Here is a copy of the speech by MC Ian Proudfoot, special advisor to Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen, for the final presentation of Queen’s Jubilee Pins on Jan. 11 at the Old Town Hall in Newmarket.
Good evening and welcome.
My name is Ian Proudfoot, I am delighted to be your emcee for tonight. An evening of celebration hosted by MP Tony Van Bynen.
I wish to begin by recognizing and acknowledging that we are situated on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples. These lands were originally used and occupied by the First Peoples of the Williams Treaties First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples, whose presence here continues to this day.
I also would like to acknowledge the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our closest First Nations community and recognize the unique relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this territory. They are the water protectors and environmental stewards of these lands, and we join them in these responsibilities.
May we walk together, hand in hand, on a path to truth and reconciliation.
Tonight, we celebrate and recognize the enormous contribution made by organizations and individuals to the well-being of our community. This is our third and final event. The list of those recognized is impressive; the impact on our communities is immeasurable; and our thanks for all that you do is given with pride and hope. Proud to be a member of such a wonderful place to work and live and hope of a future driven by kindness and opportunity for all.
The Canadian Platinum Jubilee emblem was created to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accension to the Throne, an historic milestone. The emblem is a symbolic statement of the enduring relationship between Canada and the Crown, as was personified by Her Majesty the Queen.
To commemorate this historic milestone in Newmarket-Aurora, Platinum Jubilee Pins are being awarded to individuals, not for-profits and associations who have made our communities great places to live. We also have recognized first responders and those organizations that make our communities safe and health places to call home.
We will begin by recognizing organizations, then honour a few “families” before presenting to individuals. Closing remarks will be provided by MP Tony Van Bynen, a community builder himself and the driving force behind the recognition and presentation of the Queen’s Jubilee Pins here in Newmarket-Aurora.
Photographs are being taken and will be shared over the next few days.
And now, lets begin.
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360 Kids - Clovis Grant Dina Singh
360ºkids now serves over 3,500 youth, each year from every municipality in York and this number has grown significantly since our move to the Richmond Hill Hub operating the youth hub and offering even more essential services to youth. Their staff represent many cultures and experiences and have earned a reputation as leaders in offering high quality, innovative programming to the people we serve. Their mission is To help youth overcome crisis and transition to a state of safety and stability.
Canadian Federation of University Women Aurora Newmarket – Kathy Wosnick
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket is a non-partisan, self-funded organization active since 1957. As a member of the national Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), CFUW work to improve the status of women and promote human rights, public education, social justice, and peace.
Chabad Newmarket– Rabbi Mendy Grossbaum Libby Grossbaum
Dedicated to providing an open-door environment for strengthening and enhancing Jewish life for every Jew - regardless of background, philosophy, or level of commitment. Chabad Newmarket serves individuals and families looking for a non-judgmental, accepting, personalized Jewish experience.
Shine Through the Rain Foundation – Jim Anderson Gino Lavoie
Shine Through the Rain Foundation aims to help individuals and families affected by life-threatening illness, working hard to improve and enrich the lives of those who approach us in their time of need. They support adults, children and families from all walks of life, providing advice, guidance and financial support as they try to navigate emotional, physical and financial challenges that arise from a health crisis. The organization offers care, comfort and compassion as they endeavor to shine a light on the devastating impact of life-threatening illness.
Newmarket Islamic Centre – Aziz Mirza Mudasser Shafiq
A religious, not for profit organization. The Mosque was established in 2005 to serve the community of Newmarket and surrounding towns, where more than 500 Canadian families from multicultural backgrounds live. Their mission is to serve and unify the Muslim community in Newmarket and to build understanding of Islamic values, culture and heritage.
Sport Aurora – Laurie Mueller
Sport Aurora has grown from the seven original sport organizations to now forty-two organizations in Aurora. Sport Aurora is inclusive of all sport and represents the 42 sport organizations with a volunteer base of over 2,500 and a player base that approaches 10,000 people from the ages of 3 to 80 years of age in both genders.
