From spending decades advocating for affordable housing to helping hands-on with the construction of more than 40 homes, two volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) have been recognized with the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.
Habitat PKR held a special celebration brunch at the Lakefield Restore on March 6 to honour Cindy Windover and Harry Pearson, who each received the medal that recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
“It was truly incredible to see the amazing turnout to celebrate Cindy and Harry,” Holly O’Connor, Habitat PKR’s communications and marketing manager, told kawarthaNOW. “Over 100 of their friends, family, and neighbours came together to honour them, which speaks volumes about the kind of people they are: generous, dedicated, and deeply committed to their community.”
Windover, a long-standing board member, has played a key role in shaping the organization’s vision and supporting fundraising initiatives, in addition to her advocacy work.
A boots-on-the-ground volunteer of more than 18 years, Pearson has fulfilled a crucial role in Habitat PKR’s deconstruction program, helping to remove more than 100 kitchens and salvage materials for Habitat PKR ReStores, in addition to his building work.
“It was a joy to celebrate them both and to recognize the impact they’ve had through this well-deserved award,” O’Connor said. “Volunteers like Cindy and Harry are the heart of what we do at Habitat PKR, and this celebration was a beautiful and important reminder of how essential they are to our mission.”
Both Windover and Pearson have also worked on Habitat PKR build sites in the Lakefield community, directly contributing to the success of affordable homeownership in Lakefield and shaping it into a place where local families have a safe and stable place to live.
They were key members of the steering committee for the homes built on Fitzgerald Street and other local projects, “demonstrating their deep commitment to building a thriving and stronger community through the core need for housing,” Habitat PKR noted in a media release.
The March 6 celebration recognized the honourees as proud Lakefield locals “while highlighting their far-reaching impact across the Peterborough and Kawartha Region.”
The event was open to the public, inviting community members to join in on honouring the volunteers’ achievements and contributions. Dignitaries who attended the celebration included Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, and Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis.
“Cindy and Harry are not just incredible volunteers, they are good friends and valued members of the Habitat family,” said Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat PKR, in a statement.
“Their unwavering commitment through leadership and hands-on work, has strengthened our ability to provide safe, affordable homes to families in need. Habitat PKR would not be able to fulfill its mission without the driving force of volunteers like Cindy and Harry.”
Volunteers are at the heart of Habitat PKR’s mission, and the organization said the event served as a reminder of the essential role volunteers play in building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
“I started volunteering at Habitat for Humanity 20 years ago, never dreaming it would continue for this long,” said Pearson in his speech.
“I’m honestly surprised today to hear I have helped build 40 Habitat homes. I did what I could, and I’m so glad to have done just that. I have enjoyed every minute of it and being able to help my community in such a valuable way has been such great thing for me.”
Windover said it was “overwhelming and such an honour” to receive the award.
“Affordable housing is at the core of a thriving community, and to win this medal in honour of my contributions to that mission and goal means a lot,” she said in her speech.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the King Charles III’s Coronation Medal program on May 3, 2023, three days before the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada, with the design of the medal and the details of the program announced the following May.
Eligible candidates must meet requirements that include having made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region, or community of Canada, or having made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
Around 30,000 medals are being awarded, including 4,000 to recognize members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
