Citizen of the Year Awards

A dedicated community volunteer and parent advocate, Alena plays a leadership role with the Waterloo Region District School Board Parent Involvement Committee as both Communications Chair and Parent Info Night Chair, where she successfully planned and promoted large-scale events reaching hundreds of families.

As Chair of the Forest Glen Public School Council, she leads meetings, supports school initiatives, and helps organize major fundraising events, raising over $15,000 for the school and local charities while also creating new community-building programs.

She has further contributed to regional school safety advocacy through widely supported surveys that elevated community concerns and influenced ongoing improvements. 

Known as a trusted resource, she consistently works to connect, support, and advocate for parents and students, demonstrating a strong commitment to education, community engagement, and volunteer service, all while balancing a full-time career and raising two young children.

Brittany is a dedicated and inspiring community member who continues to break down barriers as an adult living with a disability. Through her time at the Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre, she has built remarkable confidence and independence.

Brittany volunteers twice weekly at the food bank and actively participates in community events like the Community Lunch. Her contributions - stocking the free cart and period products, sorting and bagging vegetables, and keeping the space clean - reflect her strong work ethic and commitment to service.

Brittany’s determination, perseverance, and empathy, shaped by her lived experience, make her a valued and impactful member of her community. 

Janice has been an inspiring leader in the Guiding community for over 15 years, bringing girls together and encouraging them to grow into confident, capable, and empowered young women.

As head of the unit, she continually introduces meaningful experiences while fostering strong friendships and a sense of belonging. This past year alone, she welcomed about 50 girls into the New Hamburg units and has positively impacted countless families through her commitment and ability to engage volunteers.

Janice’s unwavering belief in empowering girls highlights the lasting impact she has not only on individuals but on the broader community and its future. 

Kathryn has been a dedicated community volunteer and leader in Wilmot, serving as an active member of the Wilmot Optimist Club since its charter and as a past president.

She also took on the role of adviser when the Junior Optimist Club of Wilmot was first organized, helping to guide and support youth involvement in the community.

In addition, Kathy has contributed her time and energy to the Canada Day committee for the past three years, further demonstrating her ongoing commitment to community engagement and service. 

Kristy has been a dedicated and active volunteer in the community for many years, contributing her time and energy to a wide range of organizations and events.

She serves on the Board for the New Hamburg Fall Fair, has been the Chair of the Parent Council for Grandview Public School for many years. She also volunteers at Forest Glen PS.

Kristy supports numerous initiatives including The Breakfast Club of Wilmot, the New Hamburg Firebirds, 100 Women Who Care, International Women's Day, and The Terry Fox Run.

She runs various fundraisers for Grandview Public School with local businesses and has led the Fun Fair at Grandview for over 10 years now.

Through her business, she also creates volunteer opportunities and generously offers free personal training, memberships, and classes to those in need. Kristy loves coaching sports in our community and this year she is head coaching the U11 Girls Wilmot Blue softball team.  

Lou Divita is a dedicated community leader who has made significant contributions to Wilmot through both event planning and digital engagement. 

He is the co-founder and co-admin of major local Facebook groups (Show Us Your Wilmot and What’s Up Wilmot?!) and serves as an admin for New Hamburg Neighbours, collectively reaching more than 17,000 followers. 

He dedicates time to ensure local businesses, service clubs, and events receive recognition by promoting them on the social media pages he runs. 

He is also a key member of the Wilmot Canada Day and Prime Ministers Path Committees. His contributions have been recognized in local media, including the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette and an appearance on the Mike Farwell Show.   

Melanie Austin has made a meaningful impact as a speaker, advocate, and fundraiser for childhood cancer awareness after overcoming Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

She has shared her story at numerous community and healthcare events, including as a keynote speaker for Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)’s PJ Party fundraiser, helping raise a record $390,000, and continues to inspire support through initiatives like Team Mel.

Beyond advocacy, Melanie has demonstrated exceptional volunteerism locally and internationally, including a month-long placement in Ghana where she supported medical and mental health teams and led educational sessions for youth.  

Samantha is the President of Citizens for Safe Groundwater, where she has played a pivotal role in protecting Wilmot’s current and future water security.

Through strong leadership and tireless advocacy, she organized and motivated residents to engage with Regional Council, leading delegations, coordinating communications, and raising awareness of local water shortages.

Samantha also led public education initiatives, collaborated with hydrology experts, and effectively communicated community concerns.

She balanced this extensive volunteer work alongside her career as a teacher and her role as a parent of three, demonstrating exceptional dedication to community engagement, environmental protection, and public welfare. 

Arlene McBride is a dedicated Wilmot resident whose exceptional volunteerism and leadership have made a lasting impact on her community. 

She is an active member of the executive at Morningside Retirement Village, and volunteers with various organizations like Holy Family Roman Catholic Church and KW Habilitation. 

Known for her kindness, reliability, and selfless service, she consistently brings people together and strengthens community connections, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and making Wilmot a more caring and vibrant place to live. 

Helen has a strong history of community involvement, generously volunteering her time with many organizations, most recently with Cruzing at the Pond in Baden and the New Hamburg Legion.

She has played an active role in organizing and supporting community events demonstrating her leadership and passion for bringing people together.

Her ongoing commitment to local initiatives reflects a deep dedication to fostering community spirit and creating meaningful, engaging experiences for others. 

Shirley has been a dedicated volunteer in her community for many years. She has been contributing her time to organizations such as the Wilmot & Wellesley Resource Centre food bank, the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre in outpatient chemotherapy care for over 20 years, Great Ride and Stride for Cancer, and Children’s Wish/Make-A-Wish for over 30 years. 

She recently began volunteering with the Blood Donor Clinic at Steinman Church in Baden, further demonstrating her lifelong dedication to giving back.

Shirley’s commitment to service reflects a deep sense of purpose and a genuine desire to create a lasting positive impact in her community.