Our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, this year was once again a huge success.

We are so lucky to live in a village in this big city, where many of our residents and shopkeepers believe in contributing their time and effort — and cash — to making our community better in so many ways.

Having people who are willing to spare time for volunteer work is not something we take for granted, Life get’s so busy that it’s hard to fit in one more task. Yet, so many in this community make time despite the pressures, and for that we are so grateful.

For the second year, we held The Roncesvalles Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to thank those who contribute significant time to the enhancement of our street and the BIA’s community events.

Our special guest this year was Carolyn King of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, who was also an early champion of the Dundas Roncesvalles Peace Garden. She was involved in sharing heritage stories, and inspiring young artists in making designs for the Peace Path. She consulted on native trees and plants as well as the Garden design, and continues to be a Friend of the Peace Garden. Carolyn initiated the Moccasin Trail project, which marks places of Indigenous history and invites observers to understand why these places are significant. The Peace Garden is marked with the Anishinaabe moccasin design. Carolyn is a leader in advancing the causes of recognition, renewal and justice for her people. She encourages better relations with Canada’s Indigenous people, and is a model of inspiration for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people alike. To know her is to love her, and to laugh with her, whenever possible.

We gave special recognition to a few new volunteers and some who took on new roles:

Welcome Aboard Award for New Volunteers:

• Daniele Stoddard: social media for Roncy Rocks and the Roncesvalles Polish Festival
• Karen Pivnick and Ken: for adopting the native garden near The Westerley

Snowball Award for Volunteer taking on new roles

• Rahel Schneeberger-Brown: for planting an edible garden at George Brown and spearheading activation of the north end during the Polish Festival, with the addition of a DJ stage, sponsored and operated by George Brown and friends
• Alexis Victor: for her multiple roles including sponsorship, graphics, the Art Zone, and the Art Gallery at Back Lanes Studio

Roncesvalles Abroad Award for volunteer efforts extending from Roncesvalles and beyond.

• Emma Coulter: for her ever increasing commitments to the Dinner With Dignity program at the Roncesvalles United Church which serves 16,000 meals per year.

A big thank you from all who attended to our Members who contributed the exceptionally tasty food:

A delighted thank you from all our community volunteers to the businesses that contributed volunteer gifts:

A Good Read
Alimentari Italian Grocery
Another Story Bookshop
Barque Butcher Bar
Barque Smokehouse
Cookery
De La Mer
Drapes and More
Image Photography
Kennel Café
La Cubana
Lexco.Art
Moretti Hair
My Olive Roncesvalles
Pollocks Home Hardware
Pizzeria Defina
Roncesvalles Apple Specialists
Roncesvalles Welcome Guardian Pharmacy
Scooter Girl
Snap Fitness
Stasis Preserves Deli & Pantry
Sweet Thrills
The Ace
The Dizzy Gastro Sports Pub
The Mercantile
The Revue Cinema
Willem & Jools
Wine Rack Roncesvalles

And last, but not least, a very special heartfelt thank you to David Neinstein of Barque Smokehouse and Barque Butcher Bar who orchestrated this wonderful event, and for our Masters of Ceremonies:  Reverend Anne Hines of the Roncesvalles United Church and Brian Bertrand of the High Park Library who challenged our knowledge of the Village, kept us laughing, and helped make this evening one to remember.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with the BIA, contact us at info@roncesvallesvillage.ca