Auxiliary and hospital volunteers recognized with volunteer awards

The RVAP Auxiliary and other hospital volunteers were among those recognized with volunteer awards by the Town of Ajax Civic Awards event on Tuesday, April 12.

The Foundation is very proud of the Auxiliary, a truly dedicated group of volunteers who give selflessly to the hospital and simply make it a better place to be, thanks to their efforts. The Auxiliary received the Community Heritage Award for volunteerism, presented by Councillor Pat Brown.

See the pictures from the awards ceremony at our flickr page: www.flickr.com/photos/rvhsf/sets/72157626490023272/

There you will see several hospital volunteers, new and past winners of Civic Awards that were on hand. Along with representatives of the Auxiliary, Image is Everything Campaign cabinet member and community super-volunteer John G. Smith accepted awards. Mr. Smith earned the particularly prestigious Ajax Civic Award, presented by Mayor Steve Parish.

Here is the description provided at the awards for the Auxiliary's selection as the Heritage Award recipient:

As one of our long standing community volunteer organizations, the Auxiliary not only contributes over 41,500 volunteer hours annually for the hospital, but it is also passionate about sharing its story with the community - from its meager beginnings to the organization it is today - thus keeping history and heritage alive for future generations. It is not uncommon to meet an Auxiliary member who has volunteered for over 40 years, and can share how the organization has evolved over the years. In 2010 alone, 5 volunteers were recognized for 50 years of service to the organization. The Auxiliary has maintained extensive scrapbooks over the years, acting as the informal archivists for the hospital, and participate in many community events and interviews to share their history and support of the hospital with the public. They were also active in contributing information to our history book “A Town Called Ajax”. Each year the Auxiliary attends 6 local high school convocations to distribute bursaries to 18 high school students who will be attending university in the medical profession. Going above and beyond this generous contribution, they take the time to meet with the students and their families to share stories about the Auxiliary as well as the importance of volunteering in the community and giving back. Ajax is proud to have a group of long standing, dedicated, community volunteers whose commitment, passion and generosity not only assist in terms of support and philanthropy, but through their experiences and actions, keep history alive for generations to come.