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The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce celebrated the work of some outstanding individuals, not-for-profit organizations, and volunteer-led groups at its recent 2025 Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Awards.

The awards ceremony, held Monday, Nov. 10 at Hamilton Family Theatre, brought together nearly 200 community leaders, volunteers, partners and supporters to honour the remarkable achievements of those working quietly and boldly to improve life in Cambridge and the surrounding area.

The event featured reflections from multiple community voices and promoted a strong sense of collective pride about what’s possible when people work together. This year’s recipients were chosen from among dozens of nominees representing nearly 40 local organizations. An independent group of judges were given the tough task to select recipients from among the nominations, apart from the Community Impact People’s Choice Award recipient whom was selected by Chamber Members.

Arts and Culture Award

Nominees:

• A Decker Creations (Artist Alana Decker for her work with YWCA Cambridge/Preston Heights Community Group/ Rhythm & Blues Cambridge)
• Artist Bill Schwarz for his work with Saint Luke’s Place
• Cambridge Cultural Association
• Cambridge Sculpture Garden 
• Cambridge Symphony Orchestra
• Fuse
• Hashtag Hope

Recipient:  A. Decker Creations

Art can be a powerful tool, especially when it is used in a way to heal, empower, and build community belonging – something Artist Alana Decker of A. Decker Creations knows all about. Looking for a way to heal from a past bad situation has led to the creation of a creative mission to assist others.

Through the creation of Art from the Heart processing workshops in partnership with Rhythm & Blues Cambridge, she has helped combine expressive art with movement, exploring Black identity, and communal care.

These sessions have given countless participants tools for processing emotions, helped them build confidence, and connect with others who share their experiences in safe, supportive spaces. Many have expressed that Art from the Heart was the first time they felt truly safe expressing themselves. Young people leave these sessions feeling seen and more confident in their identity, something our recipient cherishes thanks to her work as a board member at Preston Heights Community Centre and as a youth program facilitator at YWCA Cambridge. Embracing social media has allowed our recipient – a queer Black visual artist whose work has been promoted and displayed extensively throughout Waterloo Region and beyond - to connect directly with young people and community members. 

Best Event of the Year 

Nominees:

• 70th Anniversary Black Tie Masquerade (Cambridge & District Humane Society)
• Cambridge Scottish Festival 2025
• Emancipation Day Celebration (Rhythm & Blues Cambridge)
• From Vienna with Love – New Year’s Day concert (Cambridge Symphony Orchestra)
• Hike for Hospice 2025 (Lisaard and Innisfree Hospice)
• Kin Carnival 2025 (Kin Club of Cambridge Preston)

Recipient:  Emancipation Day Celebration (Rhythm & Blues Cambridge)

Creating a significant cultural community event is not an easy task, but Rhythm & Blues Cambridge has done just that. In only three years, this event has not only raised the profile of this organization as a cultural leader but has strengthened the city’s own reputation as a hub for equity and inclusion. Organized entirely by a small team of Black women, this event shifted resources that once flowed exclusively to KW or Toronto, bringing government funding, sponsorships, and investment directly into Cambridge.

The 2025 event demonstrated unprecedented growth, drawing 1,500 attendees to Soper Park for a free, all-day celebration. A vibrant market, local food vendors, and artist booths showcased the work of Black creators and small businesses, circulating dollars back into the community. This very successful event was designed as both a cultural festival and an act of restoration - reconnecting Cambridge residents to histories and traditions too often left out of mainstream narratives. For Black community members, it was a long-overdue chance to see their heritage celebrated in a public, joyful way. Most importantly, the event placed Cambridge firmly on the map as a place where Black culture is visible, valued, and celebrated. 

Board Member of the Year Award

Nominees:

• Bob Irwin, Chair, Hashtag Hope
• Diana Drackley, Past President, Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services
• Pat Handorf, President, Galt Horticultural Society
• Stephen Paniccia, Past Chair, Langs
• Yvonne Kaine, Chair, Cambridge Stroke Recovery Association

Recipient:  Bob Irwin, Chair of Hashtag Hope

Finding a committed and passionate volunteer who is willing to step into a board member role to help a not-for-profit organization achieve its goals and objectives is never an easy task. However, it’s a task Bob Irwin not only relishes but excels. In 2024, he stepped into the role as interim board chair and dedicated countless hours to strengthening this not-for-profit drawing on his career in business, financial, and team leadership to address pressing challenges. He has brought stability, wisdom, and personal dedication that ultimately saved this organization from closing its doors.

While Bob joined as a temporary commitment and could have easily just ‘coasted’ during his short interim, he instead chose to dig into the programs and outreach of this organization which he grew to love and recognized the need for it to thrive. In just one year, he balanced the budget, established a solid financial foundation, and secured community partnerships that will sustain the organization for the next decade. At meetings, his fellow board members often joke that when he decides to leave, they will retire his ‘jersey number’ in the rafters as one of the greats and if there was a local charity hall of fame, he would be first ballot nomination.

