Local Volunteers Recognized at Special Luncheon

South Frontenac Council invited community volunteers to a special recognition luncheon on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at the Storrington Centre in Sunbury. Over 60 community volunteers were in attendance and enjoyed a hot lunch catered by Rampant Kitchen and served by Council members.

Members of the public were asked to nominate residents in three special categories and the following individuals received special recognition at the event:

• Youth Volunteerism: 18-year-old Samantha Pringle has been volunteering for the past 11 years organizing charity bake sales for many local causes, as well as with the Storrington Pastoral Charge, the Kingston Baseball Association, and St. Patrick’s Church. Going above and beyond the 40 volunteer hours required for high school, Samantha is an incredible and selfless young woman who is very well deserving of this recognition.
• Good Neighbour: Laura Embleton is a key volunteer behind many of the community events hosted in South Frontenac over the past few years. Laura is an active member of South Frontenac Fire and Rescue and Loughborough Firefighters Association. Through the Association, Laura has organized parades, open houses, water fun days at schools, Sydenham Canada Day activities, the ice fishing derby, and much more. Many of these events take in donations for local causes and over the years, hundreds of dollars and pounds of food have been collected at these community events.
• Dedication Recognition: Karl Hammer, President of the South Frontenac Stocksport Club, was instrumental in bringing the America’s Cup Stocksport Tournament to Harrowsmith this summer. This international tournament brought competitors from all over North, Central, and South America to South Frontenac and was a logistical triumph to successfully host. Since the mid 2010’s, Karl has dedicated thousands of hours to bringing the sport to life in the community, ensuring it is inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all.

Though only three volunteers could be selected for special recognition at the luncheon, there were nine deserving submissions. Honourable mentions went to Doug and Joyce Casement from the Verona Lions Club, Denise Tipton with the South Frontenac Museum Society, Dorothy Verbeek with Hartington Community Caring, Shirley O’Neil with the Storrington Lions Club, Kelli McRobert who volunteers with many organizations and initiatives, and Dave Linton with Southern Frontenac Community Services.

The lunch was held the same week as International Volunteer Day on December 5. International Volunteer Day recognizes the efforts of volunteers in transforming their societies, economies, and environment. This was the third year South Frontenac has held the lunch to recognize local volunteers. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community”, said Mayor Ron Vandewal. “Throughout the year, Council members often attend community events and programs that are made possible only through volunteerism. This luncheon is an opportunity for Council to show our appreciation and let them know we see the fantastic work they do for South Frontenac”, added Vandewal.

The Township is always looking for volunteers for its events like Snow Social in January and Family Day in February. If you would like to volunteer, contact recsupport@southfrontenac.net.

Photo: Members of South Frontenac Council honoured local volunteers at a special lunch on December 10. From left to right: Mayor Ron Vandewal, Youth Volunteerism recipient Samantha Pringle, Councillor Charlene Godfrey, Deputy Mayor Ron Sleeth, Dedication recipient Karl Hammer, Councillor Steve Pegrum, Councillor Norm Roberts, and Good Neighbour recipient Laura Embleton.

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Contact:
Laurie Swinton
Executive Assistant & Communications Officer
613-376-3027 ext. 2260
communications@southfrontenac.net