2009 Award of Merit Recipients
The Award of Merit is presented annually by Council in recognition of outstanding contributions to the community. In 2009, Council of the Town of Midland presented two awards to recognize the contributions of Helen French and Jeff Bowen.
Helen French
Helen was born and raised in Victoria Harbour and moved to Midland in 1942 and has called Midland home ever since.
Helen has been a committed volunteer and a leader of many community organizations all her life.
She has been a volunteer with the Cancer Society for almost 53 years. For many years she was a canvasser, convened the Daffodil Campaign, and has been Transportation convenor for over 20 years. In this capacity, Helen recruits drivers and arranges transportation for cancer patients who need to travel out of town for appointments.
Helen has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels from the inception of the program.
She is a lifelong member and a leader of the United Church Women’s group of St. Paul’s United church, a group that raises funds and distributes them to worthy causes in the community and beyond. (they offered financial support to the Town of Midland’s Street Outreach program two years in a row without even having been canvassed!! ).
Helen is also a volunteer at the Huronia District Hospital, has been a canvasser with the Heart and Stroke association, a visitor at Hillcrest and 750 King Street Nursing Homes, and raises funds through corporate donations for poppy wreaths for the Midland Legion.
Helen French is an outstanding individual who through her work in the community has helped make Midland a kind and caring community to live in.
It is because of these contributions to the Town of Midland and its residents that Council was proud to present the Award of Merit to Mrs. Helen French.
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Jeff Bowen
Over the years, Award of Merit winners have come from all walks of life, but they have shared one common theme – they have all made Midland a better place in which to live. Jeff Bowen is certainly no different – he has contributed much to our community in a very quiet and unassuming manner.
When his family is wondering where he is, they will likely start checking at the Sports and Recreation Centre. Jeff is the Junior “C” Flyers Hockey Team’s Number One Fan and Helper. He was recently honoured by the team for his 25 years of service! Every team in the league sent something for him. Monday nights Jeff is sure to be here as well, helping out with the Men’s Recreational Hockey League.
Jeff finds time to be a premium ticket seller and fund raiser for Community Living Huronia. Every year, he participates in the Terry Fox Run and has four or more pages full of pledges he has collected. A few years ago, the Midland Police Services and Special Olympics held a Torch Run through Midland and he was a proud participant.
Jeff is also quite an athlete, who participates in Bowling, Baseball and Floor Hockey. He brought home two silver and one bronze medal from a tournament in Durham Region. He has earned numerous trophies, medals and banners throughout his athletic career.
Jeff is enthusiastic in whatever he takes on. He always has a smile on his face and a friendly greeting for everyone he knows. He is an inspiration as a dedicated volunteer who serves his community “behind the scenes.” He enjoys life and has overcome challenges in his life.
Council was very pleased to present the Award of Merit to Jeff Bowen.
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