Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Dorothy Soo-Wiens didn’t have a formal speech prepared when she walked into the Chamber of Commerce annual Spirit Awards on Thursday evening.
“Someone said the other finalist is Dr. Berti and I thought, ‘Oh she’s a doctor! I don’t even need to make a speech,’” Soo-Wiens told The Lake Report.
“I thought for sure she would win.”
Regardless of her expectations, when she was announced as Citizen of the Year for 2024, Soo-Wiens accepted her win with a few key points written down on a recipe card.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Soo-Wiens was recognized for her tireless volunteer work across different organizations across town, including Cornerstone Community Church and the NOTL Lions Club.
She was also recognized for her support of farmworkers and the farming community, plus annual events like the Christmas Tractor Parade, raising more than $100,000 for cancer research and much more.
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa presented the award and in his speech, described Soo-Wiens as a person who believes that community is built one thoughtful act at a time.
“This is evident in everything Dorothy does,” he said.
During her speech, Soo-Wiens said community spirit was instilled in her as a child.
“When I came as a three-year-old to Canada with my family — an immigrant family — they always said if you don’t like something you’ve got to make sure you get involved, you are part of improving your community.”
Soo-Wiens also said how grateful she was to live in NOTL.
“Even though I didn’t grow up here or was raised here, it has become my home,” she said.
Soo-Wiens spoke highly about all of the other volunteers she hopes to share her honour with.
“I share that award with all the different communities that I am part of. They should be recognized as well,” she said.
Along with Soo-Wiens, other residents were awarded for their outstanding community achievements: Barbara Worthy, who was granted the Christopher Newton Award for Arts and Culture; Tammy Martin, who took home the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award; Bonnie Bagnulo, awarded the Community Spirit Award; Michael Zappitelli, recipient of the Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism award; Betty Colaneri, who took home the Chamber of Commerce Award; and Catherine Beyene Dubois, who was selected for the Dan Patterson Award for Youth Leadership.
The Irish Harp Pub took home two awards, including Business of the Year and the Peter Ling Award for Business Leadership which was given to owner Jovie Joki
Palatine Roses was awarded with an Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award.
