Mayor's Recognition Awards honour five recipients

LEAMINGTON — The 2021 Mayor’s Recognition Awards took place through a Zoom meeting at a special meeting of Leamington Council last Tuesday, December 7.

Five area residents/ groups received awards this year.

For Community Inspiration, the winner was Corey Robertson, who is the current president of The Bank Theatre. He is a long-standing volunteer in Windsor-Essex and has worked closely with Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario.

COREY ROBERTSON

Corey has been an emcee at various fundraising events throughout the county for many years and spent time as an onair radio personality. He has volunteered with notable organizations such as the Erie Shores Health Foundation, Leamington District Chamber of Commerce and The Bank Theatre.

He also went to Queen’s Park to advocate for county-wide broadband internet, public transportation and the creation of an Agricultural Centre of Excellence in Leamington.

WARD HUTCHINS

The Athletics Award was presented to Ward Hutchins. He has been an integral member of the Southpoint Alumni Group since its inception and helps organize their annual golf tournament.

The Alumni Group raises funds to reduce the cost of playing hockey for Mite and Tyke players each year. Ward’s efforts ensure the next generation of local hockey players will have the opportunity to participate in the sport they love.

The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award goes to C.A.R.E. for International Workers, a group created in 2017 to assist temporary foreign workers at no cost in understanding and exercising their legal rights and promoting their overall health and wellness.

C.A.R.E. consists of eight community partners that provide free legal services, health services, pastoral counselling, wellness support, community coaching, and health and safety information.

WARD HUTCHINS

The Mayor’s Special Award for Exceptional Achievement was presented to Mike Diab.

Mike and his wife Deanna have spent countless hours serving the Leamington community. Mike created Talking Over Turkey, a program that provides meals to local families during the holiday season and has distributed hundreds of meals locally in the years since its inception.

During the pandemic, Mike has been busy with Talking Over Pizza, where he partnered with the local Dominos franchise to raise money for The Bridge Youth Resource Centre, and was also instrumental in the 2020 June 27th Miracle that filled local food banks.

LISA SINGKHAEW

The Mayor’s Special Award for Humanitarianism was posthumously awarded to Lisa Singkhaew, who passed away suddenly last June.

Lisa was a bright and passionate woman, frequently described by those who knew her as full of energy with a smile and laughter that could light up a room.

As a registered organ and tissue donor, Lisa’s lasting effect on the lives of four recipients and their families will never be forgotten.