Ontario Recognizes Outstanding Volunteer in Nipissing
June 23, 2025June Callwood Award honours remarkable contributions from across the province
NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government is celebrating 15 remarkable individuals and four organizations with the 2025 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism (JCOAAV). This year’s recipients have dedicated their time to a range of community causes, including youth advocacy, health care and mental health, the arts, environmental sustainability, and work with vulnerable populations.
“Richard Taylor has played a vital role in promoting a sense of unity and civic responsibility in our community,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Volunteers are vital to the fabric of Ontario, and we are deeply grateful for their steadfast dedication and the positive impact they have on our communities and province.”
For over 30 years, Richard Taylor has led the Nipissing Trackers Ski Program, opening the slopes to children with physical and developmental disabilities. Under his leadership, the free, volunteer-run program grew from 10 to over 100 participants at times, fostering inclusion, confidence, and joy for children and families across the North Bay community.
All of the 2025 award recipients have demonstrated remarkable commitment to driving positive change and protecting communities across Ontario. During local ceremonies, held across the province, recipients will receive an award statue and a certificate signed by the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
Named in honour of the late author, social activist, and journalist June Callwood, this award recognizes up to 25 individual volunteers, volunteer organizations and volunteer administrators for their outstanding leadership, innovation and contributions. More information on eligibility and how to nominate an individual or group is available at Ontario.ca.
QUICK FACTS
- Anyone can submit a nomination for the JCOAAV. Since 2002, 414 individuals and groups have received the JCOAAV.
- Applications for the JCOAAV close on December 5 each year.
- The late June Callwood was a distinguished Canadian journalist, author, social activist, and an appointee to the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. Throughout her life, she established and co-established over fifty Canadian social action organizations.
- The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism fosters an equitable Ontario and a sense of belonging by promoting citizen engagement and unity. In 2024, over 50 recognition ceremonies celebrated the achievements of more than 7,200 recipients who make the province a better place to live.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Province Celebrates 2025 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism Recipients
- Find out how to nominate outstanding volunteers for a June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism
- Find out how to nominate volunteers in your community for a Volunteer Service Award.
- Learn more about volunteering in Ontario.