 Community Collaboration Award

Nominees:

• Kin Club of Cambridge (Preston)
• Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services
• Rotary Club of Cambridge Sunrise
• Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario
• St. John Ambulance Cambridge

Recipient:  Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario

Collaboration is key for Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario as it strengthens its work in the community to ensure every member of in the region is supported in their transition to a life free from violence. In addition to removing barriers associated with leaving a dangerous environment, this organization prioritizes clients' physical safety by coordinating the presence of security personnel or law enforcement officers. It works closely with service providers in the field, including the WRPS, OPP, and over 35 local referral agencies, to ensure all organizations in the gender-based violence sector is aware of its services and can direct clients in need.

From September 2024 to August 2025, its many dedicated volunteers conducted almost 300 moves – its busiest year so far making it clear that the need for its service is, sadly, increasing.  Having many local vehicle, storage, and security partnerships offer unique deals has helped this organization maximize its budget. Regular fundraising events with the Cambridge Bingo and Gaming Centre, as well as Penske's Annual Golf Tournament has helped raise crucial funding. Additionally, local community grants, rotary clubs, and organizations like Google have also been incredibly helpful in the past year.

Community Leadership Award

Nominees:

• Cameron Dearlove, Executive Director, Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services
• Cory de Villiers, Chair, Hespeler Village BIA
• Courtney Waterfall, Chapter Director, Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario
• Eva Vlasov, Executive Director, Argus Residence for Young People
• Joe Gowing, President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126
• Prakash Venkataraman – Has given his time to many organizations such as CMH Foundation, Rotary International, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Royal Canadian Legion, Cambridge Food Bank, Cambridge Shelter Corp, Nutrition for Learning, KidsAbility and National Service Dogs
• Tracy Valko, Founder, Stronger Together Mental Health Fundraiser
• Wayne Paddick, Executive Director, Cambridge Shelter Corp. 

Recipient:  Wayne Paddick, Executive Director, Cambridge Shelter Corp.

Wayne Paddick has been leading Cambridge Shelter Corp. for the past several years during a very tough time. Using the mantra ‘Change the Conversation’, he and his team use positivity to change how critics view those who are experiencing homelessness and help them realize that these are individuals that they may have gone to high school with or remind them they are somebody's family member. Wayne’s goal is to encourage the community to shift how it views this population despite how they often treat the community itself.

He constantly seeks out opportunities to present to community groups, churches, service clubs and schools to speak to excellent work his organization does, thanks to such programs as its social purpose enterprise called ‘In Our Backyard’ which provides work opportunities for the vulnerable people they serve. His organization has also expanded its housing operations to include a new Ending Veteran Homelessness Initiative (EVHI) which sees his team helps homeless veterans find affordable housing. Wayne leads by example and makes a point to meet with every resident at their facility to better understand their story and solicit feedback on how his organization can improve its services. 

Organization of the Year – Under 10 Employees

Nominees:

• Food4Kids Waterloo Region
• Grief Recovery Institute
• Hashtag Hope
• Ontario Christian Gleaners
• Preston Heights Community Group
• Rhythm & Blues Cambridge
• SEEDS – Supporting Every Eve’s Daughter Safely

Recipient:  Food4Kids Waterloo Region

For this Food4Kids Waterloo Region, the well-being of children is at the heart of everything it does. It is committed to ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness as the group works towards eliminating chronic hunger and food insecurity among children. This organization was launched in September 2016, in response to a critical gap in food security for children across the region—specifically on weekends and during school breaks. While many students have access to food programs during the school week, weekends, holidays, and school breaks often leave vulnerable children without reliable access to nutritious food.

What began in the dining room of its founder, with just 19 children across six schools, has significantly grown thanks to the incredible support of community volunteers and donors. Food4Kids serves children of all backgrounds and cultures, including newcomers to Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and Black and racialized communities. The group is proud to be providing food packages tailored to meet cultural and dietary needs—including Halal and other specific dietary restrictions. Currently, this organization supports thousands of children in 116 schools across Waterloo Region.

Organization of the Year – 11 and over Employees

Nominees:

Cambridge Food Bank
Community Support Connections
KidsAbility Foundation
Kinbridge Community Association
Lisaard and Innisfree Hospice
Starling Employment and Housing Services (formerly Lutherwood)
United Way Waterloo Region Communities

Recipient:  Cambridge Food Bank

For 40 years, the Cambridge Food Bank has been a trusted anchor in the community, always standing beside people, listening deeply, and responding with action that reflects both compassion and courage. The work its dedicated team of employees and volunteers do is woven into the fabric of our community — not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner, neighbour, and connector. Whether it's someone recovering from illness, a parent trying to stretch their grocery budget, or a newcomer building a new life — the Cambridge Food Bank is often the first door they walk through when everything else feels closed.

