For their years of service working to better the community, four Orillia residents were awarded the Order of Orillia at Monday’s council meeting.
The award recognizes residents who have volunteered and committed themselves to making a difference in the community, and this year’s recipients include Rick Purcell, Madeleine Fournier, Fayne Bullen, and Jim Saunders.
Mayor Don McIsaac and members of the commemorative awards selection panel presented the awards to this year’s recipients.
“The order of Orillia is an honour reserved for residents who have enriched the lives of others through more than a decade of service and who stand as shining examples in our community,” McIsaac said.
“It is a privilege to present this year’s recipients — they are most deserving of the award," said the mayor.
“In fact, between the four of them, they’ve gotten over 125 years of dedicated service to the community,” said McIsaac.
Rick Purcell was given the award for his service with a variety of organizations and community groups in the city over the years, including the Mariposa Folk Festival, Orillia Terriers junior hockey, Orillia Legion Minor Baseball, among many others.
Purcell has also been involved with the Orillia branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in a variety of capacities; he’s currently in his eighth year as president.
“He has served as a volunteer with the Air Cadet movement for 50 years,” said panel member Liz Dunn. “For more than 20 years, Rick has been involved with the Orillia Scottish Festival, (and) he was also the driving force behind the Geneva Bingo Hall being formed to the benefit of numerous charities in the area.”
Madeleine Fournier was selected for her “passionate” volunteer work with youth, environmental protection, and more.
“Madeline is a passionate, hands-on volunteer who dedicates her time to various initiatives related to youth, environment and those experiencing homelessness,” Dunn said. “She has been a regular volunteer at the emergency overnight warming centre and at the Orillia Youth Centre.”
She was also recognized for her work with Ladies’ Skate Night, teaching girls how to skateboard at the Orillia Skate Park, and for her work with regard to climate justice, Indigenous rights, and sustainable food systems.
Fayne Bullen was awarded the Order of Orillia for a lifetime of service in the community, including decades on the Community Legal Clinic board, the Orillia Non-profit Housing Corporation board, initiating a school breakfast program with the Champlain Senior Service Club, and many other contributions that continue to this day.
“Widely known for his incredible community engagement as an educator, a leader, historian, philanthropist, politician, activist and builder, Fayne was a founding member of numerous local organizations … and (he) continues to serve on many of these boards,” said panel member Roy Menagh.
Jim Saunders was recognized for decades of work helping local seniors find affordable housing, bolstering local food security through with the Sharing Place, and his work with the Champlain Senior Service Club.
“Not one to seek recognition, Jim inspires others to become involved in the community for its betterment,” said panel member Gilles Depratto.
“For 17 years, Jim served on the board of directors as treasurer of Hillcrest Lodge, working to ensure seniors have safe, secure and affordable housing options available. Jim is one of the three longest serving board members and a testament to the success of the facility,” Depratto said.
“He currently serves as treasurer on the board of directors of the Sharing Place Food Centre, helping to ensure that food security assistance is available to those who need it.”
