Canada 150 awards recognize the community-minded in the riding

Recognizing the contributions, often unsung, of residents in their riding, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht and his provincial counterpart, MPP Michael Harris, handed out special Canada 150 awards at a ceremony last week in Baden.

Albrecht estimated some 700 people, including most of the 150 people who were nominated for the award, as well as their nominators, attended the event, held on the lawn at Castle Kilbride.

“It was an exceptional setting with the castle there, the red and white flowers, certainly a Canada celebration. There were 158 flags representing each of the Canadians who sacrificed their life in Afghanistan. … The recipients themselves were extremely grateful.”

Albrecht and Harris worked together on the Canada 150 award to specifically recognize people in their joint riding, and hoped to promote the efforts of “ordinary Canadians.”

“We wanted people who may often be overlooked and are behind-the-scenes people. They’re happy to serve, they don’t do it for any recognition,” said Albrecht.

Amongst the many recipients were individuals like John Pfaffinger, a Lions Club member of more than 40 years, who is “responsible for many new park benches, playgrounds, clean-ups, signs, trees, and flagpoles”; Loraine Berge, who has made and donated more than 2,000 quilts to charity; Art Franklin, Elmira Scout leader for more than four decades; Donna Haid, president of Elmira District Community Living; Kieran Kelly, a volunteer fire fighter for 40 years and Elmira district chief for more than 30; Larry Kryski, founder of the free online magazine “Wellesley Is!”; and Lorne Martin, who “has been helping out all his life,” working with the Kiwanis Club and Meals on Wheels.

Those are just some of the many people who were honored for their contributions to the larger community. Of the 150 nominees, 51 were from Woolwich, 10 from Wellesley, 49 from Wilmot and 40 from Kitchener. Wilmot Mayor Les Armstrong presented medals on behalf of the hosts to the recipients.

“They’ve just gone above and beyond in making our community the great place that it is,” said Albrecht.

Nominations fell under 15 different categories, including agriculture, caregivers, first responders, older adults and arts, heritage and culture.