By: Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
The Town of Oakville is proud to announce 40 nominees for the 23rd Annual Community Spirit Awards, which recognize volunteers, organizations, and community groups for their contributions to making Oakville a more vibrant and livable place.
The awards ceremony will take place Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a reception with sweets and treats, and the official ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Hosted by Chris Mei, the event will honour nominees across six categories, with handcrafted awards created by local artist Elena Martoglio. Her glass and ceramic mosaic pieces, specially made for each recipient, are currently on display at QEPCCC until the night of the event.
In the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award category, sponsored by Creative Arts Financial (a division of FirstOntario Credit Union), nominees include Kathy and Vince Carlin, Carol Gall, Oleg Kunyev, Bonnie Luo, Sophie Ran, and Paula Warwick. This award celebrates those who have made meaningful voluntary contributions to Oakville’s artistic or cultural scene, including support or promotion of local heritage, music, performance, or literary arts.
The Climate Action Award, sponsored by JNE Landscaping and Maintenance, recognizes those who have demonstrated leadership in protecting and beautifying Oakville’s natural and built environments. This year’s nominees include Colin Delevante, Suvi Kakan, Dawn Li, and Devnand Nambiar.
Twelve individuals and groups are being considered for the Good Neighbour Award, sponsored by Chartwell Retirement Residences. This category highlights residents who have significantly contributed to their neighbourhoods through kindness, community pride, or safety efforts. Nominees include Alice Agar, Les Hatton, the Iroquois Ridge Older Adult Centre Special Event Committee, Kolina Kakan, Rachel Liu, Father Luke Mitry, Marcus Moschella, Anna Pittens, the Queen Elizabeth Park Older Adult Centre Special Events Team, Petra Van Rooy, John Serravalle, and Colin Wymes.
Elise Ahenkorah is the sole nominee for the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Award, sponsored by Access Abilities. This award honours those who go beyond expectations to foster a more inclusive and accessible Oakville.
In the Inspiration Award category, sponsored by RBC Royal Bank, nominees include Sultan Akif, Eric Appadoo, Mary Beth Beuglet, Ratna Sagar Bhadrachalam, Susan Borg (nominated twice), Siddhanta Goel (nominated twice), Shaurya Grover, Faith Joson, Yusef and Zeeshan Juman, Tanya Moschella, and Adebimpe Obodozie. This award recognizes individuals who uplift, advocate, and inspire others in the community.
The Leadership and Innovation Award, sponsored by FirstOntario Credit Union, celebrates those who exemplify innovative thinking and leadership to improve community life. This year’s nominees are Kaitlyn Hou, Lina Koehler, Akshaj Kshirasagar, and Faizan Mian (nominated twice).
Now in its 23rd year, the Community Spirit Awards aim to spotlight individuals and groups who have volunteered their time and energy to enhance life in Oakville. Nominees must have contributed within the past year and demonstrated alignment with at least one of the town’s core values: leadership, inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, sustainability, excellence, or quality of life. Their contributions must also address a community need or challenge and demonstrate a clear positive impact.
A selection committee composed of town council members and community leaders will review all nominations and determine the final recipients. The committee may move nominations to more suitable categories as needed. All decisions are final.
Tickets to the event will be available to the public on May 26, while supplies last. For assistance, contact the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts at 905-815-2021, Monday to Friday, between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Oakville Community Spirit Awards page.
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