Prince Edward County’s Linda Downey received the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award at an Ontario Volunteer Service Awards presentation in Belleville on Wednesday.
She is one of 17 recipients of the award across the province.
Downey has been volunteering in Prince Edward County since 1992 when she and her husband Robert started the Storehouse Food Bank in Wellington in 2007.
“Linda saw a local need, given the distance to existing services in Picton, Trenton and Belleville, and she rallied others to create a much-needed service hub to serve Wellington and the western portions of Prince Edward County,” said Smith in a release.
“Though she prefers to contribute quietly, her continued compassion and dedication are worthy of this significant recognition. Linda has tirelessly worked to produce a more caring, inclusive community.”
Downey continues to volunteer weekly to organize the charity, which also provides household items, clothing, and holiday hampers, and partners in children’s literacy programs.
At the ceremony itself, 115 awards were given out.
Awards were given to volunteers who served from five to fifty-five years with local organizations, and youth volunteers who have served two or more years.
John Thompson of the Trenton Lions Club and Armin Quickert of the Belleville Kiwanis Club were the longest-serving volunteers, recognized with 55 years each.
Arthur Follard of the Trenton Lions and Wayne Waite of the Belleville Agricultural Society were also celebrated for having reached the half-century mark.
Armin Quickert of the Belleville Kiwanis Club was recognized for 55 years of volunteer service at the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. (Photo provided by: Office of Todd Smith)
