Two Windsor-Essex Seniors Named Senior Achievement Awards Recipients
The Ontario government is celebrating the accomplishments of 16 outstanding seniors including two from Windsor-Essex for their contributions to their communities and to the province.
“I am pleased to recognize the impressive recipients of the 2022 Ontario Senior Achievement Award,” said the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “I would like to thank each person for their outstanding contributions to their communities and for making a positive difference in the lives of Ontarians.”
Larry Duffield of Windsor spent nearly 37 years as a Canadian diplomat with Foreign Affairs and International Trade where he served for 25 years at seven foreign postings. Since moving to Windsor-Essex in 2004, he has served the community by volunteering with the Windsor Seniors Advisory Committee, Canterbury ElderCollege, Glengarry Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels, among others. He has also worked to raise awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations, with a focus on Indigenous youth. Larry has also volunteered on about a dozen “Election Observation Missions” to Haiti, Pakistan and Ukraine since 2008.
Joan McSweeney of Leamington served on the Board of Directors of the South Essex Community Council for 12 years. This ‘one-stop shop’ agency provides community services for individuals aged 55+, people with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, job seekers, employers, children, and youth. While on the board, Joan worked tirelessly to develop Leamington Hospice, a palliative care to the seniors’ community which has become a centre of excellence for palliative care in the region. Joan has also volunteered to help with the expansion of Journey Home Hospice, Toronto’s only hospice specifically for the homeless community. Joan has also served as a municipal representative on the police services board for the past 21 years.
Recipients of the Ontario Senior Achievement Award are helping to improve the lives of Ontarians of all ages through community services and humanitarian activities. This includes fundraising, leading community beautification projects, helping with programs such as Meals on Wheels, volunteering in hospitals, local churches, senior organizations, retirement homes and long-term-care homes. They also support and empower our aging population by serving as advocates for veterans, the homeless, new immigrants, the Francophone community, people with disabilities and job seekers.
“Congratulations to all the Senior Achievement Award recipients,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “I am inspired by your dedication in helping seniors across our province. On behalf of all Ontarians, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your commitment and exceptional service. You are role models for our future and for all ages.”
“Ontario’s seniors have played a vital role in building our province into the strong, diverse and prosperous place it is today,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Congratulations to all those being recognized with this year’s Ontario Senior Achievement Award for their dedication, passion, and service to their communities. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to make Ontario a better place.”
The recipients are being recognized by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Minister Cho at a recognition ceremony in the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario Senior Achievement Award was created in 1986 to recognize outstanding seniors who, after the age of 65, have made significant contributions to their communities.
- Since 1987, the Ontario Senior Achievement Awards have recognized 676 outstanding seniors.
- By 2025, there will be three million older adults in Ontario – the fastest growing demographic group in the province.
- Ontario’s aging population needs support now more than ever.
