WMA puts out call for 2010 Walker Award nominees

One of the surest signs of spring in Westmount is the annual call put out by the Westmount Municipal Association for the names of volunteer citizens who have made an outstanding contribution to the community.

From schools and sports programs, churches and synagogues — and even municipal affairs — there has never been a shortage of dedicated volunteers in Westmount. The WMA wants to know about them, and is now seeking nominations for its 13th annual Derek Walker Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award.

The award honours a Westmount resident who over the years has consistently given outstanding volunteer service to the local community through any of its diverse groups and organizations, such as Contactivity Centre, the Rotary Club, sports and recreation teams and clubs, libraries, and nursing homes — to name just a few.

The award was established by the WMA in 1998. Its previous recipients, in reverse order, are Mary Anne McNally, Barbara Moore, Andrew Macdougall, Nancy Wright, the late Geraldine Gahan, Mayor Peter Trent, the late Bill Morrow, Richard Lord, Sally Aitken, Jacqueline Neville, the late Vera Jamieson, and Sylvia Wedge.

In keeping with the tradition, this year's recipient will be honoured during the WMA's Annual General Meeting on May 17 in Victoria Hall, and their name will be inscribed on the special plaque.

If you know someone you believe has made a difference in the Westmount community, please contact the WMA with their name and a brief summary of their volunteer work.

Nominations may be sent to selection committee members Rosalind Davis, Marilynn Gillies, or Helen Rainville by email at volunteer.award@wma-amw.org, or by phone at 514-846-8464.