Whatever your interest, there are a number of ways for you to get involved in your community. Wilmot is the home to numerous volunteer run organizations that offer programs, special events and undertake community projects to make our community a better place to work, live and play.
Below is a list of organizations that are actively recruiting volunteers in the community. This is not intended to be a complete list of all community organizations within the Township of Wilmot but some of those seeking volunteers. To have your community organization's information posted here or to update your information please contact us.
Community groups |
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Service clubs |
Special event committees |
Sports organizations |
Each year the Township of Wilmot recognizes community members who make outstanding contributions to Wilmot and its residents. These awards recognize local residents who build community and show what can be achieved with passion and determination.
Lisa Doherty | Winner |
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Since Lisa Doherty is the sole nominee, we would like to congratulate her on being the winner in the Culture category. Lisa has joined our board for LYNC Love Your Neighbour Communities and it would have been impossible to get this grassroots charity off the ground without her dedicated passion and hard work. She does this all while also being there with her husband suffering with MS. She is loving, giving, smart, passionate and deserves the recognition. |
Photo | Nominee | Description |
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Wilmot Thunder U15 - U15 Tier 1 Team | This team was the 2022 Provincial Elimination Gold Medallists, Provincial Championship Silver Medalists, and Canadian Championship Host Team and Silver Medalists. | |
Wilmot Thunder U17 Team | This Fastpitch Softball team was OASA Provincial Eliminations and Canadian Championships Bronze medalists, and OASA Provincial Championships and Ontario Games Gold Medalists in 2022. | |
Wilmot Thunder U15 Boys Tier 2 Team | This team was the Eastern Canadian Softball Championships Silver Medalists in 2022. | |
Wilmot Thunder Men's U20 Team | This team was the OASA Fastpitch Men's Provincial Championships Silver Medalists. | |
Holly Bast | Holly is the President of the Wilmot Girls Hockey Association and devotes countless hours of service to this organization to enable girls to play hockey in Wilmot. She provides continuous support to the executive members whether they be new to their role and require a guiding hand or an existing executive member requiring support working through resolution to an issue, as well as the general membership. Holly always strives to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of everyone involved by ensuring all avenues are explored. She goes above and beyond to ensure all girls wanting to play hockey have that opportunity - from her support with the Girls Try Hockey Day or filling in as interim Treasurer and ensuring families requiring financial assistance have access to those resources and working with families on customized payment options that work for each family. Holly spends many hours at the arena supporting the association with tryouts, season opening activities, regular season activities and the Annual Kyla Kowalik Tournament, just to name a few of her arena appearances. There is so much more that Holly does in the background that a lot of people don’t see and a lot more time she puts in attending numerous meetings and general activities to have this organization run so smoothly. Holly does not do all of this for personal gain as her daughter hasn’t played with the Wilmot Wolverines in a few years, Holly does all of this because she is such a great person and a fabulous Citizen of our community! |
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Angie Scheid | Angie is amazing at promoting our community, it’s citizens and local businesses. some examples of support can been seen recently with the fundraiser for like Mel Austin undergoing cancer treatments and Sienna Lichti off to Portugal to compete with team Canada! Her Local Feature Friday is also a great way of connecting local businesses! She has a positive attitude combined with her community at heart!! Win win for Wilmot township residents and community!! | |
Lindsay Neubauer | Lindsay is Everywhere walking the streets of New Hamburg!!! She Volunteers 2-3 shifts a week at New Hamburg Thrift Store. She is always willing and on time for her shifts. Lindsay has worked her way into being trained for several different jobs there. Lindsay is a member of Living Water Fellowship Church on Hincks St. She volunteers her time to help at our yearly VBS (Vacation Bible School), Helping with Greeting and Coffee time clean up, and is presently serving on Mission and Outreach committee. When the Wilmot Lions need help with any events, guess who they can count on to help!!! Lindsay has helped at BBQ's, Dog Walks, Christmas Tree lighting, Woodstock Farm show, etc, She is Always ready and willing to help in our community. Monday mornings after her shift at the Thrift store , she works at collecting cans and bottles walking the streets and delivering her finds to depo. Tuesday morning up at the crack of dawn walking the streets again collecting again. She has made many new friends doing this Mission work for a Bolivia Fundraiser through a local group. Oh she has helped them collect at camp grounds also. Lindsay has proven herself to so many that she is dependable, trustworthy, reliable and dedicated to whatever job she does. I am Proud of Lindsay's accomplishments. Ask anyone- they All know her. She walks everywhere. My hope is that one day someone will see her and hire her for her love and ambition to reach out and always say "YES, I can help with that!!!" Her Volunteering comes from her heart helping people in need! | |
