Durga Prasad Aaripaka
Nominated by the Utsav Bengali Association
Durga is an active community volunteer dedicated to supporting cultural and community initiatives. Through his work, Durga has helped foster cultural connection, inclusion, and community engagement through his involvement with events and programs that bring people together. His commitment to community service is rooted in collaboration, volunteerism, and a genuine desire to give back.
Kathy Bell
Nominated by Wortley Pride
A passionate community builder, Kathy has devoted countless hours to providing safe and supportive spaces for the queer community, and is a driving force for queer members in their workplaces. As co-founder of Wortley Pride, Kathy has helped showcase queer-based arts, events, and diverse experiences, and is committed to making a better world for all Londoners.
Athena Diavolitsis
Nominated by the Greek Canadian Community Centre
Athena is a kind, empathetic and remarkable young woman, dedicated to her family and her community and committed to building connections with others. She is selfless in all that she does and consistently puts others first, through her volunteer efforts to help feed the hungry, provide support and friendship for seniors, and help run charitable GCCC events.
Rebecca Herrington & Dave Staines
Nominated by Denis Crane
Since 2019, Rebecca Herrington and Dave Staines have spearheaded a group of 35 volunteers who every week collect beer, wine and liquor returns in the RiverBend Golf Community. Their efforts have raised more than $76,500 to support small, local organizations, with all of the funds donated as $1,000 gifts to 35 London-area agencies.
Varun Kapoor
Nominated by the Northwest London Resource Centre
Varun has been a valued volunteer at the Northwest London Resource Centre since 2024, assisting with the food bank and immigrant mentorship programs. Varun is committed to giving back, and his strong communication skills and respectful, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach has helped create a welcoming environment for immigrants and people from vulnerable communities.
Laurie Newell
Nominated by Hyde Park & District Lions Club
Gerard is a new and very active Lion who helps plan and volunteer for almost every event organized by the Hyde Park & District Lions Club. Known for his warm smile, keen enthusiasm and strong work ethic, Gerard is considered a friend to all in the Hyde Park club, always ready to pitch in and do whatever is needed.
Ted Martin
Nominated by NorWest Optimist Soccer Club
Ted is an extraordinary volunteer dedicated to developing youth through soccer, and to providing young players with high-quality instruction and a structured, positive, and enjoyable experience. Last season, Ted completed his Canada Soccer NCCP coaching certification and coached both his children’s house-league soccer teams, enriching the lives of numerous local families and young athletes.
Ashley, Matias & Maliyah McGuire
Nominated by London AfroCentric Arts Association
The McGuire family is at the heart of almost every London AfroCentric Arts Association community event. They are eager and reliable volunteers who take on critical roles planning, managing behind-the-scenes logistics, and making the day go smoothly for multiple events each year. Their leadership, enthusiasm and dedication are an asset to the organization and their community.
Elsi Miner
Nominated by L'Arche London
Elsi is a long-time friend of the L’Arche community and dedicated volunteer for more than 20 years. Through her presence, service, and heartfelt commitment to inclusion, dignity, and belonging, Elsi has helped create a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals with developmental disabilities feel respected, encouraged, and connected.
Jyothir Adithya Mugireddy
Nominated by Middlesex London Cricket Academy
Adithya joined the Middlesex London Cricket Academy as a coach in spring 2025, after graduating from Western University with a Master’s Degree in Data Science. Adithya strives to help every player reach their full potential, both on and off the field, bringing a contagious energy to each learning session and ensuring a safe, enjoyable and engaging experience.
Kathleen Murphy
Nominated by Rotary Club of London South
Kathleen has been an active member of the Rotary Club of London South for 25 years and is currently serving her third term as President. She is known for her selflessness, compassion, and dedication to supporting people in need, through her leadership with initiatives like the Community Fridge food depot and Lionhearts Inc.
Roy Pacheco
Nominated by Richard Vandierendonck
Roy is an Oakridge resident whose numerous volunteer service awards span more than 50 years and two continents. He served as Scout Master of the 42nd Scout troop in London West for 15 years, producing five Queen Scouts. He is a proud Shriner and past president of the London Shrine Club, and is always ready to help his community.
John Parent
Nominated by Oakridge Optimist Baseball
John is a long-time Oakridge Optimist baseball coach and volunteer, and a retired principal. He is not only the convenor for the Oakridge 9u house league, but also convenes the 9u London & District Baseball Association league. John’s dedication and enthusiasm for the game and the community is a shining example of how someone can make a difference in the lives of young people.
Roy Phillips
Nominated by Hyde Park and District Lions Club
Roy is a cherished, reliable and experienced member of the Hyde Park & District Lions Club, known as someone who can always be counted on to provide advice and assistance and the go-to person whenever help is needed. Roy’s thoughtful insights and calm and humble demeanour are valued by all members of the club and the Hyde Park community.
Olaf Plotzke
Nominated by Margaret Hopkins
Dr. Olaf Plotzke is a community dentist with a passion for improving oral health and quality of life for people with disabilities. As co-founder of the Canadian Society for Disability and Oral Health, Dr. Plotzke has been a persistent and determined advocate, and is also well-known for his engagement with and commitment to the Old South community.
Mark Reeves
Nominated by Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres
For almost three decades, Mark has been developing young athletes in Oakridge. Whether they play with Oakridge Hockey, Byron or Oakridge baseball, London or Forest City football, or are members of the Oakridge Secondary School football teams, Mark is committed to helping young people develop their skills, confidence and passion for the game.
Andrea Roussy
Nominated by Armin & Judy Grunwald
Now serving her third term as President of the Byron-Springbank Legion, Andrea Roussy’s leadership has helped secure two Ontario Trillium Foundation grants to expand programming and improve infrastructure. Andrea’s dedication and friendly approach helps bring people together to work for a common cause, ensuring that the Byron Legion remains an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Colton Somerville
Nominated by Old South Business Association
As a regular Old South volunteer, Colton brings a rare ability to form warm and genuine relationships and is guided by a sincere desire to connect with people, truly understand their needs, and offer help wherever he can. Colton brightens the days of those whose lives he touches, and always leaves them with a smile.
Sue Wilson
Nominated by Byron-Springbank Legion
As the Byron Legion Ways and Means Chair, Sue works tirelessly with a team of volunteers to plan and organize events with broad community appeal and to offer programming that is fresh, relevant, and engaging. Sue consistently strives to make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of others, through her passion, dedication and ever-welcoming smile.
Annie Young-Shiell
Nominated by Korean Society of London
Annie Young-Shiell has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Korean Society of London through her selfless service, generous support, and heartfelt dedication. She leads not with words, but with quiet, meaningful action. Her kindness, reliability, and deep sense of responsibility has made a lasting impact on the Korean Society of London, her fellow volunteers, and the wider community.