Citizen of the Year and Inspiration Award recipients

April 24, 2024 – The Council of the Municipality of North Perth was excited to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Night on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The event at the Elma Memorial Community Centre in Atwood saw a great turnout from the community.

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, we would like to extend gratitude to all the volunteers who make our community great. Your service and commitment to community betterment is valued and appreciated by all who call North Perth home.

Please join us in congratulating and recognizing the recipients of the 2023 Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award and 2023 Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Awards:

Ken Lawrence

2023 Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award Recipient

Ken's journey is one of selflessness and service, rooted in a deep love for his community. Born in Woodstock and raised in Toronto, Ken found his home in Listowel at the age of 19. Since then, he has poured his heart and soul into making our town a better place for all.

Together with his beloved wife Judy, Ken raised two wonderful children, Scott, and Shelley, and is now the proud grandfather of four and great-grandfather to seven. Family values have always been at the core of Ken's life, driving him to create a better future for generations to come.

Throughout his career, Ken has been a beacon of leadership and dedication. From his tenure at the Listowel P.U.C., where he served on the Board for 10 years, including a term as Chair, to his 20-year commitment to the Kinsmen Club followed by 10 years with K-40, Ken has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to serving others. He has been a pillar of support for youth sports in our community, coaching both minor ball and minor hockey. His leadership left a mark on the lives of countless youth athletes, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Ken’s dedication to community service knows no bounds. Whether it was on the golf course, the curling rink, or the hockey arena. Ken has always been there, lending his time and expertise to enriching the lives of those around him. His involvement in various boards and committees, including Knox Presbyterian Church, Maitland Terrace Board, Perth Meadows Board, and the Property Standards Committee, speaks volumes about his commitment to making a difference.

However, it is Ken's remarkable 31 years as the Municipal representative on the Listowel Police Service Board and later the North Perth Police Services Board that truly sets him apart. Serving as Chairman for most of most of those years, Ken has been a steadfast advocate for community safety, attending numerous local and zone meetings to ensure that the voices of North Perth residents are heard and represented.

Ken Lawrence embodies the spirit of the Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award. His selfless dedication, unwavering leadership, and tireless commitment to our community have left a mark on the fabric of our town.

Tyler Schaefer

2023 Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Award Recipient

Tyler is someone who has not only touched the lives of many but has woven himself into the very fabric of our town’s heart. His dedication to making Listowel a better place is nothing short of inspiring.

Tyler's commitment to our youth is unparalleled. He is a driving force behind Listowel Kin Cares for Youth, a youth group that not only fosters a sense of belonging but also instills values of equality and respect. Tylers impact doesn’t end there. He is also the forefront of nurturing the next generation of athletes as he leads the Listowel Junior and Little Rocks Curlers. His dedication to coaching and mentoring these young curlers ensures that our beloved curling club will thrive for generations. Tyler hosts a Saturday Morning Run Group – a testament to Tyler’s inclusive nature and his commitment to promoting health and wellness. Tylers influence extends beyond sports and youth groups. As a proud member of the Listowel Kinsmen, he advocates for the betterment of our town, promoting events and initiatives. Tyler also works as a teacher at the North Perth Westfield Elementary School, where he imparts valuable lessons of leadership, inclusivity, and community to our future generations. His passion for education is evident in everything he does, and we are fortunate to have him in our community. Let’s not forget about those electrifying moments at the Listowel Junior B Cyclones games when Tyler takes to the microphone to sing our national anthem.

Tyler's impact knows no bounds. He has a unique ability to bring people together, to make them feel heard, valued, and inspired.

Jackie McCourt

2023 Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Award Recipient

Jackie's journey of community involvement spans over two decades, including a diverse array of endeavors that have enriched the lives of those around her. From her early days as the treasurer on the Maitland Terrace board, to her role in carious committees and organizations. Her impact resonates deeply within the educational sphere, where she dedicated herself to enhancing the experiences of the children at Elma Township Public School. As a devoted member of school council, Jackie spearheaded numerous initiatives, from organizing fundraisers to upgrading playground equipment.

Jackie’s influence extends beyond the school, to the broader community, where she played a pivotal role in organizing events such as the Elma Township 150^th celebration and the Atwood Witches Walk. Her efforts have not only brought people together but have also raised significant funds for local causes. From her involvement in minor soccer and baseball to her role in minor hockey, Jackie has been behind the success of many youth sports in the area. Her leadership, guidance, and support have helped countless youth, instilling values of teamwork and dedication. Despite her countless achievements and contributions, she remains modest, always preferring to work behind the scenes without seeking recognition. Her impact may often go unnoticed, but its effects are felt deeply by all who have had the privilege of crossing paths with her.

As we reflect on Jackie, let us not only celebrate her achievements but also draw inspiration from her example of service and compassion. She embodies the very essence of community spirit, and her dedication serves as inspiration for all.

Bob and Debbie Loree

2023 Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Award Recipient

Bob and Debbie are an extraordinary couple whose dedication and tireless efforts have transformed an annual event into a cornerstone of community support. Since 1991, Bob and Debbie Loree have been the driving force behind the Listowel Baptist Church yard sale, a tradition that has not only provided much-needed funds for local youth and service organizations but has also become a symbol of compassion and generosity in our town.

As we approach the 34th annual sale, it’s important to recognize the depth of commitment that Bob and Debbie have demonstrated year after year. Their leadership and coordination, coupled with the hard work of a small but dedicated team, have turned what could have been a simple fundraiser into a year-round endeavor of service and outreach.

The Loree’s don’t just collect items; they meticulously sort, clean, and repair them, ensuring that each donation finds its way to someone in need. Their efforts extend far beyond the confines of the church grounds, they reach into the homes of seniors transitioning to long-term care, the closets of struggling families and the hearts of refugees starting in our community.

Through careful stewardship of funds raised, Bob and Debbie have supported a wide rang of local initiatives, from healthcare and education to community development and disaster relief. Their dedication to ensuring every dollar raised is used to benefit those in need, speaks volumes about their integrity and commitment.

Today, as we recognize the incredible legacy of Bob and Debbie Loree, they are more than just organizers of an annual sale; they are what community is.

Background on the Awards

For over 40 years, with roots in Wallace Township, the Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award has been given to residents who have made significant contributions to the welfare and betterment of our community.

The award was established in honour of Norm Stirling. Norm was a forestry foreman with Ontario Hydro who put forth great effort to save farmland when the hydro-line corridor was being proposed.

Norm was one of the heroes of the Listowel Memorial Arena collapse in 1959. In the split second that the roof was falling in, Coach Stirling grabbed and carried two players to the ice and took cover at the north sideboards. All three survived.

In 1966, he was awarded the President's Medal by the National Safety Council for saving a man's life who was overcome by carbon monoxide. Norm also served on the School Board in the Town of Listowel and was Chairman of the Listowel Memorial Hospital Board at the time of his death in 1973 at the age of 46.

Wallace Township set up a Memorial Award in his honour. The tradition of the annual awarding of an outstanding resident for their achievements and contributions has been carried on in North Perth since amalgamation in 1998.

The Celebrate North Perth – Inspiration Award is a new award that is part of the Celebrate North Perth initiative. Each Celebrate North Perth Inspiration Award recognizes an individual who inspires others through their outstanding accomplishment or service to the community within the preceding year.

 

For more information, please contact:

Kriss Snell, Chief Administrative Officer

Municipality of North Perth

519-292-2040

ksnell@northperth.ca