20 Apr Northern York Region teens’ contributions saluted with Give Back Awards

Together, 20 local youths honoured at the 2015 Give Back Awards have logged nearly 10,000 volunteer hours in their schools and communities.

The cash prize and award, given by Neighbourhood Network, a community initiative funded by Magna International Inc. that brings together volunteers and local charities to support residents in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King and Newmarket, honours graduating high school students selected based on the exceptional contributions they have made to their peers and communities.

Guest speaker Joan Kelley Walker, an avid volunteer herself, told the teens sitting in the front row of the Magna International atrium that while they are off to a good start, their volunteering journeys have just begun.

“You are all totally inspiring,” she said. “There is something inside your gut telling you (volunteering) is right and if you follow that, you will move mountains.”

She has been fortunate to have volunteer opportunities in York Region and abroad, including with the United Way of York Region and Rose of Sharon, to name a few.