The many programs the food bank offers grow in direct response to what they hear from the community. Its team actively collaborates with partners across the region to coordinate services, share resources, and make sure support reaches those who need it most. When others pull back during hard times, they dig in deeper — applying for grants, rallying volunteers, and reimagining what's possible. At the heart of its leadership is a simple belief: when we care for each other, everyone rises. 

Volunteer of the Year Award

Nominees:

• Dan Clements (Citizens of Cambridge)
• Heather Rawlings (Cambridge Sculpture Garden & Kitchener-Waterloo Community Orchestra)
• Prakash Venkataraman – Has given his time to many organizations such as CMH Foundation, Rotary International, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Royal Canadian Legion, Cambridge Food Bank, Cambridge Shelter Corp, Nutrition for Learning, KidsAbility and National Service Dogs
• Tara Ross (Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario)

Recipient:  Tara Ross (Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario)

Having dedicated and committed volunteers are key for any not-for-profit organization looking to make an impact. Making an impact is something Tara Ross has accomplished not only physically, but emotionally by sharing her own story with others as a past recipient of its services which centre on helping women and children move away safely from abusive situations. In the past year, she has dedicated more than 350 hours to supporting this organization which translates into over 70 moves. As well, Tara has assisted with eight new volunteer orientations, and helped at fundraising and volunteer events.

However, her passion for clients shines through and helps her to pave innovative avenues for peer encouragement. As well, Tara has managed maintain additional roles as a Girls' Ringette Coach, a member of the John Howard Society of Waterloo- Wellington, and a volunteer with Victim Services Waterloo Region. Thanks to her roles with Victim Services and the John Howard Society, she has also helped build a knowledgeable and collaborative network between all these organizations. Her impact on this organization, and the Cambridge community at large cannot be understated.

Community Impact People’s Choice Award

Nominees:

• Cambridge Shelter Corp.
• Dawn Centre
• Food4Kids Waterloo Region
• Kinbridge Community Association (YouthForce)
• Cambridge Neighbourhood Table
• The COPING Centre – Caring for Other People in Grief
• Stronger Together Mental Health Fundraiser
• YWCA of Cambridge (Women’s Emergency Homeless Shelter)

Recipient:  Cambridge Neighbourhood Table

The Cambridge Neighbourhood Table (CNT) is committed to building strong community relationships and every week creates welcoming spaces where neighbours gather around a meal, connect with one another, and access resources that strengthen their well-being. It works closely with local organizations, neighbourhood associations, faith communities, volunteers, and residents to ensure its programs are collaborative and shaped by community voices. This organization offers more than a meal; it serves as a hub where neighbours nurture connections, strengthen partnerships, and grow community resilience. 

CNT’s many partnerships have led to multicultural meals, youth-led recreation activities, and seniors sharing their skills and traditions, all of which celebrate the diversity of our community and set the tone for a welcoming, respectful environment. In 2024, it welcomed more than 4,000 community members to a meal, including more than 1,100 children and youth.

During this same time, 141 volunteers contributed 3,032 hours through this organization, demonstrating the deep investment and shared ownership our neighbours feel in building this initiative together. These numbers represent more than meals; they reflect thousands of opportunities for neighbours to connect, reduce social isolation, and strengthen community bonds. 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient: Mike Lawrie (Retired medical doctor, award-winning Rotarian, and dedicated community volunteer & champion)

Mike Lawrie is the epitome of a community champion thanks to his unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of countless others in Waterloo Region well beyond the last 15 years.

This journey began upon his graduation from medicine at the University of Toronto in 1975 which led our recipient to follow a calling to help others by spending 40 years supporting the medical needs of thousands of people through his work as a family doctor in Cambridge. He amplified this community involvement by becoming interim Chief of Staff at Cambridge Memorial for several years and remains connected to the hospital as an enthusiastic ambassador for the CMH Foundation.  

However, his professional outreach went beyond family medicine and throughout most of the 1980s and 1990s, our recipient also acted as team doctor for the Cambridge Winterhawks Jr. B team as well as supporting the Preston Figure Skating Club for many years. It likely came as no surprise to many that he was named the 2006 Physician of the year by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

But his commitment to championing community has always extended beyond his medical vocation, especially once he joined the Rotary Club of Cambridge Sunrise in 1987 where he has remained a dedicated member since. D

During his nearly 40 years as a Rotarian, Mike has not only served three times has his club’s president and is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow winner for making significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation but is the past Rotary 7080 District Governor which encompasses 48 clubs throughout southern Ontario. 

Through his Rotary work he not only took the lead for the Cambridge Times Rotary Classic Fun Run but participated in two humanitarian trips to the Dominican Republic.

That same sentiment has held in true with the many other community initiatives and projects he has been heavily involved with for years including the United Way, Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, Wesley United Church, and the Out of the Cold Program which evolved into the Cambridge Shelter Corp.

When he isn’t giving back to his community our award recipient - who has been married to his wife, Louise, for 54 years and is the proud father of three and grandfather of seven - is an avid fantasy mountaineer and coin collector who still finds time to look after his own health by running and cycling.