Ontario Senior Achievement Award Recipients

January 31, 2023

The Ontario Senior Achievement Awards recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through voluntary or professional activities after the age of 65.

There are 16 recipients:

Jean Aitcheson of Stratford started nursing in 1964 and after she retired, she started a scholarship fund for students pursuing a career in nursing. She has also organized several medical missions to 10 developing countries and helps at volunteer organizations including Rotary, Missionary Ventures, and Care Partners and Friends of Orphans.

Donna Cansfield of Etobicoke has served her community as a school trustee and as President of the Canadian School Boards Association and then served the province as an MPP. While in government, Donna advocated for education, health, and social care for those most in need. She has been a passionate advocate for palliative and end of life care and this passion has been channeled into her work for the Dorothy Ley Hospice, which started over 30 years ago.

Elizabeth Churcher of Tweed has many interests and accomplishments. After Elizabeth retired from being a schoolteacher and principal, she has devoted herself to volunteering with multiple organizations, including St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, The Tweed Horticultural Society, The Gateway Community Health Centre, the Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board, and the Municipality of Tweed. She has played a huge part in organizing and developing the community gardens. Through her dedication to nature and those around her, Elizbeth has enriched her community.

Larry Duffield of Windsor spent nearly 37 years as a Canadian diplomat with Foreign Affairs and International Trade where he served for 25 years at seven foreign postings. Since moving to Windsor-Essex in 2004, he has served the community by volunteering with the Windsor Seniors Advisory Committee, Canterbury ElderCollege, Glengarry Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels, among others. He has also worked to raise awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, with a focus on Indigenous youth. Larry has also volunteered on about a dozen “Election Observation Missions” to Haiti, Pakistan and Ukraine since 2008.

Réjeanne Fairhead of Ottawa has been volunteering at Perley Health Community of Care for over 25 years since they opened their doors in 1995. As a vital member of the Perley Health community, Réjeanne has held 20 different roles, from welcoming new long-term care residents with afghan blankets, to handing out flyers in her apartment complex and has made countless contributions in-between. Réjeanne has also logged over 3,000 hours volunteering with Spiritual Health, assisting with Ecumenical service, funerals, and pastoral visits.

Lorraine Finn of Barry’s Bay has dedicated her life to serving others. She spent her career as a schoolteacher and principal and has been a dedicated volunteer at St. Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for over 33 years. Also serving as a volunteer at Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care, Lorraine’s commitment and local knowledge were instrumental in bringing hospice care to the area. Lorraine is a one of a kind volunteer whose service goes beyond simply fulfilling tasks.

John Harper of Toronto has been an enthusiastic volunteer in his community for years and currently volunteers three full days per week at four different non-profit organizations. An avid dog lover and volunteer with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, John has completed over 3,500 hours in a variety of roles, including bringing his own dogs into the program. John also joined East York Meals on Wheels in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, delivering meals to seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, despite the uncertainty and risks of COVID-19. Rain or shine, pandemic or not, John is unwavering in his commitment to helping his community with enthusiasm, kindness and optimism.

Susan M. Leask of Peterborough has been a dedicated and active volunteer at Hillsdale Terraces Long-Term Care Home since 2015 and has been registered as a regular and active volunteer within the home. As Family Council President, Susan has built strong and consistent council membership that welcomes, educates, and supports families who join. She represents families at Strategic and Operational Planning Days, and Quality Improvement and Regional LTC Advisory Committees. Since 2017, Susan has also been volunteering in the Serenity Garden and has worked to transform it into a multi-season sanctuary for residents, families and staff. Her contributions to resident care, tasks and projects have made her an invaluable member of the Hillside Terraces family.

Matt Mathews of Burlington demonstrates a strong commitment to community throughout all aspects of his life. He has served as Parish Treasurer and member of the Parish Managing Committee (Board) at his local church. Matt has also served on the executive team of the Hamilton Malayalee Samajam (HMS), a not-for-profit organization in the City of Hamilton. In this role, he has helped raise more than $280,000 to purchase an elementary school that had closed and converted it into a community centre which now offers programming for seniors, new immigrants, children, and people of all ages. Matt has also led fundraising efforts to make the community centre more accessible for people with disabilities and seniors with mobility issues. He has raised funds for “Run for the Cure,” street barbeques and Thanksgiving charity dinners for the homeless.

