The 2020 Order of Orillia recipients have been announced.
The Order will be awarded to three dedicated volunteers at a special award presentation during the virtual meeting of Council on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020.
The award acknowledges volunteers who have enhanced and inspired the community through hard work and dedication involving community service to improve the Orillia and surrounding areas.
After reviewing many worthy applications, the Commemorative Awards Committee selected Betsy Gross, Marcel Rousseau, and Carter Metcalf as recipients of the Order of Orillia for 2020.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank Betsy, Marcel and Carter for their ongoing effort and commitment to volunteerism in Orillia,” said Mayor Steve Clarke. “Their involvement and passion have enriched Orillia in countless ways. Volunteers are a pillar of our caring and cooperative community, and these recipients are a testament to that.”
2020 Order of Orillia recipients
Betsy Gross:
For 50 years, Betsy Gross has been an unwavering volunteer for organizations that serve Orillia and the surrounding townships. As well as the countless hours she has spent volunteering, she has enriched the community with her mentoring skills. Her contributions to the community include not-for-profits and business organizations. She has not only raised funds, but has also raised the profiles of those to which she has selflessly given her time and skills.
Marcel Rousseau:
Marcel Rousseau has long held a deep passion for the history of Orillia. In fact, that feeling is so deep he has willingly volunteered his time for many years. He has shared his knowledge with the general public through venues such as the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH), the Orillia Public Library, and media throughout the region. Each of these organizations relies on and shares Marcel’s research which ensures Orillia’s history will not be forgotten.
Carter Metcalf:
An honour roll student and a role model to children and youth, Carter Metcalf started volunteering as a young boy. He has officially clocked over 900 hours of volunteer time in the past 10 years. He has been involved with the Orillia Santa Claus parade, Rogers Hometown Hockey, Orillia Winter Games, and as an organizer for provincial park clean ups. He also worked on a Casino Rama program to repurpose and redirect items from their non-food warehouse away from landfill and to worthy charities throughout the region.
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