Community Service Award
For generously volunteering time to programs and services that make our community a better place.
Award Presented By: Anandi Carroll-Woolery, host of Your Region This Week
Community Service Nominees
Asma AlWahsh
Asma AlWahsh is the Founder and Executive Director of CAWA. CAWA is a non-profit organization that supports and empowers Arab women who live in the Region of Waterloo and Guelph. Asma and CAWA are passionate and dedicated to providing support and services to all Arab women regardless of their immigration status, age, income level, or religious affiliation. Through service to new immigrants and others, CAWA is committed to strengthening families and to advancing all-inclusive communities.
Crystal Blezard
My name is Crystal Blezard. I hold a BA in Sociology and work as a Realtor. I’m a proud wife, mother, and committed
volunteer. Through the BEP Speakers Bureau, I inspire students to explore careers and personal growth. I run quarterly campaigns for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region and volunteer with House Helpers to support those facing housing challenges. Beyond organized volunteering, I seek out everyday opportunities to support those in need. One example close to my heart is helping a father and his son who were on the brink of homelessness. I paused my own life to ensure they had shelter—and more importantly, stayed together through a difficult time. I believe in doing good not for recognition, but because everyone deserves a hand up when life gets tough.
Jenny Charron
Jenny Charron is a wife and mother of three and an exceptional volunteer in our North Dumfries village of Ayr. Jenny has
been the backbone of the Ayr Centennials (Cens) Junior B Hockey "family" for over a decade. Jenny founded and
coordinates the Junior Cens Hockey Program, Co-Ed Spring Hockey in North Dumfries, and the Ayr Summer Fun
Hockey Program. In addition to volunteering hours supporting players on the Centennials roster, Jenny is also "Mom" to teens excelling in their own hockey careers. Jenny's son plays for the OHL Soo Greyhounds and daughter plays for Cambridge Jr. Women's Rivulettes.
Abby Cooper
Abby Cooper moved to Elmira in 2020 with her husband and son in search of a close-knit community. In 2023, she
founded Hearts Open for Everyone (HOPE), a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity in
Woolwich Township through accessible, barrier-free, community-driven programming and cultural celebration. As a social entrepreneur, she has launched initiatives like the Multicultural Festival of Elmira (MFE), uniting residents and businesses to celebrate diversity. Through HOPE, Abby has mobilized volunteers, secured funding, and built sustainable programs that strengthen community connections. Her leadership blends entrepreneurship and service, ensuring a more inclusive, culturally rich community.
Joan Fisk
Joan Fisk is a respected community leader and current CEO of United Way Waterloo Region Communities. Her career
includes executive roles at Gore Mutual, Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce, and Tiger Brand Knitting Company
Ltd. Joan has served on numerous boards, including Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network, Lang School of Business and Economics Dean's Advisory Board, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Her many honours include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, YMCA Woman of Distinction, and the 125th Confederation Medal. Joan’s lifelong dedication to public service, equity, and community development makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Oktoberfest Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cait Glasson
Cait is a mother, grandmother, writer, painter, advocare and activist for the queer community who inspires change and
action through education. She is thoughtfully visible in the community, volunteers a lot of her time to educate about issues, and speaks frequently about trans issues, including trans joy. All of these acts are of service to all and make her well deserving of this honor.
Marcella Habermehl
Marcella is 76 year young and has dedicated over 40 years to coaching youth bowling, inspiring generations of young
athletes with her fiery passion and expertise. Her unwavering commitment to the sport has not only helped players refine their skills but also instilled confidence, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the game. Through her guidance, countless kids have grown both on and off the lanes, making her a cherished mentor and role model in our community. She is now coaching the children of the children that she once coached.
Jacqueline Beckford-Henriques
Jacqueline has been involved in swimming for over 20+ years with her beginnings in Jamaica, and most recently Canada, working at the University of Waterloo. Jacqueline was a founding member of The Alliance - a subgroup within Athletics & Recreation which aimed at creating spaces and opportunities for racialized staff, students, and community members. From this, the Learn-To-Swim program in collaboration with Adventure4Change was born. It caters to Women & Girls from the Kitchener-Waterloo community ranging from ages 7 to 41 years old. The program aims to promote and encourage women and girls to learn to swim, many of whom had never had the opportunity.
Angie Hill
For thirty fabulous years, Angie has been the superstar of the airwaves in Waterloo Region! But wait, there’s more: it’s
hard to find a charity or community group that hasn’t basked in her generous glow. Whether she’s rocking the mic as an emcee, diving into events, or championing causes on air and her massive social media fan club, her love for the community shines bright. Angie’s heart is as big as her smile, and she’s always ready to lend a hand!
Rahima Khatun (Khushi)
Rahima Khushi is a passionate and resilient community builder who has become a beacon of hope and service in the
Waterloo Region since arriving in Canada as a refugee from Bangladesh. From the very first day she landed in the
Region, she began volunteering with the Reception House Waterloo Region, supporting newcomers with interpretation and participating in English Learning Circle programs. Her unwavering commitment to helping others, especially those in vulnerable situations, quickly earned her recognition.
