Morris named Caledon’s 2022 Community Champion as Town honours residents

Volunteers recognized for their service, years of dedication at awards night

By Zachary Roman

Volunteers are the heart and soul of Caledon.

Mayor Allan Thompson shared that message at the Town's Community Recognition Night on April 25 at the Albion Bolton Community Centre.

Held annually in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, Community Recognition Night “recognizes individuals whose efforts have made significant impact towards the development and advancement of recreational sports, arts and culture, environmental leadership or community and social services,” according to the Town.

Thompson said he can't – and doesn't want to – imagine what Caledon would be like without its volunteers.

In his speech addressing volunteers at Community Recognition Night, he said volunteering is the ultimate example of democracy.

“You vote in elections every few years, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. And I think that really sums up what this is all about,” said Thompson. “On behalf of my members of Council and our community, to you the volunteers that we're recognizing tonight and to the community champions: Thank you. Thank you for making Caledon special.”

Carine Strong, Executive Director of Volunteer MBC (Mississauga Brampton Caledon), was the evening's emcee. She said it was an honour to be standing in front of such an outstanding group of citizens.

“Many of our loved ones were touched by the caring hands of volunteers. We know that volunteering is actually at the core of being human. No one can make it through life without someone's help,” said Strong.

The 2022 Community Recognition Night also included outstanding volunteers who could not be recognized in-person in 2021 due to the pandemic. Strong said she was delighted to announce 46 awards were being given out at the event.

She explained the highest honour that can be bestowed at Community Recognition Night is the Community Champion Award. Recipients of this award are chosen by a selection committee based on the significance of their community involvement and years of service.

Caledon's Community Champion for 2022 is Neil Morris, who's been a volunteer with Bethell Hospice for 12 years. Strong said over the years Morris' tireless volunteerism at Bethell has helped countless families through extremely difficult times.

“His diligent work on the Health and Safety committee, assisting with training and fire drills, and collecting apples from hospice trees to make homemade jelly to sell on behalf of Bethell Hospice are just a few of his many volunteer contributions,” said Strong.

“When pandemic restrictions limited the number of volunteers allowed at Bethell Hospice, he took on additional shifts and roles to ensure that the same level of care was maintained. He is described as enthusiastic and hard-working, and participates in various committees, and even assists with the maintenance at Bethell Hospice.”

Strong said the Bethell Hospice staff above all want to thank Morris for the feedback they receive from residents and families about his kind demeanour, care, and conversation.

Outside of his work with Bethell Hospice, Morris is involved in the community in many other ways. He's been a community representative on the Cheltenham Badlands Management Committee; a trail maintenance volunteer with the Bruce Trail Conservancy since 2000; lends his time to the Board of Directors at the Albion Hills Community Farm; and has been integral in the success of the Inglewood Farmers' Market.

Morris has been involved with many other volunteer groups and committees as well.

Strong thanked everyone who attended Community Recognition Night to support Caledon's volunteers.

“Before me sits an extraordinary group of people that have contributed countless years of service to our community. We are truly grateful for your dedication and we're humbled by your commitment to your role in leading volunteers in our community,” said Strong. 

“Every morning, I look at my dad's watch. And I'm reminded that we only have one life to live and I have to make, and continue to make, my time count. I believe that together we absolutely have the power to leave a beautiful legacy behind.”