A Hastings resident is being recognized for her efforts as a good citizen.
Carrie Hayward, who has “worked around the clock” to help people facing mental and physical challenges and to advocate for those who are marginalized, has received a nod from the provincial government for her volunteer contributions.
Hayward is among 13 recipients who were presented with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for 2021 and 2022 by lieutenant governor Edith Dumont and citizenship and multiculturalism minister Michael Ford during a ceremony Monday (March 25) at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
The second highest honour awarded by the provincial government, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes exceptional civic leadership and volunteerism that has had a lasting impact on recipients’ communities and the province.
Hayward is a former board member and current volunteer at LOFT Community Services.
“Carrie Hayward has worked around the clock to help people facing mental and physical challenges,” a government media release stated.
“Her crowning achievement is the construction of Bradford House, which provides housing for up to 100 at-risk seniors and homeless individuals. A fierce advocate for the marginalized, she strongly campaigns for the dignity they deserve. Carrie’s time, effort and support will be a lasting legacy.”
In addition to her work with LOFT, Hayward also serves as chair of Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) board of directors.
She retired from the Ontario public service sector, following her tenure as the assistant deputy minister of the regional operations division for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Hayward also previously held senior executive roles in the province’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Community and Social Services, as well as working for Anishinabek Nation as its health director.
Her family roots in Campbellford date back to 1906 with the arrival of her great-grandparents. Hayward began cottaging in the Trent Hills area 30 years ago and has called it home for more than a decade.
“(Hayward) views CMH as an integral part of our region and contributing to the hospital’s current and future success enables her to give back to the community,” CMH stated.
The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship is intended to honour individuals for their exceptional long-term efforts and outstanding contributions to the well-being of their communities throughout the province.
An independent advisory council reviews each nomination and selects the candidates. The lieutenant governor is the advisory council’s honorary chair.
Since 1973, 573 people from across Ontario have been invested with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship.
