Paul Cescon

October 6, 2005

Ontario Salutes Outstanding Youth Volunteers

Eighteen Receive Ontario Medal For Young Volunteers

QUEEN'S PARK - The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, invested 18 young people with the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers at a ceremony at Queen's Park today.

"Each of these young volunteers has unique talents and aspirations, but they all have something in common: a passion for justice and a commitment to helping others," said Mr. Bartleman. "Today we celebrate their leadership, their initiative, and their determination to make a difference."

The Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers was created to recognize outstanding achievements of young volunteers across the province.

"We value the effort and energy that our young volunteers put into their communities," said Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle. "It's this kind of leadership and dedication that strengthens our province."

This year's recipients are:

Jessica Asnani - Richmond Hill

Jordan Axani - Lisle

Sukhveer Bains - Chatham

Adam Birrell - Thornhill

Paul Cescon - Waterloo

Sarah Dell - Toronto

Roxanne Dubois - Penetanguishene

Catherine French - Ottawa

Christina Fung - Mississauga

Kevin Goswell - Pickering

Judy Hole - Kakabeka Falls

Myuri Manogaran - Toronto

Tyler Meredith - Ottawa

Heather Muir - Walkerton

Christian Scenna - Newmarket

Jeffery Siu - Richmond Hill

Valeria Spezzano - Toronto

Victoria Zimmer - Otterville

Recipients must have made a sustained and innovative contribution in the community, demonstrating leadership, initiative, perseverance and originality, as well as the promise of long-term improvement or greater public awareness of the community activity.

"The volunteer sector is an important part of our society," said Colle. "These young people are hardworking and committed to making their communities better places to live."

Recipients are selected by an independent advisory council. To be eligible for this medal, a nominee must reside in Ontario, be between 15 and 24 years of age and must have contributed time and service without pay to a charity, not-for-profit organization or an individual.

Contact:
Danna O'Brien, Minister's Office, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, (416) 325-3460
Mike Campbell, Communications Branch, (416) 314-6401