Newmarket and Aurora organizations, associations, and not for profits gathered to receive the Queen's Jubilee Pins in recognition of their contributions to the community.
Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen invited representatives from 47 organizations in Aurora, Newmarket and surrounding area to the ceremony at the Aurora Legion Nov. 8. He thanked each of them for their dedication to the community and for everything they do to build bridges, offer support, and serve the residents of York Region.
One of the recipients was the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce. Chris Emmanuel, chamber president, said it was a wonderful honour.
"It's really a testament to the years of effort from chamber staff, chamber volunteers and all the business community who I think have worked hard to contribute to make Newmarket a better place," he said.
Van Bynen has a connection to the chamber as a past president, which Emmanuel said added to the recognition.
"I think he knows first hand how critical the chamber is," he said. "We share this award with him, all past chairs, and past staff as well."
Abuse Hurts, a Newmarket-based organization that offers supports and services to victims of abuse and raises awareness in hopes of reducing incidence of abuse, also received a pin.
"I'm so grateful that we were recognized in our own community and for me, just seeing all the other amazing organizations that I didn't even know were here...it's just very encouraging," said Ellen Campbell, CEO and founder of Abuse Hurts.
Recipient organizations from Newmarket included Southlake Regional Health Centre, Rose of Sharon, Newmarket Royal Canadian Legion, Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association, Newmarket Food Pantry, Margaret Bahen and Doane House hospices.
Here is a complete list of the recipients:
- Inn From the Cold
- Aurora Food Pantry
- Southlake Regional Health Centre
- Central York Fire Services
- Newmarket Food Pantry
- Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
- Blue Door
- Community Living Central York
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters of York
- Optimist Club of Newmarket
- Margaret Bahen Hospice and Doane House Hospice
- 108 Health Promotion Association
- The ABLE Network
- York Paramedic Services
- Aurora Legion
- Aurora Lions Club
- York Region Food Network
- Aurora Seniors Association
- Girls Inc. of York Region
- Aurora Black Community Association
- York Pride
- Aurora Chamber of Commerce
- York Regional Police
- Newmarket Chamber of Commerce
- Cedar Centre
- CMHA York Region South Simcoe
- Newmarket Legion
- Aurora Black Caucus
- Hope House Community Hospice
- DeafBlind Ontario
- Neighbourhood Network
- Rose of Sharon
- Belinda's Place
- The Salvation Army: Homelessness Prevention Program
- Welcoming Arms
- CHATS
- Abuse Hurts
- St. Johns Ambulance York Region
- Victims Services of York Region
- Catulpa Community Support Services
- Women's Centre of York Region
- Cornerstone to Recovery
- Al-Abrar Muslim Association
- Optimist Club of Aurora
- Newmarket Veterans Association
- Newmarket Lions Club
- Alzheimers Society York Region