Ron Downs | Ron Downs deserves to be recognized as he is a businessman who has lived in the community most of his life and has had his own business for 30+ years. He ran for council and almost got nominated only to be short by 20+ votes. I believe in Ron and his ideas and is a very caring, interested in people's voices and I know he would of been a person who got things done in our community. He has since joined the optomists as that is the caring side of him in helping people. I cannot think of anyone in this area that has tried and listened to people more and very much deserves this nomination. I am sure I am not the only one who agrees with me, I just hope they put in their comments. Because of the business he is in , he talks to a lot of people from this area and agrees that changes need to be made. Please seriously look at this family man for consideration. | |
Marlene Knezevich |
Marlene Knezevich is nominated for Community Service Citizen of the Year for her multi-faceted contributions to horticultural and environmental activities in Wilmot Township. A proven leader with seemingly tireless energy, Marlene is known and admired for her organizational and networking abilities. Her skills are matched by her work ethic. No task is too dirty, too difficult, or too tiring for Marlene. All of it is accompanied with a smile and good humour. As a long time, active member of Wilmot Horticultural Society, Marlene has spent countless hours improving our local visual landscapes by designing, planting and tending plantings at Wilmot Township properties. She has been a board member of the horticultural society for many years, with public education being one of several responsibilities. In this role, she contributes many articles about gardening and environmental issues to local publications. Marlene was the prime force in creating the horticultural society’s newest initiative, Let’s Tree Wilmot. Working tirelessly despite Covid-19 restrictions, she researched, organized and motivated other volunteers, resulting in LTW’s first tree planting in October 2020. As Chair of Let’s Tree Wilmot, Marlene has given exceptional leadership to a project that has already engaged hundreds of volunteers in tree-planting projects in New Dundee, Mannheim, St. Agatha, Petersburg, Baden, and New Hamburg. Marlene volunteers at the plant tent at the annual Mennonite Central Committee Relief Sale, enthusiastically sharing her vast knowledge of plant material. She stepped in to manage its operation when the tent was in jeopardy because a volunteer wasn’t available to handle this demanding job. The Relief Sale yields tens of thousands of dollars for the humanitarian work of MCC; the plant tent is a popular attraction. Community minded and gregarious, Marlene continues to engage and inspire others in her desire to make the world a better place. She has been an active member of the Nith Valley EcoBoosters since 2015, when it became a community-based group. She is an excellent candidate for recognition because of her many and ongoing contributions to Wilmot Township. |
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Samantha (Sam) Lernout |
I take great pleasure in nominating Samantha Lernout, as Citizen of the Year for the category of "Community Service". Sam, as she is known by to her family, friends and peers, grew up in Plattsville, attended Waterloo Oxford and is now raising her young family in rural Wilmot Township. Sam has spent countless hours these past four years taking the lead of Citizens for Safe Ground Water which is a community group (actually a group that goes beyond our community) that is working to save a 141 acre farm that backs onto the village of Shingletown properties from becoming yet another gravel pit in township. She has organized community information meetings and fundraisers where she has earned support that goes beyond her dedicated core team. She has studied the environmental impacts gravel pits have on communities focusing on air and water quality as well as serious health issues for those who live within reach of the winds that flow over these pits. I am a member of CSGS and like Sam, we believe Wilmot Township has sacrificed enough of our farms to the production of gravel and yet as passionate as we all feel about this it has taken someone who is a young wife, mother of 3 and a full time teacher to somehow find time in her busy life to take the lead for us. There are many reasons to stop this development (environmental/personal health and farm preservation) but there are few who are willing to sacrifice so much personal time to be leaders in these areas. In spite of her very busy personal and professional life, Sam's passion and dedication to this cause is nothing short of awesome and we believe she deserves to be recognized as Wilmot’s Citizen of 2023 for the category of "Community Service"
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Doug MacLean |
Doug McLean, a local hydro worker, has been volunteering his time to New Hamburg since the 1990s when he organized and volunteered crews and trucks to decorate multiple Christmas trees behind the waterwheel and the waterwheel itself. In addition to this, he has hung both the old and new Christmas decorations in New Hamburg. When the new Christmas decoration came on board, he installed power on the poles along Waterloo Street - this was a lot of work. I came to know Doug in October of 2022 when he volunteered to help hang the 75 Memorial banners in New Hamburg. He had to install brackets on the poles before he was able to hang the banners. This was a time consuming job as it took over 3 afternoons and evenings to accomplish this task. Two months later, he removed the memorial banners and hung the Christmas lights. When I told Doug a few weeks ago that there will be 204 banners to hang this year, he said he would make sure there were enough poles to hang them on, even if they had to install more poles. I feel that his devotion to New Hamburg is indeed admirable. He has been volunteering his time for over 40 years and has never received any recognition for his kindness. He told me last year that he loves New Hamburg and he has been fortunate to raise his three sons here. Without people like Doug McLean working in the background, our community would be ordinary. He is a prime example of an unrecognized leader in our township. |
