Civic Awards

The Citizen of the Year - Bill Lowry Award is presented to an adult individual who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township whether through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship.  

Congratulations to Terri Austin, the recipient of the 2024 Citizen of the Year – Bill Lowry Award. Terri is an active member of the Bath Lions Club, a volunteer with the Lennox and Addington Hospice and actively contributes to the support local art and business community. She works tirelessly to support the annual Walk About Town and Ham Dinner and is a true community leader. Congratulations again, Terri! 

The Junior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual, under the age of 18, who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship. 

Congratulations to Ayesha Bukhari, the recipient of the 2024 Junior Citizen of the Year Award.  Ayesha is a student at Ernestown Secondary School. Being new to the school in 2022, she quickly took on a leadership role developing initiatives to help new students feel welcomed and supported in both the school and the community. She spearheaded the formation of the schools Mosaic Club and also worked at the school and board level to organize events for Indigenous and Racialized students to connect with students at other schools and also community members. Congratulations again, Ayesha! 

The Senior Citizen of the Year Award is presented to an individual over the age of 55 who has demonstrated significant volunteer efforts over a minimum of five years within Loyalist Township through arts, heritage, sports, or citizenship. 

Congratulations to Carl Hanna, the recipient of the 2024 Senior Citizen of the Year Award. Giving back to the community is Carl's passion. Whether it is collecting trash along the roadside to help beautify the community or helping to raise money to purchase books for the local elementary school, he is there. Most recently, Carl has created the Community Pantry in Odessa. Carl works to ensure that the pantry is always stocked so that those in need can access food. Congratulations again, Carl!  

The ResiLient Community Award is presented to an individual or organization who are passionately working to make Loyalist Township a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.

Congratulations to Dr. Adele Crowder, the recipient of the 2024 ResiLient Community Award. Dr. Adele Crowder is a retired ecologist and professor emerita at Queen's University who has volunteered and freely shared her knowledge in an effort to improve resilience and support environmental projects throughout the Township. Adele has participated in recent Township projects such as the Advancing Adaptation Climate Action Working Group and as a member of the Amherstview West Secondary Plan Coordinating Committee. She also keenly participates in the Township's engagement and consultation opportunities, ensuring the naturalist's view is included and providing well-researched, academic comments. 

Dr. Crowder volunteers to protect the natural environment through organizations such as the Friends of Wilton Creek, the Lennox and Addington Stewardship Council, and the Kingston Field Naturalists. Ever the educator, Adele is always keen to share her vast knowledge of the area's natural environment. Congratulations again, Adele!  

The Organization of the Year Award is presented to a volunteer group or non-profit organization who has shown dedication through volunteerism, community service and sponsorship.

Congratulations to the Odessa and District Lions Club, the recipient of the 2024 Organization of the Year Award. Odessa & District Lions Club is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in September of 2024. Their charter members had the strength, vision and desire to create something greater than themselves. The club continually has a very positive impact on the community by providing those in need with much-needed assistance as well as helping the Loyalist community at large. From coordinating the annual Remembrance Day Service in Wilton with the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics to their annual Christmas Basket Campaign, snowsuit drives, student bursary creation, community luncheons, local food programs and assistance for those facing financial hardship, and much more.

The members of the Odessa & District Lions Club live up to Lions’ motto: “We Serve Congratulations again to the Odessa and District Lions Club