Ontario Honours the Outstanding Contributions of Volunteers

2023 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards being presented across the province

August 24, 2023

Citizenship and Multiculturalism


Table of Contents

  1. Content
  2. Quick Facts
  3. Additional Resources
  4. Related Topics

TORONTO – The Ontario government is recognizing over 3400 community volunteers through the 2023 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recognizes adult and youth volunteers for their outstanding contributions and years of continuous service at organizations such as non-profits, schools, community centres, hospitals, libraries and community associations.

“Volunteers touch our lives in so many ways and help to make our province one of the greatest places to live,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “We are proud to recognize their efforts through the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards and are grateful that Ontarians continue to step up to support their communities.”

Volunteers nominated by an organization will receive a personalized certificate and lapel pin celebrating their years of service during one of the local award recognition ceremonies taking place between August to October 2023. The awards recognize adult volunteers for five to 65+ years of continuous service in five-year increments and youth volunteers for two or more years of continuous service.

Recipients for 2023 support a wide range of organizations and causes, including those serving vulnerable people, hospitals, senior centres and after-school, community and food security programs. These volunteers also participate as board members, help fundraise and strengthen the arts, culture, heritage and recreation sectors.

For more information about the program or to submit a nomination for next year, please visit the Ontario Volunteer Service Award webpage. The deadline to nominate someone is November 15 each year. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered in the following year.


Quick Facts

  • Since 1986, more than 250,000 volunteers have been recognized through the Ontario Volunteer Service Award.
  • This year 313 youth and 3162 adults will be recognized for their volunteer service at 776 organizations.

Additional Resources

Learn more about volunteering in Ontario.


Related Topics

Arts and Culture

Learn more about the live performances, cultural institutions and creative grants the province has to offer. Learn more

Government

Learn about the government services available to you and how government works. Learn more


Share


Media Contacts

Mark Pelayo
Minister’s Office
mark.pelayo@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
media.mcm@ontario.ca