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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, June 24, 2010 · 8 Oakville volunteers honoured for their community spirit By Carlie Oreskovich SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The best of Oakville's volunteers were recognized at the ninth annual Community Spirit Awards last week. "Volunteerism is the backbone of Oakville and is...what makes our town such a unique community," said Mayor Rob Burton. The winners in nine categories, were presented with a limestone, granite and metal trophy carved and created by Oakville sculptor Michael Young. This 15-pound trophy consists of a stylized bouquet including oak leaves, wrapped in paper. Young said the weight of this piece alone, each one taking about 10 hours to produce, "reflects the weight of the solid contribution all volunteers gave." Access Award-Melissa Vassallo, sponsored by MEDIchair Halton Melissa Vassallo, winner of the first Access Award, has had to struggle to survive against severe odds after suffering life threatening injuries in an accident eight years ago. However, it was not only drive and determination that got her through the experience, but also her passion, the same passion she is putting into making changes in the community to enable others with disabilities to be able to more fully participate in life. "I am very proud of her. She will treasure this forever. This will give her the inspiration to go even further in doing something for Oakville," said her mother Angela Vassallo, who nominated her daughter. Environmental Award, Diane Burton, sponsored by Tim Hortons Burton has essentially been dedicated to making the community greener and healthier through her NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER GROUP VOLUNTEER AWARD: an Anderson House Volunteers were presented with the Group Volunteer Award. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER ACCESS AWARD: Melissa Vassallo (left) was presented with the first Access Award by MediChair Owner Kristin Courtney NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER INTERNATIONAL AWARD: Canadians in Support of Afghan Women received the International Award. Pictured are (l-r) Barbara Wood, Daniela Jansson, Ann Galioto, Linda Middaugh, award sponsor Ellis Don's Doug Aris, Bev LeFrancois, Liz Watson and Ruth Sheridan. volunteer work with Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, serving on its board since 2005. Her nominator Liz Benneian, wrote that in the early years Burton "hosted countless meetings around her dining room table, spearheaded petitions and recruited new members." Benneian, president of Oakvillegreen, said Burton serves as the conscience of the organization, "reminding them of their mandate, prodding them to work harder, alerting everyone to issues that may have been missed, and inspiring everyone with the sense every battle can be won." Group Volunteer Award-Ian Anderson House Volunteers. Sponsored by Sun Life Financial. All of the volunteers of the Ian Anderson House, Ontario's first inSee Spirit page 10 NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD: Diane Burton was presented with the Environmental Award by Tim Hortons' Greg Hogarth. · Complete Kitchen Renovations · Custom Cabinetry · Cabinet Refacing · Natural Stone and Quartz Surfaces 2376 Parkhaven Blvd. Oakville. Fax: 905.257.5661 E-mail: maximekitchens@bell.net k905.257.5880m www.maxime itchens.co SHOWROOM COMING SOON Call us now for a FREE in-home consultation