We wish to extend our sincerest congratulations to Leona Balsdon, Katelyn Barnes, Sam General, Alex Hoffman, Mike Maloney and Meagan Wiederman. Collectively as past members of the 24/7 Support Line Peer Mentor Team, they have been recognized by the Province of Ontario as this year’s recipients of the June Callwood Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.
Since their nomination was initially submitted, each recipient has since moved on to exciting new chapters in their lives by way of obtaining employment or entering graduate school. Notwithstanding, the impact that they have each made throughout their volunteerism roles remain with us on the Support Line, as they were each an important part of the core services offered at the Mental Health & Addictions Crisis Centre. Providing direct support and mentorship to newer volunteers, the team enriched the experiences of Support Line volunteers and participants by sharing their skills, time and talent. A countless number of their fellow volunteers developed their own confidence thanks to the support and encouragement that was extended to them by Leona, Katelyn, Sam, Alex, Mike and Meagan.
Their legacy of commitment, service and mentorship continues through our current Peer Mentor Team who continue to provide support to our volunteers – now in a virtual and remote learning capacity. To learn more about how to volunteer with the 24/7 Support Line, please visit our Volunteer page
To view the full listing of 2019 and 2020 June Callwood Outstanding Volunteerism Award recipients, you may click here to read the official press release of the event.
About the June Callwood Award for Outstanding Volunteerism:
June Callwood was a Canadian journalist, author and social activist. She committed her life to action on social justice issues, particularly those related to women and children. She founded, or co-founded, more than 50 Canadian social action organizations. The June Callwood awards are offered annually by the Ontario Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Sport to volunteers within Ontario who have made outstanding contributions in their communities. You can learn more about the awards and the nomination process here.
