Latest news with #VolunteeroftheYear
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Conrad Weiser Homestead volunteer honored by PA
A Conrad Weiser Homestead volunteer was one of 32 volunteers honored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for their service at state's historic sites and museums. Ivy Matthews of Womelsdorf was recognized in May for her significant contributions of time and talent during the PHMC's Volunteer of the Year ceremony at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, Manheim Township, Lancaster County. Ivy Matthews 'Our volunteers are not just helpful; they are absolutely vital to our mission and the ongoing success of our historic sites and museums,' Andrea Lowery, PHMC executive director, said in a statement. Matthews began volunteering last year at Conrad Weiser Homestead, Heidelberg Township. The 26-acre historic site, owned and governed by the PHMC, has been operated since 2009 by the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead, a nonprofit volunteer group. The friends schedule and run tours and events that interpret the life of Conrad Weiser, an 18th century German immigrant and Indian interpreter, who was a key figure in the founding of Reading and Berks County. 'We are so fortunate that Ivy came to us in 2024,' the friends group wrote in its nomination of Matthews, 'and we look forward to many more years of her time and talents.' Matthews, who has a passion for history and gardening, serves as a tour docent and assists with the many themed gardens at the 26-acre homestead, including the culinary herb garden and raised-bed perennial gardens. She also used her decorating talents to clean and stage the homestead's springhouse for public presentations. She grew up in Selinsgrove, Snyder County, where her childhood visits and school trips to area historic sites fostered her interest in Pennsylvania's history. A licensed registered nurse, she holds a Master of Science degree in nursing leadership and management with a specialty in gerontology. She retired in 2019 after a long career with Veteran Affairs. 'We recognize the powerful impact our volunteers make through their passion for history, their strong connection to our communities and their unwavering desire to create welcoming and enriching experiences for all who visit and seek to understand our shared heritage,' Lowery said. The Pennsylvania Trails of History encompasses a vast network of historical sites and museums, including battlefields, historic homes, industrial sites and farm and village museums. Each historic site and museum within the network is invited annually to nominate a volunteer for recognition. PHMC leaders have gathered each spring for more than 40 years to express gratitude and celebrate exceptional volunteer service. To join the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead or to volunteer, visit
Malaysian Reserve
26-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
35 years of delivering health and hope to the world's most vulnerable celebrated May 29 in Mississauga
OAKVILLE, ON, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ – At least half of the world's population lacks access to essential health services according to the World Health Organization. Since 1990 Health Partners International of Canada, together with Canada's pharmaceutical and medical device industries, donors and volunteers, have quietly helped millions of vulnerable people access the basic medicines that many of us take for granted. On Thursday, May 29th Health Partners International of Canada will recognize this extraordinary Canadian generosity at a special 35th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night at the BraeBen Golf Course in Mississauga, Ontario. Awards for Partner and Volunteer of the Year will be presented. What: Health Partners International of Canada 35th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night When: Thursday, May 29, 2025, @ 6:30 p.m. Where: BraeBen Golf Course (Highlands Room)5700 Terry Fox Way, Mississauga ON L5V 2W2 Who: Pharmaceutical & medical industry partners, donors, volunteers, supporters Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) is a Canadian charitable humanitarian organization dedicated to increasing access to medicine and improving health in vulnerable communities around the world, and the only charity in Canada licensed by Health Canada to handle donated medicines. Since 1990, HPIC has delivered over $735 million in donated medicines and related supplies together with its partner organizations in over 130 countries. By equipping medical mission teams, stocking clinics and hospitals in remote or impoverished communities, mobilizing medical relief during emergencies and building local capacity, Health Partners International of Canada has enabled over 35 million vulnerable people to access life-transforming healthcare and hope for a brighter future.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
35 years of delivering health and hope to the world's most vulnerable celebrated May 29 in Mississauga
OAKVILLE, ON, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - At least half of the world's population lacks access to essential health services according to the World Health Organization. Since 1990 Health Partners International of Canada, together with Canada's pharmaceutical and medical device industries, donors and volunteers, have quietly helped millions of vulnerable people access the basic medicines that many of us take for granted. On Thursday, May 29th Health Partners International of Canada will recognize this extraordinary Canadian generosity at a special 35th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night at the BraeBen Golf Course in Mississauga, Ontario. Awards for Partner and Volunteer of the Year will be presented. What: Health Partners International of Canada 35th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night When: Thursday, May 29, 2025, @ 6:30 p.m. Where: BraeBen Golf Course (Highlands Room)5700 Terry Fox Way, Mississauga ON L5V 2W2 Who: Pharmaceutical & medical industry partners, donors, volunteers, supporters Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) is a Canadian charitable humanitarian organization dedicated to increasing access to medicine and improving health in vulnerable communities around the world, and the only charity in Canada licensed by Health Canada to handle donated medicines. Since 1990, HPIC has delivered over $735 million in donated medicines and related supplies together with its partner organizations in over 130 countries. By equipping medical mission teams, stocking clinics and hospitals in remote or impoverished communities, mobilizing medical relief during emergencies and building local capacity, Health Partners International of Canada has enabled over 35 million vulnerable people to access life-transforming healthcare and hope for a brighter future. SOURCE Health Partners International of Canada View original content to download multimedia:
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
IN PICTURES: Dedication of Great Southern volunteers recognised at annual Volunteer of the Year Awards
The hard work and compassion of the Great Southern's volunteers was brought under the spotlight at the Albany Entertainment Centre on Thursday night with the annual Volunteer of the Year Awards. Albany State Emergency Service volunteer Ben Whittle took home the coveted Volunteer of the Year honour for his work helping residents and visitors to the Great Southern in emergency situations including bushfires, floods and rescues. The Albany Historic Whaling Station won the Volunteer Organisation of the Year award for their dedication to creating a space for volunteers to help keep Albany's whaling heritage alive. The Singability Choir opened the event with songs relating to the theme of volunteering and connecting communities, the audience sang and clapped along. Musical breaks from The Offsiders, and Laurie Smithers kept guests entertained all night between presentations, speeches, and awards. City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks addressed the gathered crowd, recalling times during his stint in local government when he had seen the Great Southern community come together to help or support someone in need. Co-founder of Albany Community Foundation and director of Merrifield Real Estate Jeremy Stewart took the stage as a guest speaker, sharing anecdotes from his time with the foundation. 'Never underestimate the impact you can have simply by showing up... your time and your heart do more good than you know,' he said. City of Albany's Kore Ford also spoke to the group, talking about their experience as a young volunteer.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Milford Haven mum named one of UK's most influential people
Award for Nicola Harteveld kept quiet to focus on charity work MILFORD HAVEN campaigner Nicola Harteveld has been named one of the UK's Top 100 Most Influential People for 2024—an accolade she kept secret for months to avoid drawing attention away from her team's work. The emotional award ceremony took place in Cardiff in March, but Harteveld, 44, only recently shared the news publicly. 'I didn't set out to influence—I set out to survive,' she said, dedicating the award to her daughter Megan, who died by suicide aged 14 after suffering cyberbullying. 'I'm still in disbelief,' Harteveld said as she accepted the award, 'but I accept this for Megan, and for everyone in our community who believes in kindness and hope.' The honour recognises individuals who have made a significant difference in British society. Harteveld was recognised for her work with Megan's Starr Foundation, an anti-bullying charity she founded in memory of her daughter. The foundation has grown to become a leading grassroots voice on youth mental health in Wales. Despite the national recognition, Harteveld said she didn't want the award to overshadow recent projects in her home county. 'We were busy opening The Dizzy Bear and our new support centre—that had to be the focus,' she said. The Dizzy Bear, which opened earlier this year at Milford Waterfront, is more than just a café. Run as a social enterprise by the Megan's Starr Foundation, it combines food, fun, and a mental health mission. Alongside waffles and street food, the café offers youth training schemes and a safe, welcoming space for those in need. Every purchase helps fund the charity's free counselling and outreach services for vulnerable young people in Pembrokeshire. 'We're unBEARlievably proud of what we've built,' said a spokesperson for the café. 'This is about community, kindness, and giving young people a place to belong.' Harteveld's journey from personal tragedy to public impact has inspired people across Wales. Since losing Megan in 2018, she has devoted more than 40 hours a week to the foundation. In 2023, she was named Volunteer of the Year at the Welsh Charity Awards. The charity's motto—'Be kind'—comes from a note Megan wrote before her death, and has since sparked a movement in Pembrokeshire schools, encouraging empathy and mental health awareness. From local coffee mornings to national talks, Harteveld has shared her story to highlight the dangers of bullying and the need for better support. 'No young person should feel they have no choice but to end their life,' she said. Volunteers with Megan's Starr Foundation include those who've faced adversity themselves, offering peer mentorship and lived-experience counselling. Organisers of the Top 100 Influential People list praised Harteveld's dedication, saying she had turned heartbreak into hope and was 'leading a quiet revolution' in youth mental health. In Milford Haven, news of her award has been met with an outpouring of local pride. 'This may have my name on it,' Harteveld said, 'but it belongs to all of us—my team, our supporters, and of course Megan. We are just getting started.'
