Ontario Medal for Young Volunteer Recipients 2009

Created in 1998, the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers recognizes the outstanding contributions of Ontarians between the ages of 15 and 24 years to improve the quality of life in the province and internationally through volunteer activities.

This year, 8 outstanding young people are being honoured with an Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.   These individuals are:

1. Danny Fee of Toronto, for extensive contributions as a member of the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation volunteer team and executive member of the Toronto Youth Ambassadors Network. 
2. Tamara Gordon of Toronto, for her contributions as an accessibility advocate. She is a motivational speaker and organizes events that help promote community.
3. Jonathan Hesler of Penetanguishine, for his commitment to bullying/anti-harassment programs such as endbullyingnow.com which he helped create. 
4. Miles Hoffman of Pickle Lake, for his role as volunteer worker, coach, youth liaison, guide and ambassador at large for this northern community. 
5. Mina Kazemi of Dunville, for her leadership role in volunteer activities in academic settings.  At age 16, she co-founded a successful leadership camp for young women. 
6. Bronwyn Loucks of Kingston, for her volunteer commitment to mental health issues and helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.  Bronwyn has worked with numerous organizations in this area and is a regular speaker at conferences and agency events.
7. Billy Morrison of Niagara-on-the-Lake, for his commitment and leadership in the fight to keep his local high school open. 
8. Bret Shier of Brechin, for his commitment to senior citizens and to honouring the legacy of veterans as well as for his volunteer service with organized sports in his community.