canada Day celebrations. Davidson also helped out the Kemble Women’s Institute Lookout and Shriners hospital fundraising.
Robert Knapp has spent the past 30 years as trail captain for the Bruce Trail in Georgian Bluffs and was instrumental in establishing the Rail Trail in Sarawak. He was part of the Big Brother Program, and volunteers as a blacksmith at Moreston Village at the Grey Roots Museum.
Since 2015, Ann and Clark Schneider sponsored and resettled three refugee families and are awaiting a fourth. Ann serves on the Georgian Bluffs and Grey County Climate Action committees, and Clark donates garden-fresh produce to local food banks.
Anna Zandvliet participates in the David Suzuki Butterfly Ranger project and set up five butterfly gardens throughout the community, including at Cedar Hill Park and the Kemble Women’s Institute Lookout. She is part of the Grey Bruce Sustainability Project, Western Chorus Frog initiative and Project Serve through Guelph University.
“Each year countless volunteers devote their time, energy and expertise to enriching the community, supporting those in need, and building the connections that make Georgian Bluffs feel like home.” said Mayor Sue Carleton. “Thank you so much to this year’s recipients, and to all those who volunteer in our community.”
Volunteer Awards - Keith Davidson. Photo from Georgian Bluffs
Georgian Bluffs volunteer awards - Robert Knapp
photo from Georgian Bluffs volunteer awards - Robert Knapp