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Mike Gilmore | Mike Gilmore has spent his entire adult life saving people, whether it’s pulling a car out of a snowy ditch or saving a life as a captain of the Wilmot fire department. Gilmore has been mentored by great leaders before him in his 22 years of firefighting and is now passing on his knowledge to the young recruits of Wilmot. With a genuine and charismatic smile he inspires anyone he looks after. Mike is a successful businessman and the proud owner of Hillcrest Service, a garage and towing service that’s been in his family since 1966. Unknowingly he’s this community’s guardian angel. Baring the weight and liability of a volunteer fire pager is a 24-7 commitment, it’s a dangerous and heavy responsibility not to mention the toll that it takes on someone’s mental health. His sacrifice over the years is commendable and that is why I nominate Mike Gilmore as Citizens of the year for his unbelievable community service. | |
Bobbi Martinez | I nominate Bobbi as she saved a life of a local member of our community. Jim Scott. Bobbi’s children went to Holy family school and Waterloo Oxford. Bobbi has always helped with every fundraiser and whatever else she could do for her community. Last year she stepped up to donate her kidney. She continues to donate blood to help others. | |
Scott Dunstall |
It is evident that Scott has made a remarkable impact on the New Hamburg community in just four years. His contributions to various organizations and causes demonstrate his dedication and passion for making a positive difference in people's lives. Some of his notable achievements include: PRO Public Relations Officer for the Legion: Scott's efforts in promoting the Legion on social media have led to a significant increase in followers by over 30%. This boost in online presence has not only raised awareness about the Legion's activities but also resulted in increased membership and attendance at Legion events. This, in turn, has generated more funds to support veterans, benefiting the community and those who have served their country. President Elect and Social Media Officer for the New Hamburg Optimist: Scott's involvement with the Optimist Club has been impactful, increasing the followers of their social media page by over 40%. This growth allows more members of the community to stay informed about NH Optimist events and engage with the youth, fostering a positive environment for their development. His work towards starting a youth Optimist Club in Wilmot shows his commitment to extending the organization's positive influence. Advocate for Seniors' Rights: Scott's contribution of articles to Embracing Change magazine shows his dedication to advocating for seniors' rights. By sharing his insights and knowledge, he helps empower seniors and brings awareness to their needs and concerns, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate community. Men's Fashion Column: Scott's weekly men's fashion column demonstrates his interest in helping others feel and look their best. By sharing fashion tips and advice, he supports individuals in their personal growth and self-confidence. Community Support during Catastrophic Events: Utilizing his social media platforms to rally community support for those experiencing catastrophic events showcases Scott's compassion and willingness to help those in need. His ability to mobilize the community for assistance shows the strength of his network and influence. Overall, Scott's contributions reflect his commitment to the betterment of the New Hamburg community. His positive impact on various fronts, including veterans' support, youth engagement, advocacy for seniors, and local business promotion, makes him a strong candidate for recognition as the Citizen of the Year. |
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Penny Collins |
Penny goes above and beyond for this community, she volunteers her spare time wherever she can, especially for the kids. I believe that Penny deserves to be recognized for her commitment to serving this community for all of her time, love and efforts to everything she commits to and volunteers her time to. Optimist Club and volunteer Wilmot Wolverines (trainer), Baden Public School reading program. Parent council at Waterloo Oxford. |
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Warren Bechthold |
Warren Bechthold has been a enthusiastic supporter of youth with his 40 years with the Petersburg Optimists. |
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Susan Hammer |
Susan is a tireless volunteer warrior in our community. Collecting cans and reconditioning jig-saw puzzles are what most of us know Susan for but did you know that some of the charities that have benefited from her efforts include Wilmot Family Resource Centre, Interfaith Counseling Centre and causes like the Forest Glen Playground where she gave up to $500. Did you also know that Susan will be the first to help a neighbor running errands or helping in their home. She is keenly interested in her community and is an active member of The 100 Women of Wilmot Who Care as well as the Wilmot Lions/Lioness Club. Whether it's voting on awarding a worthy charity financial support or working a community BBQ Susan is always there. And she will lend her support to other clubs that need a hand. For example, its not uncommon to find Susan signing out several books of tickets to sell for the New Hamburg Optimists annual Vehicle Draw. Ask Susan anything about politics and you'll be in for a great conversation. Please consider Susan when you vote for Citizen of the Year in Community Service. |
Photo | Nominee | Description |
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Reginald Simpson Senior |
I would like to nominate my father for all these years he served in Wilmot to help Veterans get disability and helping homeless veterans. Other examples of his volunteering are talking to scouts and speaking to the public, doing displays etc. |
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Ross Eichler | Ross is a man who wears many hats. A father of 2 and a grandfather of 4. A professional hockey player his skills were helpful when he coached hockey and softball in New Hamburg. A dedicated member of the Lutheran Church which he is involved in. Past President of the Morningside Village Board and Convenor of Summer Senior Games along with active participation. Over 12 years of coordinator of the Morningside Blood Donor group of volunteers every two months. Involved over the years with the Terry Fox Run. Volunteer with the Community Care Concepts. Past Poppy Convenor at the Royal Canadian Legion and presently holding the role of President. Ross is a great asset to the community. | |
