September 23rd, 2020 – Volunteer MBC, Peel Region’s volunteer centre supporting 200 member non-profit organizations and close to 40,000 volunteers annually, has announced 14 Award Recipients during the 2020 Virtual V-Oscars ceremony. The annual volunteer recognition event by Volunteer MBC hailed 33 inspiring nominees and voluntary sector champions from all age groups and walks of life, including newcomers, youth and seniors. This year the event was held entirely online for the first time.

Former Volunteer MBC Board President Jake Dheer emceed the award ceremony, which featured performances by jazz duo Stacey and Ross MacIntyre, singers Janiah Hines Brown and Naomi Mcdonald, spoken word artist Harjot Atwal and steel drum band Young Legends of Pan. The entire spectacle can be watched at www.bit.ly/voscars2020.  

“On Volunteer MBC’s 12th anniversary, thanks to our generous supporters, we have turned the V-Oscars into a very special virtual awards celebration to make sure that we can still recognize the incredible volunteers who gave so much of their time to make a difference in the Peel community last year,” said Carine Strong. Added Jim Waechter, President of the Board at Volunteer MBC: “It is a privilege and a true joy to be able to recognize our member organizations’ unsung heroes from Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon in a glorious ceremony that is only possible thanks to presenting sponsor Maritime Ontario, platinum sponsor Brampton Brick and dozens of other sponsors and supporters, volunteers in the judging and events committees, in the creative and media departments, all gathered around Volunteer MBC’s amazing staff.” 

In addition to the trophies for the chosen award recipients, all of the volunteer nominees received official V-Oscars medals, sponsored by Alphavima Technologies. Deeply appreciated for their immense generosity and compassion, countless hours of service, remarkable levels of effort and often specialized skills, here are the individuals and groups who received the awards:
 

• Shrinidhi Nadumane (Volunteer MBC), pictured right, received the Newcomer Gem Award supported by the Scognamillo family.

• Samantha Cottrell (Distress Centres Greater Toronto) won the Helping Hands Award - Mississauga sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mississauga. 

• Dick Winter (Habitat for Humanity Canada) won the Helping Hands Award - Brampton sponsored by DoGood Fundraising Solutions. 

• Sheralyn Roman (Caledon Parent-Child Centre) received the Helping Hands Award - Caledon sponsored by the Rotary Club of Palgrave.

• Yasmin Dini (Girls Empowerment Movement) received the Leader of Tomorrow Award supported by Sandeep Aujla.

• Daryl Morrison (Habitat for Humanity Canada) won the Leader in Volunteer Engagement Award sponsored by BTI Brand Innovations. 

• Pat Kolb (Town of Caledon) was honoured with the John Huether Award for Volunteer Excellence sponsored by The Co-operators. 

• Lynn Baker (Caledon Parent-Child Centre) received the Bonnie Yagar Award for Community Engagement Leadership sponsored by Pallett Valo LLP. 

• Chander Mohini Sareen (Indus Community Services) was presented with the Lois Rice Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award by Carine Strong, Executive Director of Volunteer MBC, on behalf of award supporter Lois Rice.

• The Family VolunTree Award, supported by Jim Waechter, was presented to the Alabi Family (nominated by Volunteer MBC). 

• The Youth LEaD by Example Award, supported by Shaminda and Kristyen Perera, was presented to an outstanding youth group, the Caledon Hawks (nominated by Caledon Community Services)

• The Employee Volunteer Engagement Awards for Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon were presented to Ricoh Canada (nominated by SHIP - Peace Ranch), Scotiabank Bramalea City Centre (nominated by Volunteer MBC) and The Gap Store (nominated by Seva Food Bank), and sponsored by Allan Thompson (Mayor of Caledon), Arno Ilic, and OASSIS, respectively.