While snow pummelled Collingwood on Sunday, the Georgian Bay Hotel was standing room only with residents, former Order of Collingwood winners, dignitaries and councillors gathering together to celebrate this year’s Order of Collingwood winners.
The 2024 Collingwood Mayor’s Levee took place at Georgian Bay Hotel on Sunday (Jan. 14) afternoon, with six noteworthy volunteers added to the list of Order of Collingwood and Companion to the Order of Collingwood recipients.
“I think Mother Nature said, if you’re going to complain about no snow, I’m going to give it all to you in one day,” joked Mayor Yvonne Hamlin to laughter from the audience.
Hamlin noted the Order of Collingwood/Companion to the Order awards are meant to highlight exemplary volunteers in Collingwood since they were first given out in 1983.
“Volunteerism in so important in our community. We are lucky to be a caring community. We’re lucky to have these honoured people before us,” said Hamlin.
This year, there were five winners of the Order of Collingwood: Susan Brindisi, Doug Linton, Barry Manchester, Paulina Monette and Mark Rich, with former winner Sheila Stewart taking home the companion to the Order of Collingwood.
Susan Brindisi
From 2000 to 2009, Brindisi served as a soccer coach for the Collingwood Youth Soccer Club, and as treasurer for the Collingwood Clippers from 1999 to 2002.
In 2009, Brindisi founded the Georgian Triangle Hikers group on Facebook. She also served on the board of My Friend’s House from 2014 to 2020, serving as chair from 2018 to 2020. She has participated in Gaslight Theatre Productions from 2019 to present as treasurer and actor.
Most recently, Brindisi captained the Escarpment NeverRest team in the Everest Challenge from 2019 to present.
“It’s an absolute honour to be receiving this award,” said Brindisi, sharing a story about her father who died 13 years ago.
“He said... ‘I know you already engage with so many people, but I want you to engage with more. People are medicine, and if you surround yourself with people, you’ll live a fulfilling and inspiring life.’” said Brindisi.
“He was right.”
Doug Linton
Linton has been a long-time volunteer in Collingwood, serving on the Collingwood Parks, Recreation and Culture Board from 1993 to 1996. In 2004, Linton was elected as one of the founding directors of the Collingwood Dragon Boat and Canoe Club, later the Collingwood Paddling Club. He created the Paddle Camp day camp program in 2006 and continued in that role until 2020. He currently serves as the facilities manager of the paddle club and Watt’s Boathouse.
Linton was a member of the Georgian Triangle Association of Realtors from 2009 to 2012, and has run fundraisers for My Friend’s House. In 2021, Linton applied to be part of the town’s Affordable Housing Task Force, becoming chair in 2022.
“To be recognized this way is truly a humbling experience,” said Linton. Linton noted his father, Ian Linton, received a citizen of the year award in his own town of Tillsonburg 25 years ago.
“My father encouraged me to get involved at the local level and find something that was meaningful to me, and just say yes,” said Linton. “Thank you so much for giving me one more way to honour to my father.”
Barry Manchester
Manchester has served the town’s sports community well, starting as a racquetball instructor and eventually as a member of the YMCA’s board of directors. In 1986, he founded the Royal LePage Charity Ski Day, raising substantial funds for local charities. He served on the board of directors for the Collingwood Ski Club, and as a chief steward for FIS World Cup Ski Cross races.
Manchester collaborated with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, facilitating the acquisition of their new site on Sandford Fleming Drive for the Regional Centre for Pets and People, and volunteers with the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and the Great Northern Exhibition.
“My father advised me years ago that a good way to get to know people is to volunteer,” said Manchester. “Volunteering has proven to be extremely rewarding for me and for my family.”
“The volunteer spirit is extremely strong and active here in Collingwood,” he said.
Paulina Monette
Monette is an active volunteer with First Presbyterian Church in Collingwood, participating in the church’s outreach programs, community dinners, Christmas hampers and the school reading buddy program. During the pandemic, Monette rallied community support to gather hot meals, gift cards, clothing and funds for those in need.
“I’m humbled and incredibly honoured to be chosen,” said Monette, thanking her husband for his support.
“When I look around, I see half of this room is filled with volunteers that help me,” she said. “My wish for everyone here today is to reach out and help one person.”
Mark Rich
Rich has served on the board for the Collingwood Sports Hall of Fame since the mid-1990s, as chair since 2002. After learning the bagpipes in 1999, he helped form the Beinn Gorm Highlanders, serving two terms as president. He has raised funds for the Collingwood Clippers, and served as a Level 2 swim official from 2014-2017.
“Thank you so much to everyone,” said Rich.
Sheila Stewart
In 2000, Stewart was a founding member of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders, and has served as a teacher offering free lessons to students from ages 12 to 84. The band contributes its time to play at nursing homes, schools, churches, hospitals, Highland Games, local parades and veteran’s events.
“Every tune we play...has the potential to make a happy memory for someone. That’s a good deed,” said Stewart. “I think good deeds result in the volunteer getting back as much, if not more than what we give.”
“I’m so grateful to have that opportunity. Thank you for acknowledging what we do,” she said.
