Volunteer Awards Presented at Annual Reception

On Tuesday April 8, more than 100 City volunteers gathered in the Foran Greene Room at City Hall for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception.
 
“We are grateful for the hundreds of individuals who donate their time to support the City’s programs and committees,” said Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth. “We rely on those people who freely give of their time, energy and ideas as a way of giving back to their community. This reception is only a small token of the gratitude we feel towards our volunteers.”
 
During the annual event, the City presents its Building Healthy Communities Awards.
 
These awards recognize individuals or groups who have volunteered their time to promote recreation and leisure opportunities within the City of St. John’s.
 
This year’s recipients are:
 

• Ashley Mercer – Individual Category
  • Ashley Mercer is recognized for her work with Easter Seals as a certified coach trained by the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association since 2011. During her time with Easter Seals she has been integral in the development of the Boccia program. Boccia is a fully inclusive parasport that is designed for persons most severely affected by their disability. Ashley is a positive influence on the program and the participants. She has become the head provincial coach and has led the team to the Atlantic Championship in 2013 and the National Championship in 2013 and 2014 resulting in a silver medal in the 2014 National Championship.
• Ed Dunne – Individual Category
  • Ed Dunne has been a volunteer in the Virginia Park Community Centre for the past 25 years. During this time he has initiated many programs and services including woodworking, the “Soups On” program, floor hockey and a dart league. “Mr. Ed,” as his is fondly referred to, has engaged youth through community projects including the centre’s haunted house, the Christmas parade float and various special events. In addition to all this he is currently an active member of the Virginia Park tenants association, volunteers heavily with the school in the area and is the vice chair of the Virginia Park Community Centre Board of Directors.
• Edition 709 Car Club – Group Category
  • The group category recognizes members of the Edition 709 Car Club, including Brendan Guy, Jordan Murphy, Jeremy Power and Corey Prosser. Following the tragic accident of one of the club’s founding members Nick Coates, the club committed to raising funds to help combat drinking and driving. The club held the Nick Coates Memorial Car Show just nine days following Nick’s passing. During this event they raised $21,773.60 which was presented to MADD during an event at the Capital Hotel. The members provide volunteer educational support and awareness on the effects of dirking and driving through the Strides for Change initiative. They are currently in the process of planning the next car show for August 16, 2014. In the words of Linda Coates, Nick’s mother, “They exemplify all that is good about our younger generation.”

“These groups and individuals are excellent examples of community volunteerism at its best,” said Deputy Mayor Ellsworth. “We are pleased to be able to recognize their achievements.”
 
For further information:
Susan Bonnell
Manager, Marketing and Communications
City of St. John's
Phone: (709) 576-3906
E-mail: sbonnell@stjohns.ca