The awards honour 26 individuals and two community groups for their contributions and commitment to making life better in King
Township of King, Ont. (April 27, 2026) — King Township is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Awards, recognizing the outstanding contributions of local volunteers and the lasting impact they have made on the community.
The special invitation-only awards ceremony for family and friends, held on Thursday, April 23 at the King Township Municipal Centre, celebrated the contributions of the unsung heroes who are making life better in King through their community spirit, tireless work and selfless actions.
The 2026 recipients include:
Citizen of the Year
An award given to a citizen to recognize and honour their outstanding contributions to King Township.
- Michele McNally: Michele has demonstrated outstanding leadership and community dedication over many years as an active resident and volunteer. From 2020 to 2025 she served as president of Arts Society King (ASK) where she mobilized volunteers and engaged residents in meaningful support of the arts with her guidance contributing to a wide range of initiatives including ASK’s participation in the Mayor’s Cultural Gala, the Timeless Tales Writing Contest, and the Art Lab Series – to name a few. She also ran the Nobleton Children's Theatre from 2016 to 2020; providing youth with enriching opportunities to explore the performing arts and bring theatrical productions to stages throughout King. A passionate advocate for arts and her community, Michele exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and giving back.
Lifetime Achievement Award
An award recognizing outstanding citizenship within the community, with many years of dedicated service and devotion to the residents of King Township.
- Rick Hampton: Honoured for his contributions to mentoring and coaching local athletes, with over 30 years of involvement as co-founder of the King Men’s Hockey League.
- Helen Poulis: Honoured for her dedication to cultural and heritage preservation in King Township, including her efforts in the rescue and original restoration of both the King Railway Station and King Christian Church.
Senior Citizen Award of Merit
An award given to a senior citizen to recognize and honour special contributions to the senior population of King Township.
- Lynn Bird: Recognized for her commitment to arts and education and for her work as president of the Newmarket Rotary Club.
Youth Award of Merit
An award given to a younger citizen(s) to highlight special contributions to King Township.
- Selina Caruano: Celebrated for her exemplary work as an Aquatics Volunteer alongside the Township’s swim instructors and lifeguards, as well as her contributions to the Mayor’s Youth Action Team and her dedication to the seniors’ population.
- Taylor McQueen (Non-resident): Honoured for his tireless efforts with the King Township Food Bank, The Open Closet Outlet and the Christmas in King project.
- Jaime Stefanov: Recognized for the compassion and empathy she brings to her volunteer work helping deliver King Township Public Library youth programs.
- Santino Tiano: Celebrated for his contributions with the King Township Public Library’s Reading Buddy program.
- Ismena Toscan: Honoured for her volunteer work with the King Township Public Library’s tutoring program, her dedication to raising funds for the Yellow Brick House and her advocacy efforts for children and youth.
Special Recognition Award (Resident)
An award given to one or more citizens or an organization for a special contribution made to the community in whole or in part.
- Merilena Amararoso Carinici: Celebrated for her 17 years of volunteer work with various community organizations including MS Society, AccessibilityCommunity and St. Patrick’s Church.
- Savita Despot: Recognized for her extensive contributions to the King Chamber of Commerce, King’s Environmental Action Team and her commitment to helping youth and seniors with digital literacy and education.
- Michelina Dicarlo: Celebrated for her contributions to the Catholic Women’s League at St. Mary’s Church.
- Kelly Lavis: Honoured for her commitment and leadership with the Nobleton & King City Garden Club.
- Earle Laycock: Recognized for his efforts with the King City United Church and Nobleton United Church and his involvement in assisting with various community initiatives.
- Gerry Lindgren: Celebrated for her commitment as a volunteer EMS, her efforts with St. Paul’s Church and her dedication to the seniors’ population at the King City Lodge.
- Ann Love and Sharon Bentley (Non-Resident): Honoured for their exceptional collaboration on the book “The History of King Township: A Community Shaped by the Land” and their dedication to the King Township Historical Society.
- Wendy O’Neill: Recognized for her enthusiastic service and leadership with the Nobleton & King City Garden Club.
- Antoinetta Palma: Recognized for her dedication to the seniors’ population and supporting education to promote a healthy and active living community.
- Donna Parrish: Celebrated for her contributions to the Dufferin Marsh Nature Connection, the Schomberg Community Farm and the Schomberg Horticultural Society.
- Ivanna Shaikh: Honoured for her commitment to organizing and supporting various community events and her volunteer work with The Open Closet Outlet and King Township Food Bank.
- Cathy Tremblay: Recognized for her dedication and commitment to the King Township Food Bank.
- Nobleton Girl Guides (Susanne Munroe, Taylor Berger, Lee-Ann Williams, Meghan Killman): Celebrated for their dedication to community outreach, collaboration and education and their efforts to providing a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for girls and young women in King.
- Schomberg Senior’s Luncheon: Recognized for their efforts to organize and prepare monthly meals for the seniors’ population and building a welcoming space for the community.
Special Recognition Award (Non-Resident)
An award given to one or more citizens or an organization (residing outside of King Township) for a special contribution made to the community in whole or in part.
- Angela Del Borrello: Honoured for her passion and dedication to arts in the community, teaching both youth and seniors and helping shape a vibrant community by painting various murals throughout King.
- Mary Dunne: Celebrated for her exemplary volunteer work with The Open Closet Outlet and the King Township Food Bank.
- Regina Jensen: Recognized for her contributions and to Arts Society King and her efforts in supporting community initiatives.
- Barbara Maher-Erwin: Honoured for her collaborative spirit and exceptional volunteer work with Arts Society King and the MOSAiC magazine.
The ceremony took place during National Volunteer Week (April 19 to 25), recognizing the vital role volunteers play as community builders and their impact in supporting a strong and vibrant community. Learn more about the Volunteer Appreciation Awards and this year’s recipients at king.ca/awards.
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Mayor of King Township, Steve Pellegrini
“On behalf of King Township, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Award recipients. Each of these individuals has made an incredible impact on our community in their own unique way and truly embody the values of generosity, empathy and compassion that define King Township. Their dedication and leadership have not only enriched the lives of many but serve as a testament of what can be achieved through giving back and working together.”
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Media Contact(s)
Township of King
Carling Fee, Communications Specialist
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-4575 | Email: media@king.ca