Woo-hoo! Evelyn Theriault!

Twenty seniors from across Ontario were honoured today as the 2010 Ontario Senior Achievement Awards were announced.

Among the recipients were Sault Ste. Marie's Evelyn Theriault, as well as Ted Giannini and Ray Kinoshameg, both from Sudbury.

The following is a news release issued today by the Government of Ontario.

***************************** Recipients of Ontario Senior Achievement Awards announced

Ontario's seniors are being recognized for the outstanding contributions they make to their communities

Today, the province honoured 20 seniors at the 2010 Ontario Senior Achievement Awards at Queen's Park.

The Senior Achievement Award is the province's highest recognition for seniors.

The award is presented annually to Ontarians over the age of 65 who have made significant contributions to their communities through voluntary or professional activities.

Quotes

"Today's recipients are an inspiration to all of us and proof that you can make a difference at any age. Congratulations to everyone on this well-deserved recognition and for making a substantive difference in Ontario communities." - The Honourable David C. Onley, lieutenant governor of Ontario

"All the seniors honoured today have made truly exceptional contributions to Ontario. Not only are they role models for other seniors, they are role models for all Ontarians." - Sophia Aggelonitis, minister responsible for seniors

Quick facts

- The first Ontario Senior Achievement Awards were presented in 1986.

- Ontario communities also recognize the contributions of seniors through the Senior of the Year Awards during Seniors' Month in June.

The recipients of the 2010 Ontario Senior Achievement Awards are:

Northern Ontario

Donald Auger created the Dilico Children's Foundation and is helping address the challenges faced by First Nation youth and families in Northwestern Ontario.

George and Archie Cadden are better known as "the Cadden Brothers" in Dawson Township and are always pitching in to help improve their community.

Ted Giannini, of Sudbury, has dedicated his life to helping others by working with Ontario's Red Cross.

Anthony Kadikoff has dedicated his life to improving the lives of cancer patients in Northwestern Ontario.

Ray Kinoshameg, of Sudbury, has helped build strong community-based programs that lift the spirit of Aboriginal members, through healing and reconnection with their culture and traditions. 

Victor Prokopchuk has shared his business and management experience to the benefit of all the people of Atikokan.

Evelyn Theriault donates her time and expertise as chair of the local Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition and Seniors' Health Advisory Committee in Sault Ste Marie.

Eastern Ontario

Jean Murray Cole, an historian from Peterborough, made her mark on Canadian history through her publications, including most recently the editing of the diaries of Sir Sandford Fleming.

Professor Edna Manitowabi, of Lakefield, holds the high honour of being an Elder, carrying the cultural knowledge, language, songs and ceremonies of her people and creating pathways for Aboriginal youth to claim their identity and heritage.

South Central Ontario

Johnny Bower has dedicated himself to a long-term journey of charitable work, both as a hockey legend and in his capacity as the honorary chief of Peel Regional Police.

Mary Cappler has participated in countless events over the years to support the Port Hope Hospital and remains an active volunteer with St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Community Care Northumberland, and the Ruth Clarke Centre.

Jeanne Ker-Hornell has been a tireless protector of historic Unionville's heritage and has spent hours on a campaign to improve the care of emergency room patients at the Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Southwestern Ontario

Thomas Allison and his late wife Dorthy generously donated in excess of one million dollars to an otology/ neurology program in London, Ontario.

Ted Blowes is well-known for his extraordinary volunteer work in the Stratford community, which includes helping adults with intellectual disabilities, improving the lives of youth and spearheading major annual community events.

Norma Cox donated over $1 million dollars in order to create a youth recreational facility in Sarnia and has been a generous benefactor for organizations in the Sarnia community.

Chiyoko Izumi, of Hamilton, has taught the art of the traditional Japanese Odori dance to others for over 70 years.

Patricia Saunders applied her empathy and skills as a volunteer coordinator for Hamilton Police Service and now works as a volunteer with the alcohol treatment program at Claremont House.

William H. Velke, of Campbellville, has worked for years in the area of physical chemistry, most recently applying his inventive spirit to combating harmful emissions and improving energy efficiency.

Doanh Vu Huu has worked selflessly and passionately to help other Vietnamese immigrants adapt to their new lives in Canada while continuing to honour their Vietnamese heritage.

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