Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – More than 250 residents gathered on November 1 for North Middlesex’s first jointly hosted Volunteer Appreciation Night, a new partnership between the Municipality of North Middlesex and the North Middlesex Historical Society. Held at the Ailsa Craig Recreation Centre, the event celebrated the volunteers whose steady, often unseen work shapes local programs, preserves community history, and strengthens civic life across every corner of the municipality.
According to Felicia Krista, Manager of Economic Development & Community Engagement, the evening was designed to honour “the people who power our community.” She explained that volunteers across North Middlesex contribute in countless ways — coaching teams, supporting community events and festivals, serving on committees, organizing programs, and working behind the scenes to help neighbours and institutions thrive. “Your time, skill, and heart preserve our history, strengthen local programs, and create the welcoming North Middlesex we are proud to call home,” she said, emphasizing how essential volunteer commitment is to daily community life.
This year’s gathering also included the formal recognition of five new inductees into the North Middlesex Historical Society’s Hall of Fame: Bruce & Marg MacKichan, Monica Carter, Murray Sutherland, Ila Herrington, and Wendy Moir. Their contributions were acknowledged before the assembled crowd as examples of long-term dedication, leadership, and sustained service that has positively shaped the area over many years.
While the Hall of Fame served as the only individual recognition of the night, the broader purpose of the event was collective appreciation. Krista emphasized that the evening was intentionally focused on all volunteers rather than a system of awards. “This was an overall appreciation event,” she noted, highlighting that volunteers from diverse organizations, clubs, and initiatives were included and thanked for their ongoing efforts.
Municipal staff expressed gratitude for the new partnership with the Historical Society, which helped bring additional depth and historical context to the celebration. Krista said the collaboration reflects shared pride in community identity and a desire to build traditions that honour both past and present contributions. “Municipal staff are grateful to the Historical Society for partnering on a meaningful celebration, and to the many community members who helped make it possible,” she added. “Here’s to continuing this momentum together.”
With strong attendance, heartfelt acknowledgements, and an atmosphere of genuine appreciation, the first combined Volunteer Appreciation Night marked a meaningful step toward strengthening volunteer recognition in North Middlesex.
