Volunteer Recognition Event

Where Volunteers Matter!

Our first VIRTUAL Volunteer Recognition Event held November 22nd, 2020

From top left to right: Aldo Fazzalari nominated by York North Basketball Association, Andrew Backer nominated from Aurora King Baseball Association, David Reed nominated from Storm Volleyball

Don Ball nominated from the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame

Second Row from left to right: Connor Libby nominated from the Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club, Wendle Harrison nominated from the York Oldtimers Hockey League, Gail Negri nominated from Aurora Minor Hockey Association, Keith Higgins nominated from the Central York Girls Hockey Association

Third Row from left to right: Sandra Manherz nominated for the Presidents Award from Sport Aurora, Sheri Hudson nominated from Aurora Minor Hockey Association, Stuart Parker nominated from the Aurora Tigers Jr. A, Jeffrey Walker nominated from the Aurora Lawn Bowling Club

At the heart of every one of our Sport Organizations is a dedicated and committed volunteer who is often a parent giving selflessly of their knowledge, skill, expertise and time so our Programs thrive. Without volunteers there would be no Sport Organizations.

When the threats to every Organization were surveyed and tabulated, the lack of volunteers was considered one of the largest threats to each because Sport Programs depended so highly on them. Therefore it is important to help each Organization recruit, train and retain this valuable human asset.

One of our partners, Neighbourhood Network has done significant investigation into the economic value of volunteerism in Aurora and the dollar value of this contribution on an annual basis is staggering. Volunteers make Programs happen but they also keep Programs affordable. They make sport accessible to almost everyone.

Our role at Sport Aurora is to thank our volunteers and ensure they know they are important. We do this through an annual Volunteer Recognition Event where “the Best of the Best” volunteers are thanked and their accomplishments celebrated in public.

The first Volunteer Recognition Event was held in November, 2011 and at that time 13 of our Member Organizations nominated volunteers for their contributions. Over a hundred friends, family and guests gathered that day to thank these volunteers for their work and to hear of their individual efforts. The stories of dedication and sacrifice were inspiring, but each of these volunteers humbly accepted the thanks and then re-focused attention on how rewarding their roles were. In all cases the kids were the centre of their effort and were the source of personal yet intangible benefit.

The Volunteer Recognition Event is an important Program at Sport Aurora, because volunteers are an important part of everyone of our Member Organizations.

The next time you are in a rink, by the pool or on a field, take the time to thank a volunteer for their time.  Without them our Programs would not be possible.  If you see a volunteer doing an outstanding job, let your Organization know so they get the credit they deserve for what is often a thankless job. 

Maybe they can be nominated as one of the "Best of the Best"!

VOLUNTEER NOMINATION FORM 2019

Volunteer Recognition Event 2018