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EE a Ue iL "WEEKEND STAR" THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2001 - 13 Local volunteers are recognized at ceremony By Heather McCrae The Star One out of every three Ontarians oyer the age of 15 does volunteer work. These people provide care for the elderly or infirm, serve on boards and committees, lead or participate in a vast range of com- munity, programs. You may see them coaching the soccer team, mentoring young people, or cleaning up a neigh- bourhood park. Whenever there is a need, you will always find vol- unteers. And each year the province recognizes these selfless acts of giving. "At a lavish ceremony held in Whitby last Wednesday evening (April 4), about 500 people from throughout Durham Region were honoured for their invaluable vol- unteer work in the community by Durham MPP John O'Toole and Oshawa 'MPP Jerry Ouelette, on behalf of Minister of Citizenship Cam Jackson. The event was one of 39 ceremonies taking place across the province this spring. Seven women from Port Perry were recognized for their commit- ment and volunteer efforts. Six of these ladies give of their time and: expertise continually to the Port Perry Hospital Auxiliary. In Ontario an auxiliary supports 'just about every hospital and Lakeridge Health in Port Perry is no exception. The Port Perry Hospital Auxiliary, which is made up of a host of wonderful women, makes a large contribution each year, anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000. This money is put towards new equipment. Receiving service certificates and pins from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation were Joyce Taylor (30 years), Jean MacDonald (10 years), Gwenyth Thompson (10 years), Marjorie Tripp (10 years), Hammie . Oosterlo (5 years) and Muriel Wotten (5 years). The hospital auxiliary had nominated their names. "Also receiving her pin and ser- vice certificate was Whitney Cohoon, who has given 15 years of i her time and dedication to the Port Perry Agricultural Society, better known as the Port Perry Fair. Nominated by Dr. Paul Puckrin, president of the PPAS, Mrs. Cohoon served as the first woman president of the fair in the early 90s. Living on a farm with her hus- band, Dr. Bill Cohoon, whenever there is a job to be done for the Seven women from Port Perry were honoured for their volunteer efforts at a lavish cer- emony last week in Whitby. Durham MPP John O'Toole is shown congratulating Joyce Taylor (left), Jean MacDonald, Whitney Cohoon, Hammie Oosterlo and Muriel Wotten. Absent from photo are Gwenyth Thompson and Marjorie Tripp. good of the fair, Mrs. Cohoon is always there to jump in. Her volunteer efforts have rubbed off on the family, too, as Dr. Cohoon is. also a former fair president and a son, Zac, is cur- rently a director. Each year Ontario's 2.9 million volunteers give more than 422 mil- lion hours to serve their communi- ties. Since 1995 the government has invested more than $22 mil- lion to support the voluntary sec- tor. In recognition of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers, the Ontario govern- ment will invest a further $15 mil- lion in new initiatives to renew the spirit of volunteerism and build on the programs and partnerships already in place. SAVE OVER $5.00! Seasoned, Breaded Chicken TI | Great on the BBQ! 94 Top Sirloin 18°? + | Steaks ® Hi Great on the BBQ! Beef & Sitloin ( Burgers 99| Lemon Limited Time Offer! 12x13g 402 Port Perry Store 1874 Scugog St., P ey NES ut ad Port Perry « 985-1202 Lube Oil & Filter Tire Rotation: A Front-End Alignment Check Inspection offer expires opel 30° AN KB Point Safety'& Maintenance: A i '. rT ¥ 0 * RN U BUICK 7 PONTIAC - CADILLAC GMC 85243357 1+877-852+3357 [=] 148002632000