Sport Aurora has participated in the development of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Pricing Policies that are now in place with the Town of Aurora. The Town has called upon the membership numerous times to provide advice with respect to the direction of sport and Sport Aurora has now become the "voice" of Sport in the Town of Aurora
OUR MISSION is to Support and develop sport and recreation for all ages, genders and abilities by advocating on behalf of our community in order to build capacity, increase participation, enhance integration, celebrate excellence, and for the love of sport.
OUR VISION is to be a progressive, dynamic sport council that promotes, develops, and supports quality sport opportunities for all sport organizations.
Climate Action Newmarket-Aurora – Teresa Porter Fran Bazos
Inspired by the international organization Project Drawdown, Climate Action Newmarket-Aurora seeks to engage citizens, institutions, and policymakers in actionable and measurable solutions to stop catastrophic climate change as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible.
Central York Fire Services:
Chief Ian Laing Deputy Chief Operations Rocco Volpe
Assistant Deputy Chief Claude Duvall Deputy Chief Support Services Jeremy Inglis
Chief Fire Prevention Officer Ryan Schell
CYFS serves a combined population of approximately 146,000 and covers an area of 90 square kilometres. The department responds to approximately 5000 emergency calls each year. CYFS operates out of five stations, three in Aurora and two in Newmarket and in addition to the leaders here tonight is made up of the following:
Four Platoons with 151 Suppression staff
- Fire Prevention Division - 7 staff
- Training Division - 3 staff
- Administration Division - 5 staff
The Town of Aurora and the Town of Newmarket are protected by a fire service that is able to respond effectively, professionally and competently to a wide range of emergencies and hazards and to provide comprehensive public safety education programs, fire safety inspections and investigations of fire incidents.
Jackie Playter Wes Playter
Newmarket’s Honorary Citizen needs no introduction. Activist, philanthropist, community ambassador, organizer she exemplifies what it means to be a community builder. A founding director of the Farmers Market, Jackie has been active in numerous organizations including Belinda’s Place, The Newmarket Chamber of Commerce, Easter Seals and Relay for Life to mention a few.
Wes Playter
Local historian and collector of artifacts, Wes has a long history of community involvement including Bereaved Families of Ontario York Region, Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation and the Newmarket Veterans Association. An author of 7 coffee table books with proceeds from the sale of the books supporting charities.
Dianne and Brian Harrison
Each year, residents of York Region write thousands of Christmas and Holiday cards for Canadian servicepersons stationed at home and overseas – all with a bit of guidance from Aurora’s Dianne Harrison.
It has been a labour of love for Harrison and her husband, Brian, for nearly two decades, picking up the baton from a friend who had a son stationed overseas.
They delivered support to front line workers with their blue-ribbon campaign tying blue ribbons with Canadian flags on trees to show how much they cared. Supporters of the Aurora Prayer breakfast and the local food bank, Dianne was also the Aurora Citizen of the Year in 1994.
Glenn Marais
I consider myself to be a writer first and foremost. I am a songwriter, poet, author, and playwright. My love of music has driven my career and in particular my songwriting and guitar playing to where I consider myself to be an artist. Not just a musician, but an artist with the capacity and ability to organize and connect people and create projects on a large scale that ultimately seek to benefit and enrich the lives of people in my community.
I am driven by the desire to help people, to make their lives better and in the process, my own heart has grown and gotten bigger and my art and music have flourished. I
Glenn has worked in the far north in fly-in communities with non-profit DAREarts since 2006 and acted as Programs Manager for ArtsCan Circle from 2017-2020. It is important to Glenn to be a part of an organization that instills belief and hope in young people and provides an opportunity for them to dream and pursue their goals. He truly considers DAREarts to be a blessing in his life.
