The Town of Orangeville has announced the latest recipients of the COVID-19 Community Recognition Awards. The recognition program, aimed at deserving residents, businesses and organizations for outstanding efforts within the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen more than a dozen awards announced since the fall of 2020.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we look to our community heroes who are going above and beyond to help others”, said Mayor Sandy Brown. “A simple glimmer of humanity goes a long way in these challenging times. On behalf of Orangeville Council, I thank you for all that you do.”
The following are the latest recipients for Community Recognition Awards:
Pottery Parties in the Hills
Tanya Frew is the owner/operator of the Pottery Parties in the Hills located within the Mill Street Mall. In April of 2020 when the COVID pandemic struck, Ms. Frew altered her business model to accommodate her customers by offering take-home ceramic painting kits. Ms. Frew provided all the socially distanced drop-offs and pick-ups of the kits for months. The customers and nominators of the Pottery Parties submission say that Tanya kept them sane and busy with pottery projects and they are very thankful.
Orangeville Lions Club
The Orangeville Lions Club has been part of the Orangeville community since 1949 and has assisted in bringing many great community events and amenities to the area. During the pandemic the members have been focusing their efforts on outdoor recreational amenities such as the Natural Playscape at Island Lake Conservation Area. The Club has successfully held numerous food drives under COVID protocols and over the Christmas holidays collected 1,703 lbs of food and over $2,700 for the Orangeville Food Bank. The Orangeville Lions Club members continue to take great pride in serving their community and have stepped up where needed during the pandemic.
The ongoing recognition program called for a donation to a local charity in lieu of plaques for recipients. Nominations opened in October. Council voted this week to donate $80 to the Orangeville Food Bank from the Community Grant Program on behalf of the award recipients.
Online nomination forms are available on the Town’s website and will be received on a continuous basis until the end of the pandemic. Criteria will be based on nominees displaying one or all of the following: positive community contribution, volunteerism, acts of kindness, providing an essential service, and leadership and support within the community.