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MP David Tilson hands out Canada 150 medallions

September 22, 2017   ·   0 Comments

By Jasen Obermeyer

To further celebrate Canada’s 150th year of Confederation, Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson presented 150 medallions to residents of the riding, recognizing their contributions of community service and volunteer work they provide.

Although Canada Day is usually celebrated only July 1, this year’s 150th anniversary means the celebration continues, and that has certainly been the case in Dufferin-Caledon.

The special event took place at Mono’s Horizon Event Centre last Thursday evening (September 14). Mr. Tilson honored 75 Dufferin residents and 75 Caledon residents with the Medallion, with Allison French, the event’s M.C., explaining the  community service/volunteerism that led to each being selected for the honor.

The Medallion, designed to represent Canada’s 150th anniversary, is one way of expressing appreciation and gratitude the recipients have had on their community.

One side of the medallion has the Canada 150 logo, as well as “Dufferin-Caledon” imprinted above it and “Canada 150” below. The Parliament of Canada emblem appears on the other side, along with the year of Confederation (1867) and the 150th year (2017).

“We live in a beautiful area, but it’s truly people like yourselves that make us proud to say that we’re from Dufferin-Caledon,” said Mr. Tilson in his speech to the recipients. “We are here to recognize your hard work, your passion, your determination, and your courage.”

He recounted some historical moments/figures in our country’s history, saying the founders of our country would be proud seeing “the impact Canadians would leave on one another.”

Recipients of the Medallion came from all walks of life and age. As well, a wide range of sectors were chosen, whether it was an organization or an individuals, they come from arts and culture, legion, fire and police services, agriculture, sports, media, health and social services, small business, places of worship, youth, tourism, the environment, and service clubs and groups.

Most of the recipients attended the event, where they were accompanied by family members, and got a photo with Mr. Tilson and RCMP officer Brenda Whitteron in her full dress uniform.

Andy Macintosh, one of the Medallion recipients, was Orangeville’s fire chief for nearly 30 years, and says “it was quite an honor” to receive the Medallion and knew quite a few of the other recipients. “It’s great, they all deserve it.”

Another recipient, Nancy Stallmach, is the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin. “It was wonderful” to receive the Medallion, she said,  and “to be amongst the people, there were so many wonderful community people.”

She added that it was great for individuals to receive this recognition, along with the organizations to bring awareness, as the Medallion has a “community feel” to it.

Lesa Peat, President of Shelburne’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 220, says she was honored to receive the Medallion, along with other Legion members from both Shelburne and Orangeville, as those who help their community often don’t get recognized for it. “We put a lot to our community at all times.”

Mr. Tilson ended the event by thanking all in attendance. “We are not a loud nation, but we are a proud one, and it’s important to recognize the hard work of our citizens.”

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