The Community Service Volunteer Awards program is not currently active. This information is for archival purposes only.
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Celebrating people who help strengthen our communities
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The Community Service Volunteer Awards celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and showcase the voluntary services that sustain the vibrancy and well-being of Toronto's diverse communities.
Award categories
- Children's Issues
- Youth Issues
- Newcomer Issues
- Seniors Issues
- Women's Issues
- Group Work
Award recipients for 2006
Nominating Committee
Profiles of the award recipients
Sheilah Currie (Children's Issues)
Sheilah Currie has been the driving force behind a highly successful volunteer program that is promoting literacy among children. The children live in the generally low-income, ethnically diverse community served by Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre in the east downtown area. Sheilah created the Sunday Book Bag and Reading Club in 2005, when she organized a group of volunteers who read stories with the children in cozy nooks set up in the community centre's gymnasium.
A former teacher who is now an author of children's books, Sheilah collects, evaluates and assembles books for different age groups, from age 3 to 12. She supervises (and inspires) the volunteers and personally keeps track of each child's reading progress. This popular program is helping children strengthen their reading skills in a relaxed setting that fosters a love of reading. Many of the children also take books home to read with their parents during the week. The success of this new volunteer program is a story in its own right. Now, she is spreading the word further, having recently set up a similar program at a Parent Resources Drop-in Centre in the same part of the city.
Veich Jarrett (Youth Issues)
Veich Jarrett, a Toronto Community Housing resident who lives at Trimbee Court in the northwest part of the city, is an inspiration to youth who live in his community. Veich has shown extraordinary generosity and exemplary leadership. Acting on a voluntary, self-motivated basis, he has helped youth in many ways, such as by establishing a peer tutoring support group for students having difficulty at school. He has helped other young people find work and has reached out to help youth who have come into conflict with the law - sometimes even accompanying them to court.
In addition, Veich has taken the initiative to engage youth in projects such as neighbourhood beautification, helping to foster their sense of self worth and pride. A festival of lights that he organized at Trimbee Court last December was featured on Citytv's Livable City series. His leadership is setting a fine example for youth at Trimbee Court to emulate. In addition, youth and residents in general at several other Toronto Community Housing buildings in the area are benefiting as he applies his energy and skills to launch projects in those communities.
Aimé Sindayigaya (Newcomer Issues)
As a member of a peer support group for refugees, Aimé Sindayigaya stands out as the group's leader. Based at the downtown 519 Community Centre, the volunteer group supports refugees in Toronto, particularly those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender - a vulnerable population.
Aimé's commitment to his work with fellow volunteers and refugees is readily apparent. His democratic, thoughtful leadership style motivates other members of the peer support group, creating a cohesive team among people with widely diverse experiences and first languages. Aimé is an extraordinary volunteer who is making an important contribution to the community through his work with the refugee support group.
Dr. Mario Andres (Newcomer Issues)
Physician Mario Andres, a board member of the non-profit Filipino Centre in central Toronto, took the initiative to create a Comprehensive Health and Wellness Program that serves the local Filipino community and all newcomers regardless of ethnic background. One feature of the program is a free medical clinic that Dr. Andres provides personally every second Saturday afternoon at the Filipino Centre (597 Parliament St.). The clinic is for people who do not have a health card - mainly new immigrants, refugees and even tourists.
Dr. Andres, who has a busy medical practice in Toronto, also makes time to organize and lead a free monthly seminar at the Filipino Centre. People in the area attend to learn about common medical problems and obtain medical advice. He also heads a medical crisis intervention group based at the centre, assisting people who need support during a personal or family crisis and, often, referral for treatment. Mario Andres is an inspiration to all those who know him.
Barbara Cooper (Seniors Issues)
As a resident of Scarborough's Neilson Hall Seniors Residence and president of its social club for many years, Barbara Cooper has earned widespread affection and respect for her efforts on behalf of fellow residents. In addition to organizing various events and presiding over committees of the seniors' social club, she has always made a concerted effort to give personal attention to any resident in need of consolation or encouragement. Her daily acts of kindness help residents cope with loneliness and feel that life is still worth living.
Hip surgery and a more recent knee replacement have hampered Barbara's ability to walk, but have not really slowed her down. As a leader - and a grandmother and great grandmother - her caring for others and efforts as a volunteer have an impact on many people.
Nagarani Manogaran (Women's Issues)
Nagarani "Rani" Manogaran has been remarkable as a volunteer with St. Jamestown's Growing Together program over the past 10 years. Originally from Sri Lanka, where she was a professionally-qualified midwife, Rani has provided support of various kinds to countless recent immigrant families - especially the women and children - living in the highrise community of St. Jamestown in downtown Toronto. Her firsthand experience arriving in a new country and city has helped her provide the kind of support newcomers need. And she is attuned to the individual needs of mothers raising children and struggling with daily tasks.
Furthermore, Rani has been active in various local projects and programs, and has influenced other community members to become involved as volunteers. Her children and husband have also volunteered with Growing Together programs. Rani and her family have helped to make St. Jamestown a real home for thousands.
Mohamed Abdall, Sahar Badawy, Sara Farrell, Raymond Peter and Jan Vink of Flemingdon Park Parent Association (Group Work)
These five outstanding members of the Flemingdon Park Parent Association share credit with other parents involved in the association. Mohamed, Sahar, Raymond, Jan and Sara share a commitment to taking steps to realize their dreams for their own children and for other children living in the Flemington Park area.
In a community where many people are recent immigrants who need support, this relatively new association has worked on its own and with the City to create affordable recreational and learning opportunities for local children and youth. The result is an accessible soccer league for boys and girls age 6 to 10; a baseball league; ice skating; and after-school tutoring. The success of these activities depends on the energy and determination of volunteers such as Mohamed, Sahar, Raymond, Sara and Jan.
Nominating Committee
Deborah Gardner, Volunteer Toronto
Christine Caballero, United Way of Greater Toronto
Mini Alakkatusery, Toronto Community Foundation
Marcelle Campbell, Toronto Seniors' Forum
City of Toronto Staff Support
Kamal Sangha, Community Resources Unit, City of Toronto
