Peterborough’s David Edgerton is one of 16 Ontario volunteers and volunteer organizations to receive the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism.
The Ontario government presented the awards on Wednesday (January 27) during a virtual ceremony.
The award is named after the late journalist and author June Callwood, who was one of Canada’s most well-known social activists. She founded or co-founded more than 50 Canadian social action organizations.
“A local military historian, David spent more than 12 years and countless volunteer hours spearheading the creation of Peterborough’s Veterans Wall of Honour in 2010,” reads an Ontario government media release. “He eagerly shares his knowledge and enjoys making regular visits to seniors, service clubs and schools.”
Edgerton was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his work on the Veterans Wall of Honour. He has also been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for more than 45 years and a dedicated volunteer who has received multiple awards from the legion, including the Palm Leaf, its highest honour.
In 2019, the City of Peterborough named Edgerton the Peterborough Volunteer of the Year as part of the city’s annual civic awards.
The other recipients of the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism are:
- Réjeanne Bélisle – Haileybury
- Charles “Charlie” Brown – Mississauga
- Victor Herrington – Sparta
- Eli Katan – Toronto
- Adam Lake – Mississauga
- Divya Massilamani – Ottawa
- Sue Murray – Burlington
- Aditi Sivakumar – Ottawa
- Richard Zarour – Tecumseh
- The May Court Club of Ottawa – Ottawa
- Multicultural Heritage Association of Norfolk – Delhi
- Nipissing Trackers – North Bay
- The Volunteers of the 24/7 Support Line Peer Mentor Team – London
- The Nile Association of Ontario – Brampton
- Youth Assisting Youth – Toronto
Since 2009, 203 individuals and groups have received the award. An independent selection committee, appointed by the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, reviews the nominations and recommends candidates to receive the award.
The deadline for 2021 June Callwood Award nominations has been extended to April 1, 2021. Nominations can be made at the Ontario government website.
