Linda Downey one of 17 in province to receive June Callwood Achievement Award

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith presented Downey the June Callwood Achievement Award for outstanding volunteerism, during presentations of Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, Wednesday night in Belleville.

Over nearly two decades, Linda Downey has thanked thousands of people for supporting The Storehouse Foodbank in Wellington. This week, she was thanked for her efforts going above and beyond to make a positive impact on lives of people in her community.

Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith presented Downey the June Callwood Achievement Award for outstanding volunteerism, during an evening of presentations of Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, Wednesday night in Belleville.

“Prince Edward County resident Linda Downey was presented the June Callwood Achievement Award for her outstanding volunteerism,” said Smith. “Linda is one of 17 Ontarians to receive this prestigious award this year… Though she prefers to contribute quietly, her continued compassion and dedication are worthy of this significant recognition. Linda has tirelessly worked to produce a more caring, inclusive community.”

In memory of late author and journalist June Callwood, the award recognizes leadership, innovation and contributions of volunteers who have stepped up to help others and support their communities. Callwood founded and co-founded more than 50 Canadian social action organizations throughout her life.

Downey has been honoured with numerous community and organization volunteer awards throughout her time with the foodbank she founded with her husband Bob – including Volunteer of the Year awards, a Citizen of the Year Award, and a last year, a Community Champion Award.

She was also honoured Wednesday night with a Volunteer Service Award for 15 years with the Rotary Club of Wellington.

An avid volunteer since moving to Prince Edward County in 1992, Downey and her husband Robert started the foodbank in Wellington in 2007. She continues to give up to 50 hours weekly to organize the charity, which also provides household items, clothing and holiday hampers, and partners in children’s literacy programs. She once noted the kindness of others gave her hope in one of her most difficult times and that’s what motivated her to give.

“Volunteering at the foodbank has been one of my life’s greatest pleasures and I have full confidence that the foodbank volunteers and the board of directors will continue to make a difference to others in our communities,” said Downey in November 202, when she retired from being the president of the foodbank.

She named Cynthia Riordon, a volunteer for more than 10 years, to take over.

“I want to thank Cynthia, the foodbank board of directors and all the foodbank volunteers that have been working by my side for the past 16 years for all their hard work and dedication,” Downey said in her Facebook announcement.

Smith, Wednesday night, noted he was also honouring more than 2,500 years of volunteer activity in the Bay of Quinte by presenting Volunteer Service Awards recognizing many people from the region who had given five to 55 years of their time and effort.

Prince Edward County Volunteer Service Award recipients include:

– Helen Williams, for 25 years with Community Care for Seniors.
– Donna Vanhaarlem for 10 years with the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, Picton
– Jean Thompson for 10 years with the Kinette Club of Picton
– Carole Thimidis for 20 years with Community Care for Seniors
– Marleen Surman for 10 years with the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, Picton
– Manson Slik for 25 years with Community Care for Seniors
– Kerry Reynolds for 20 years with the Kinette Club of Picton
– Gayle Osborne for 20 years with the Kinette Club of Picton
– Judy McNamee for 35 years with the Kinette Club of Picton
– Sandra Hoekstra for 20 years with the Kinette Club of Picton
– Ralph Hall, for 30 years with Community Care for Seniors
– Susan Eastbury for 30 years with the Kinette Club of Picton
– Diane Denyes-Wenn, for 20 years with the Ladies Auxiliary, Canadian Legion Branch 78, Picton.
– Don Creighton for 20 years with Community Care for Seniors
– Katie Cole for five years with the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion, Picton
– Rose Claus for 20 years with the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion, Picton
– Doreen Clarke for 20 years with Community Care for Seniors
– Ruth Bush for 15 years with the Ladies Auxiliary Royal Canadian Legion Branch 78, Picton