Mayor Ann Lawlor's April 2026 Message

HALTON HILLS, ON –  In just a few weeks, we will kick off National Volunteer Week, celebrated from April 19 to 25. It’s a special time to recognize and honour the remarkable impact volunteers have on our community.

This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” celebrates civic participation and sends a message to encourage our residents to become volunteers. We’re sharing inspiring stories and saying thanks to the thousands of people who freely give their time and energy for good causes in our town.

As mayor, I was delighted this week to give the Key to the Town to Nicola Gauntley as she was named by the Georgetown Lions Club as this year’s Citizen of the Year. Nicola has volunteered in our schools for over a decade, particularly helping kids with writing and reading.

Her service has extended far beyond the classroom. Nicola has supported the Georgetown Hospital Foundation, Food4Kids Halton, Community Assistance for Supported Housing, C.A.R.E., and Cancer Assistance Halton Hills. She has volunteered at community events like Movie Under the Stars, contributed her time with Hillsview Active Living Centre programs, and helped the Georgetown Bread Basket. In every case, Nicola brings the same spirit: practical help, genuine compassion, and a readiness to fill the gaps where resources are stretched.

Here in Halton Hills, we hope this National Volunteer Week will spark even more people to get involved. A small gesture of kindness, a few hours given freely, or a simple act of service can grow into something truly meaningful. Our community offers countless formal volunteer opportunities, each with the potential to make a lasting difference.

We’ve seen firsthand how volunteers fuel compassion, strengthen connections, and drive progress. Whether coaching youth sports, preserving heritage buildings, supporting charitable causes, or bringing joy to community events like the Santa Claus Parade and Canada Day celebrations, their contributions shape the vibrant rhythm of our town.

Volunteers are also vital to many Town of Halton Hills programs, including aquatics, camps, galleries, children’s programming, trail systems, special events, and seniors and youth centres. Last year alone, over 500 volunteers contributed over 36,000 hours of their time. Valued at a modest minimum wage, their collective contribution amounts to well over half a million dollars.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, I encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize and thank the individuals, groups, and organizations that support voluntary action and Ignite our Community!  Find out more on the Town’s website – haltonhills.ca.