Community Volunteer Awards in Etobicoke

Donna Cansfield, MPP Etobicoke Centre, recognized 24 people and five organizations for outstanding community service at her annual Holiday Levée & Community Recognition Awards event which was held on January 15, 2012 at Neilson Park Creative Centre in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Adrian Wodoslawsky was recognized in the category of Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Community by Youth. Since 2007, Adrian has performed volunteer work supporting the Canadian Diabetes Association, Ukrainian Chapter. He has been helping bring diabetes education to the community through participation in events to promote awareness such as World Diabetes Day, collecting and handing out information packages at festivals and encouraging friends, neighbours and colleagues at work to make healthy food choices and understand the need for exercise. Adrian’s computer skills have also enhanced education seminars and he produces fliers and power point presentations for these events.

The incidence of diabetes in Canada is considered to be of epidemic proportions. More than 1,000,000 Ontarians live with the disease - 250,000 in the City of Toronto alone.

For Outstanding Volunteer Service to Seniors, recognition was awarded to Nadia Ruzycky and Mary Wright, both at the Ukrainian Canadian Care Centre in Etobicoke. Nadia has been volunteering since 2001 at UCCC where she helps bring the residents confined to wheelchairs to the chapel for liturgy, and with monthly bus outings. She sings with the Troubadours, and also dances with the residents. Being creative, a book of popular folk songs features her illustrations. Mary has been volunteering at UCCC since she retired in 1997, and has been the mainstay of the Gift Shop. Through her many efforts, she has established a rapport with the residents and knows their likes and dislikes.

Donna Cansfield was quoted saying “It speaks volumes to the good hearts people have, their interest in wanting to give back and help out. The awards are our way of saying thank you, thank you, thank you!”

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Donna Cansfield, MPP Etobicoke Centre and Adrian Wodoslawsky