Niagara-on-the-Lake’s devoted volunteers will be recognized for their contributions to the community.

“We want to recognize people that are helping others, helping organizations, helping the community,” says Lord Mayor Betty Disero.

“Sustainability is not all about money. It’s also about the human aspect. So, in order for our town to be sustainable, we also need to have great volunteers, which we do.”

Volunteers will become more important as the time goes on, Disero said in an interview with The Lake Report.

For the past 23 years, the awards were awarded in collaboration with the Niagara Advance newspaper. This year is the first time the award has been called the “Lord Mayor’s Volunteer Award,” said Disero.

There are seven award categories: working with seniors, working with youth/education, culture (arts, music, heritage), sports and recreation, environment, volunteer under 21, and community/civic engagement.

Disero, Deputy Lord Mayor Clare Cameron and one representative from each of NOTL’s three weekly newspapers will review the nominations.

Residents can submit their nominations online to Victoria Steele, the town’s community engagement co-ordinator, or drop off a hard copy at the town hall by May 13 at 4:30 p.m.

One winner for each category will then be recognized at the council meeting on June 10. Volunteers have to live in NOTL and be also willing to have their photo published.