Dorothy and Andy Wilson | Dorothy and Andy have dedicated themselves to our community by trying to educate and improve sustainability within our township. They are very active members of NithValley Ecoboosters, attending larger community protests, and informing the neighborhood of events and issues facing our community and province. They grow a huge garden for food security and donate some of it to the family resource centre. They are ceaseless in their energy to leave our township more ready to handle the challenges of climate change and to make a difference while they can. They are very deserving of this award. |
Photo | Nominee | Description |
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Theo Diver |
Theo is a young individual who shows above average interest in his community, and supports and appreciated others. Theo is involved as a participant in community youth soccer programs, floor hockey, and learn to swim. While participating Theo shows interest in helping his colleagues, supports team efforts and steps up to do everything he can, participates to his fullest and asks questions about next steps. Recently, Theo spent his time, on two occasions to show his appreciation for the local trash collection crew, in Baden. He wrote a very caring thank you note to the crew and taped it to the families garbage container at the curb. The collection individual was pictured claiming and reading the note: big smile and thumbs-up was given in return. More recently, he asked his mother if he could take bottled water to the crew, on an extremely hot day. He did so and again smiles ensued. In early June Theo was excited to participate in the Baden Community Fishing Derby and was the recipient was a $50 grand prize which is now stowed away in his piggy bank for the future. |
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Lyndsay Dajka |
I am very happy to be able to nominate Lyndsay Dajka for the Wilmot Citizen of the Year award in the youth category. I have known Lyndsay since April 2021 when she contacted me about becoming a member of the Nith Valley EcoBoosters, a citizens’ environmental group based in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships in Waterloo Region. Lyndsay impressed me and other members of our group when she came to our first meeting with an idea of a way to create and attain goals that would help avert climate disaster. She had learned about this initiative called “Dear Tomorrow” at a Global Just Recovery workshop that she had attended. Right away it was obvious that Lyndsay was a bright and confident young woman who was capable of pitching an idea to a group of older people that she had just met. This view of her was reinforced when, within a couple of months of joining our group, Lyndsay delegated on behalf of our group to members of Wilmot and Wellesley Councils to advocate for greenhouse gas emission reductions. Later that year the Nith Valley EcoBoosters Youth Advocates group was initiated with Lyndsay taking the lead. Lyndsay has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills over the last couple of years as the Youth Advocates have worked hard to add members and expand their reach into local schools. Lyndsay prepared agendas, set up zoom meetings, did presentations at schools, ran recruitment events and very capably chaired the group’s meetings. In addition to working with the Youth Advocates, Lyndsay has volunteered to help organize community rallies related to environmental issues. Serving as chair of a number of rally planning committees that have been mainly adults including me, Lyndsay has shown how she can be a strong leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Lyndsay is a worthy candidate for the Wilmot Citizen of the Year award in the youth category. Her passion about protecting the environment and taking action in her beliefs has made a difference not only in our community, but beyond. She has certainly made a significant contribution to the Nith Valley EcoBoosters and I have enjoyed working with Lyndsay. She is truly an inspiration. |
Categories and eligibility criteria |
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The Citizen of the Year Award is presented in the areas of Athletics, Community Service, Culture, Seniors, and Youth. Awards will be presented at the New Hamburg Fall Fair. Subscribe for updates using the "Receive Email Updates" link at the bottom of this page.
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Conditions of entry |
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The following conditions of entry apply to all nominations.
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Entry details |
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All nomination submissions should address the category criteria by outlining the nominee’s achievements and/or reasons for the nomination All eligible nominees will be contacted and provided with the opportunity to accept their nomination and submit further supporting information to be considered as part of the nomination if they choose. Information provided in the nomination submission, and by the nominee, may be included in the Citizen of the Year Awards promotional materials. This could be a summary of the information provided and all information may not be included.
If you would like assistance completing an online nomination form, please email us. |
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Vote |
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All nominations that meet the eligibility criteria, conditions of entry and are submitted by the deadline date and time, will be included in the voting process. It is the responsibility of the Nominator and Nominee to supply all nomination information for assessment by the due date specified. |
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