Woodstock Launches New Friendly City Volunteer Recognition Award to Celebrate Outstanding Community Volunteers

The City of Woodstock is launching a new awards program to celebrate the people and organizations whose volunteer efforts help make Woodstock a strong, welcoming, and connected community. 

The new Friendly City Volunteer Recognition Awards will recognize outstanding volunteers who give their time, skills, and energy to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to the community. 

“As the Friendly City, we know that so much of what makes Woodstock a great place to live is thanks to the people who generously give their time to help others,” said Deputy Clerk, Jeff Bunn. “The Friendly City Volunteer Recognition Awards gives us an opportunity to celebrate these incredible contributions and say thank you to the volunteers who make a difference in our community every day.” 

Each year, Council may recognize up to five individuals or organizations through the program. Nominations can be submitted in six categories: 

• Youth of the Year – recognizing an outstanding young volunteer aged 18 or younger. 

• Senior of the Year – recognizing a resident aged 55 or older who has made significant contributions to the community over at least five years. 

• Environmental Stewardship Award – recognizing an individual or group demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to environmental sustainability. 

• Good Neighbour Award – recognizing an Oxford County resident who makes a difference in the lives of Woodstock residents. 

• Organization of the Year – recognizing a Woodstock not-for-profit organization that has made significant contributions through volunteer service and/or sponsorship. 

• Citizen of the Year – recognizing a Woodstock resident aged 18 or older who has made significant, long-standing contributions to the community over at least five years. 

Do you know someone who makes Woodstock a friendlier place? 

The city is accepting nominations for the inaugural Friendly City Volunteer Recognition Awards from Nov. 1, until Dec. 31, 2026. 

Recipients will be recognized by Woodstock City Council in April during National Volunteer Week. 

Watch for more information about the nomination process coming in November at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/awards