‘Help the future’: Nicola Gauntley named Georgetown citizen of the year for school, family advocacy

By: Christian Collington, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca

 

The Georgetown Lions Club has officially named Nicola Gauntley as the recipient of the 2025 Georgetown Citizen of the Year award.

 

Gauntley, a resident of the community for over 20 years, is being recognized for her commitment to local schools and family-centred initiatives.

 

In a Feb. 20 news release, the Lions Club said “what distinguishes Nicola’s contribution is her consistent, behind-the-scenes commitment to community service.”

 

In a statement, Georgetown Lions president Louie Violo noted that Gauntley “represents the very best of Georgetown’s community spirit. Her quiet, consistent leadership in our schools and community programs strengthens families and creates opportunities for young people to thrive.”

 

Despite the high-profile recognition, Gauntley remains humble about her impact, viewing community involvement as a shared responsibility.

 

She said she believes “wholeheartedly that when we’re sort of all a piece of the puzzle, and when we help to support individuals or families, that helps to build a thriving community.”

 

She also emphasized that no one person makes a community and noted “it does take many helping hands to help make a difference.”

 

A major focus of Gauntley’s work has been within the education system, where she has served on parent councils and literacy committees for over a decade. She also started her business, the Little Learners Program, in 2012 to help students who “needed additional reading and writing support.”

 

She said her motivation is rooted in a desire to provide students with the resources they need to succeed.

 

“I’m a firm believer that we need to help the future and students and children are our future,” she said.

 

Gauntley has also supported numerous local organizations like the Georgetown Hospital Foundation, Food4Kids Halton, Community Assistance for Supported Housing, C.A.R.E. (Community Alliance Reaching Everyone) and Cancer Assistance Halton Hills.

 

She has also volunteered for events including Movie Under the Stars, programs at the Hillsview Living Centre as well as the Georgetown Bread Basket.

 

While she supports a variety of causes, she notes that “the family-driven events are close to my heart.”

 

The Georgetown Lions Club will be hosting an awards dinner on March 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online.

 

Gauntley noted she is looking forward to the evening as a collective celebration.

 

“It’ll be incredible to be among so many amazing and inspiring people,” she said. “This award for me is a celebration of sharing it with everybody that does volunteer.”