Why is Pat smiling?

Volunteers from Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area were celebrated on Monday during a ceremony downtown.

A total of 75 volunteers were awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for continuous service to local organizations at the Delta Waterfront.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate the volunteers who contribute so much to their communities,” said Colleen Moran, program leader of the Ontario Honour and Awards Secretariat.

Volunteers with service totalling between 5 and 60 years were presented with the award, now in its 29th year.

Awards are offered in five-year increments.

Moran said many organizations rely on volunteers, who work hard behind the scenes.

“Volunteers don’t look for recognition, but it’s lovely when it comes their way,” added Moran.

This was one of 56 ceremonies to be held across Ontario between March and June of this year, with a total of almost 10,000 volunteers to be recognized.

The longest-serving volunteer recognized locally was Pat McKinnon, with 40 years of service with the local YMCA.

Her daughter, Cindy Ougler, was recognized with 30 years of service to the same organization.

Former MPP Bud Wildman participated in the ceremony on behalf of Manitoulin—Algoma MPP Michael Mantha.

“Volunteerism is like a pebble being thrown into a pond. All of the ripples go out and affect and touch so many people and make so many lives better,” Wildman said.

For a complete list of winners click here.

(PHOTO: Pat McKinnon is presented with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 40 years of continuous service with the YMCA. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)