Joan McSweeney of Leamington served on the Board of Directors of the South Essex Community Council for 12 years. This ‘one-stop shop’ agency provides community services for individuals aged 55+, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, job seekers, employers, children, and youth. While on the board, Joan worked tirelessly to develop Leamington Hospice, a palliative care to the seniors’ community which has become a centre of excellence for palliative care in the region. Joan has also volunteered to help with the expansion of Journey Home Hospice, Toronto’s only hospice specifically for the homeless community. Joan has also served as a municipal representative on the police services board for the past 21 years.

Jean Roy of Toronto (now resides in Ottawa) is a dedicated member and supporter of Toronto’s Francophone and French speaking community. As a long-time volunteer at Bendale Acres Long-Term Care Home and member of its Home Advisory Committee, Jean laid the groundwork for its cultural designation under the Long-Term Care Act, 2007. He also worked towards the home’s designation under the French Language Services Act, of Pavillon Omer Deslauriers, a 37-bed unit that delivers health care and recreational services for seniors in French. Over the last four decades, Jean has contributed endless hours of service supporting Toronto’s French community through his volunteer works.

Martine Rutherford of Beardmore has been a dedicated member for more than 20 years at the local seniors’ organization – the Beardmore Evergreens Seniors Club. Martine serves as the Evergreen’s House Manager, taking care of the group’s facilities. She also leads the club’s Meals on Wheels program where she volunteers her time to make long trips outside of their northern community to purchase food for local seniors. Martine then helps brighten special occasions and holidays by providing seniors with nutritious meals and companionship. She has also led the Beardmore’s main street beautification project and also volunteers at her local church, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 148 and the Beardmore Curling Club, helping to make a difference in the lives of those in her community.

Anton Schwab of Uxbridge has put his woodworking skills to good use for more than eight years as a dedicated volunteer at Habitat for Humanity GTA where he donates his time every single day at their Uxbridge ReStore. Anton does everything from fixing furniture, building displays, and testing recently donated washing machines, driers, and other appliances to make sure they work for those in need. Those who visit the ReStore have come to rely on Anton’s expertise as he always knows the right tools and materials for every project! Anton has dedicated over 5,000 hours to his work with Habitat GTA and his commitment helps the organization continue their work of empowering families to build a brighter future.

Gwendolyn The of Toronto has been a dedicated volunteer at the Chartwell Grenadier Retirement Residence since 2016. She created and continues to lead many programs that help residents at the Grenadier get to know one other and feel a sense of belonging. She explains daily programs to residents who seem at loose ends, gives special attention to those who are secluded by age or by weak social skills and serves as a sounding board for management on the effectiveness of programs. Gwendolyn’s love of music inspired her to start weekly Singalongs and Sunday hymn sings. She also leads two reading groups and is a member of the gardening group, her Residents’ Committee and the welcoming committee which she implemented.

Reijo J. Viitala of Sudbury is an exceptional and tireless volunteer, a dedicated educator, and a highly respected member of the Finlandia and wider Sudbury community. He has spent more than 40 years volunteering at Finlandia Village supporting the well-being of residents in the Village. This includes serving for several years as one of the Directors of the Sudbury Finnish Rest Home Society and for the past few years as Board President. Reijo also volunteered as Chair of the Sudbury Finnish War Veterans’ Association, and since 2008, has been President of the Canadian Region of the Finnish War Veterans of Finland.

Earl Windsor of Winchester has been volunteering at Dundas Manor Long-Term Care home, for the last five years, six days per week assisting residents during their morning meal service. No matter the temperature or the weather outdoors, Earl always shows up with a smile, helping to clear tables in the dining room, making sure residents get a warm coffee, an extra piece of toast and an update on the local weather, sports, and news. He knows and loves all the staff team and every resident with whom he interacts. He also participates in staff appreciation activities, community gatherings, and every resident’s celebration of life.