Whitewater Region honours volunteers
Cobden -- Whitewater Region (WWR) marked National Volunteer Week 2024 by honouring three of its hard-working citizens.
Brooke Mackay was honoured in the Youth category, Brenna Jansen, President of the Beachburg Agricultural Society, was the recipient of the Adult award and the Lifetime award recipient was Bonny Johnson.
“Brooke's maturity and generosity have set her apart as a role model for all across our community,” said Deputy-Mayor Cathy Regier. “She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to giving back by actively participating in various events and programs that benefit the community. Notably, she has volunteered at Kyla's Kids Hockey Program for the last two seasons.
“Brooke also proudly contributes to the planning and implementation of the Beachburg Fair festival and faithfully volunteers at the Beachburg Memorial Hockey Tournament, where she ran the clock for an impressive 32 hours in one weekend.”
She also serves at community events in the Beachburg community including an Easter fun day, kids’ dances, trivia nights, Lions Club breakfasts, and fundraising suppers.
“When the events end, you can often find Brooke on the end of a broom sweeping up or collecting garbage,” said the deputy-mayor.
Brenna Jansen, President of the Beachburg Agricultural Society, was the recipient of the Adult award.
“She recognizes the value of the contributions of others, working tirelessly to build networks across existing associations and federations in support of increased collaboration to celebrate excellence in agriculture across Ontario,” Deputy-Mayor Regier said. “She has a heart for the community and works hard to bring together community members and local businesses to put on vibrant events such as pub nights, mystery dinners, and, of course, the fair festival.
“Recently, she has been seen to unite communities of all ages as she coordinated the transition of the Beachburg planter project from the former horticultural society to the Beachburg Agricultural Society. For this project she united volunteers from these two organizations, the township to access grant money, the co-op program at Fellowes High School and over 20 volunteers to care for the planters throughout the program.”
She also serves as a volunteer coordinator for BORCA's Crank-y Kids program, which offers low-cost programming for children of all skill levels to build their skills in using bicycles and provides inclusive opportunities for community kids to learn bicycle safety and ensure that their bikes are properly fitted with safe helmets.
The Lifetime award recipient was Bonny Johnson, who served the community as a nurse practitioner for many years.
“Since retiring from the health care field, she has devoted herself to continuing to care for people in her community,” the deputy mayor said. “Bonny works in a 'hands on' capacity volunteering for meal deliveries, senior events, and as an active member of the Steering Committee for Senior Needs. She writes endless grant applications to ensure that there are funds to improve seniors' lives. She also actively supports individuals in her personal world as well, as a volunteer driver and food preparer.”
The theme this year for National Volunteer Week 2024 is Every Moment Matters. The certificates were presented by Mayor Neil Nicholson at the April 17 council meeting.
Marie Zettler, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Eganville Leader
