Cambridge Chamber hands out Community Awards

CAMBRIDGE, Ont. -   The important achievements of the local not-for-profit sector took the spotlight Monday, Nov. 28, at the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce’s Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Awards 2022.

The awards, held at the Hamilton Family Theatre in front of community leaders and supporters, celebrated the impact these groups and individuals have had during the past two and half years.

“Not only do these awards show how much we admire and appreciate what these organizations and individuals do for our community, we also hope it will inspire others to follow their example and help others,” said Cambridge Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Greg Durocher, adding how special it was to be able to present the awards in a public forum after they were put on hold in 2019 due to the pandemic.

Ten awards, including one for lifetime achievement, were presented in a variety of categories highlighting the valuable work undertaken by the volunteers and staff of these organizations in terms of not only overall impact, but leadership, as well as collaboration.

“Selecting the recipients, especially for the lifetime achievement honour, is never very easy,” said Durocher. “These organizations and the dedicated individuals that run them deserve so much recognition as they continue to make Cambridge and North Dumfries great communities, especially during the last two and half years.”

The awards ceremony is one of the Chamber’s most popular events and has honoured the contributions and achievements of these community builders since 2012.

The award winners are:

Community Collaboration

This award is recognizes an organization that provide outstanding examples of collaboration within their communities.

The recipient is:  United Way of Waterloo Region (COVID Response)

Community Leadership

This award recognizes an exceptional non-profit organization CEO, executive director.  These nominees embody the spirit of the community and, through their actions and accomplishments, are an inspiration to others

The recipient is:  Dianne McLeod,  Executive Director, Cambridge Food Bank

Community Impact

This award recognize new and better ways to address a need in the community despite the many demands, and sometimes too few resources available. Their efforts have a positive and meaningful impact on the broader community, resulting in clear and measurable change.

The recipient is:  Trinity Community Table

Innovation in Learning

The award recognizes either individually or in a group setting, have worked selflessly to supply or support educational resources, programs, or initiatives that strive to prepare the next generation of talent in our community and/or provide them with a pathway toward a brighter and successful future.

The recipient is: The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region

Healthcare Hero

This award recognizes an individual for their involvement in the creation or promotion of methods that keep the physical health or mental wellbeing of residents in Cambridge and the Township of North Dumfries at the forefront through a variety of programming or initiatives that encourage a healthier lifestyle and community in general.

The recipient is: Dr. Winnie Lee, Cambridge Memorial Hospital

Board Member Award

This award is presented to a board member who have demonstrated outstanding service to a not-for-profit organization in City of Cambridge or Township of North Dumfries through the giving of their time, talents, and resources as a board member to further the goals and objectives of the organization.

The recipient is: Kristen Danson, Cambridge Food Bank

Volunteer of the Year

The nominees were involved in volunteering for the equivalent of at least 100 hours more than a 12-month period. Nominees volunteered for a legitimate not-for-profit organization, service club or community group. The communities of Cambridge/Township of North Dumfries or Waterloo Region must be significant beneficiaries of the nominee's volunteer work.

The recipient is: David Krupp, Meals on Wheels driver for Community Support Connections

Organization of the Year - Under 10 Employees

This is presented to a not-for-profit organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. This organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals.

The recipient is: Muslim Women of Cambridge

Organization of the Year- 11 and Over Employees

This award is presented to a not-for-profit organization or service club that provides outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns that support the needs of the community and its residents. This organization successfully raise awareness of issues affecting the community and successfully raise funds to support its mission and goals.

The recipient is: Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is presented to an individual who, over the past 15 years or more, has made significant contributions to the community and has improved the quality of life for citizens or whose accomplishments have brought recognition to the Waterloo Region.

The recipient is: Katherine (Kate) Cressman