Marjorie Knight
For more than 24 years, Marjorie Knight has dedicated her time as an anti-poverty advocate and community outreach
worker whose tireless volunteer efforts have significantly helped people in Waterloo Region. She has represented
Cambridge three times as the MPP candidate. In addition to her work as a Family Outreach Worker with the House of
Friendship in Cambridge, she serves on the boards of The Cambridge Shelter Corp and ACCKWA. This collaborator is
also the founder of Rhythm and Blues, an organization that advocates for Black community in Cambridge.
Amanda Kroetsch
Amanda Kroetsch is the founder of the Domestic Violence Victims Alliance and Retail Therapy KW, a thrift store where
survivors of intimate partner violence shop for free as they bravely rebuild their lives. A survivor herself, Amanda channels her lived experience into trauma-informed, compassionate care for others. Her work removes financial and emotional barriers for those starting over and builds community connections that empower collective healing. Through advocacy, resource-sharing, and relentless empathy, Amanda has inspired a grassroots movement of support across Waterloo Region—proving that when one person rises, we all rise.
Taveena Kum
Taveena is a former 2-Time Canadian National Champion in the 48 kg category who proudly represented Canada on the international stage. While competing at the highest level in boxing, she also pursued her passion for
education—completing her training in Early Childhood Education, Resource Teaching, and Educational Assistant
certification. Taveena worked with the local School Board as an Educational Assistant, where she had the opportunity to support youth with special needs, including students with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Cerebral Palsy. Inspired by her experience and fueled by her love for boxing, Taveena founded a charitable boxing program dedicated to
empowering athletes with special needs.
Karen Liphard
Karen has devoted both her professional and personal life to enriching and supporting others in the Kitchener/Waterloo
community. She has spent most of her life mastering the art of Kung Fu, earning the prestigious title of Sifu and advancing
to a 6th degree black sash. Karen tirelessly volunteers her health expertise by leading women’s self-defense workshops,
participating in numerous events to raise awareness about women’s issues, and providing hundreds of hours annually
leading martial arts and fitness classes. Additionally, Karen is passionate about her career as a manager and crisis
intervention trainer where she supports individuals with brain injuries.
Mona Loffelmann
Mona Loffelmann is a passionate community advocate and the Executive Director of the African Family Revival
Organization (AFRO). In her role, she has worked tirelessly to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where
Black, Caribbean, and African community members can access culturally relevant programs and services. Under her
leadership, AFRO has launched initiatives supporting mental health, youth mentorship, employment training, newcomer integration, and family support. Mona is deeply committed to advancing equity and social justice, fostering strong community connections, and amplifying marginalized voices. Her work continues to inspire collective action and meaningful change in the communities she serves.
Alexandra Ann (Sandy) Milne
Alexandra Ann (Sandy) Milne has been a passionate community volunteer in Waterloo Region since 1977, with a focus on faith-based and interfaith initiatives. She has led the Interfaith Community Breakfast Committee since 1996, helping grow the annual event into a meaningful space for dialogue, diversity, and unity.
A founding member of Interfaith Grand River, Sandy promotes inclusion and understanding among different faiths. She also serves as Spiritual Convenor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and holds leadership roles with the Catholic Women’s League and the Kitchener-Waterloo Council of Churches.
Sandy’s compassion, leadership, and dedication were recognized with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Papal Award in 2018. Her work continues to inspire connection, mutual respect, and lasting impact across the region.
Danielle Morris
Danielle Morris has quickly established herself as a powerful advocate for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Community, Premature Birth & Infertility communities as well as being a Family Ambassador for Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario. Her relentless advocacy through her online and social media presence and guest speaking engagements has been instrumental in providing awareness, fundraising efforts and parental support in a space so few truly understand. As the mother of a micro-preemie, Danielle graciously shares her story of hope and compassion for parents and families attempting to navigate the challenges and fears of the NICU experience.
Jennifer Peacock
Jennifer Peacock is the silent, invisible, humble better half of Mike Farwell and the annual Farwell4Hire fundraiser in
support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. This annual initiative started out simple: Mike would do odd jobs for cash and hand it over to CF Canada. However in it's 11 years, the campaign has raised more than $1.3Million! This would not be possible had Mike not met Jenn. She has been part of Mike's life and the campaign for 10 years as co-chair.
Stephanie Soulis
Stephanie Soulis is a local business owner, tour guide, volunteer, advocate, and community promoter. She is a networking diva who loves to connect people and help solve challenges collaboratively. Stephanie is committed to the next generation and to women & 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. She is an advocate for environmental sustainability and social responsibility. She volunteers her time, talents, and treasures to many local charities and non profits. She has extensive board experience and lends her governance expertise to several groups. She is a cheerleader for other local businesses and a champion for Waterloo Region in the tourism & hospitality sectors.
Tracy Valko
Tracy Valko is a passionate community leader and mental health advocate who exemplifies service through action. As the founder of Stronger Together, she supports mental health services at Grand River Hospital. This year, she hosted her second annual event, raising over $120,000 for the hospital’s Mental Health Unit. Tracy’s dedication goes far beyond fundraising—she creates safe spaces for connection, healing, and open dialogue. Her volunteer work, advocacy, and behind-the-scenes efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of many across Waterloo Region. Tracy leads with compassion, always focused on building a stronger, more supported community for all.