Judy Craig
For over 50 years, JUDY CRAIG has volunteered with many local organizations, including the Newmarket Library visiting library service, York Manor Home for the Aged, Newmarket Lions Music Festival, the Aurora-Newmarket club of the Canadian Federation of University Women (made a life member in 2022), and York Symphony Orchestra.Judy served as chair of Visual and Performing Arts Newmarket (VPAN)’s Concert Committee; along with Mary Lou Stanton she helped launch the classical series “Three For The Show”, now celebrating its 25th anniversary year. About 40 years ago, Judy set up the Newmarket Ladies Marathon Bridge which has raised over $100,000 for the hospital’s student awards…it is still going strong! Well know as a promoter of local music, theatre, art and other items of interest by emailing to several e-lists. As well as musical interests, Judy has been an active member of Trinity United Church, serving on various committees, promoting “Music on Main” concerts. singing in the choir and currently volunteering with the community meal program. Currently, I am coordinating the Parkinson Support Group in Newmarket which meets monthly.
Roxanne Van Bynen
An inspiring individual who very quietly with dogged determination goes about making our community a better place to live. Her list of accomplishments and the charitable organizations supported is truly remarkable. Consider the list of organizations and the impact this has provided to our community: Victim Services -10 years; Inn from the Cold -10 years, Southlake Cancer Centre-5 years. In addition, Roxanne has actively been engaged in Rainbows Program at school and church, Driver for Canadian Cancer Centre; Newmarket Food Pantry; Salvation Army Kettles and the annual Legion Poppy Campaign. For all that you do to make our community heathier and stronger, thank you.
Tracee Chambers (reference Newmarket Today article)
Called a community angel, those who know Tracee are familiar with the big smile; the caring nature and the positivity that literally overcomes you when you have the good fortune to be in her company. Always there to support others, she truly is the person you feel honoured to call a friend. If life has you down, then Tracee is the person with the helping hand. Recent newcomers to Canada from Nigeria saw firsthand what it meant to benefit from a healthy dose of her caring and positivity. And that positivity soon spread to others in the community to provide a reaching hand to a couple on their own in a new country. As Tracee noted “If you win the lottery, basically, and get to come to Canada…
Thank you, Tracee, for being an ambassador of kindness and positivity, and for reminding us of what it means to create a kinder, more compassionate community.
Two individuals who capture our community through the lens of a camera: Glenn Rodger
I'm an event and live music photographer that covers the GTA and surrounding area. Community ambassador. Have always been a huge Terry Fox supporter. Creating videos and taking pictures.
In 2022 lead a team for the 42nd Terry Fox Marathon of hope that raised the 2nd highest donations in all of Newmarket.
Have volunteered at the food pantry delivering food for the past 8 years.
Volunteered with Inn From the Cold shelter. Taking pictures for the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk. Spread positive energy everywhere by always greeting people with a smile, a hello and a few words in whatever language they speak.
Karen Merk
Portraits of Giving is committed to celebrating York Region Leaders and individuals who demonstrate Social Responsibility. The annual initiative celebrates and inspires our community across York Region municipalities to “keep on giving.”
As the name suggests, Portraits of Giving is about giving, through leadership and inspiration. POG celebrates awarded honourees through a community tour in each respective town with a reception and photographic exhibit to capture the individual with a personalized portrait and story of the recipient’s philanthropic giving. 2022 will mark its thirteenth year of giving, celebrating individuals and raising awareness and resources for several charitable causes.
As of this year, we will have celebrated over 130 honourees and many charitable organizations through their Portraits of Giving stories over the past eleven years.
Our goal has always been and continues to be:
To inspire our community about the importance and impact of social and corporate responsibility in our York Region community.
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And now let me introduce, MP Tony Van Bynen. Tony Van Bynen is a dedicate community builder with a proven track record of public service. First elected federally in 2019 and re-elected in 2021 he is proud to be your member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora. He understands that we need to protect our environment, invest in healthcare and offer real help to families in our community. Tony believes fiscal responsibility does not ignore the social needs of a nation.
Prior to being elected as our MP, he also had the privilege to serve as Mayor of Newmarket for 12 years and was first elected to municipal council in 2021. Community service, volunteerism and helping those in need is what drives Tony. He and Roxanne have volunteered at Southlake Regional Health Centre and Inn from the Cold for over 10 years. They deliver food for the Newmarket Food Bank and Tony was part of the team instrumental in creating Belinda’s Place – a multi-purpose facility for homeless and at risk women.
Please welcome MP Tony Van Bynen.
