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Jim Waddington named Lord Dufferin IODE 2018 Citizenship Award recipient

March 8, 2019   ·   0 Comments

By Mike Baker

The Lord Dufferin IODE held a special presentation last Tuesday (Feb. 27) in commemoration of local photographer Jim Waddington – the recipient of the group’s 2018 Citizenship Award. 

Gathering at the Lord Dufferin Centre, the group, which has experienced some growth over the past 12 months, lauded Mr. Waddington for his “incredible” commitment to the local community.

“Tonight, we are honouring a citizen in our community that exemplifies a true good will ambassador. Someone who continually goes above and beyond in every aspect of life here in Dufferin,” said Lord Dufferin IODE member Barbara Moulton. “Jim’s commitment to making Dufferin a better community is overwhelming and greatly appreciated.”

She added, “Jim has lived in Orangeville for almost 20 years. Each year he has become more and more involved in numerous, selfless endeavours in the local area.”

Describing Jim as the “photographer in the fedora”, Barbara listed off some of his other accomplishments. Just last year, Mr. Waddington spearheaded the very first Celebrate Your Awesome event in Orangeville. While it was labelled as being a pride event, Jim clarified it was a day for anyone in the community to come out and celebrate themselves and their culture. 

Aside from Celebrate Your Awesome, which will return for its second-annual event this summer, Jim also serves on the Board of Directors for Choices Youth Shelter in town and is a JumpStart community member. He’s also a regular co-host of the Rogers cable TV talk show ‘Dufferin Life’. 

“Jim Waddington is a truly dedicated and loyal community member. He deserves full recognition for his outstanding commitment to Dufferin and fulfilling our lives with continued remarkable achievements,” Ms. Moulton said. “His presence at local events doesn’t go unnoticed due to his charismatic, energetic personality. Jim is always on the go and involved in something going on around town.”

Addressing the room, Jim admitted he was somewhat uncomfortable accepting an award for, in his own words, simply being a member of the community. In that respect, he says he’s not alone in helping to make Dufferin County the community it is today.

“This is one of the very best communities. This is a community where its people are doers rather than talkers. That’s what makes Orangeville and Dufferin County thrive,” Jim said. “I am never on this side of the camera, so this is somewhat strange for me, but this award does mean a lot to me. Thank you very much for this.”

When asked what he had planned for the community in the future, Jim confirmed there would be a special encore drag show coming up at the Orangeville Opera House next month. 

“I had no intention of doing a second one, certainly not as quickly as this,” Jim said, noting the ‘Love is in the Air’ drag show that took over the local facility on Feb. 9 was completely sold out. “So, we’re bringing TroyBoy entertainment back for another night on March 14.”

For tickets to that upcoming event, stop by the Orangeville Opera House Box Office, or call 519-942-3423.  

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