Senior of the year

Amdie has been a dedicated volunteer and leader to the Ethiopian-Canadian community for over 25 years. After settling here in 1995, Amdie helped revitalize the Ethiopian Canadian Community Association and was elected president in 1996, leading efforts to support newcomers, celebrate culture, and strengthen community connections. In 1997, he mobilized volunteers to establish Kitchener’s first Ethiopian Orthodox Church, now serving over 500 families. He later helped form a mutual aid group in 1998 and co‑founded the Mutual Support Association of Ethiopian Canadians in 2020, supporting more than 600 members through a registered community fund. A respected senior leader, Amdie continues to contribute through board service, conflict resolution, and family mediation. Thank you, Amdie, for your lasting leadership and dedication to supporting Ethiopian‑Canadians in the Kitchener community. 

~ Nominated by Mulugeta Dilnesahu – KW-Idir

Chriseter has spent over 20 years compassionately supporting those in need. Deeply involved in her church, she contributes to several ministries including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, the Food Bank Distribution Centre, and the missions department, while also encouraging incarcerated women through chapel services at Grand Valley Institution for Women. Chriseter serves seniors through the African Family Revival Organization and supports community meal programs alongside organizations such as Ray of Hope. She also supports those facing homelessness and hardship by sharing warm meals and her handmade blankets and scarves. Thank you, Chriseter, for your compassionate, hands-on service and dedication to uplifting others through your care and kindness. 

~ Nominated by Mona Loffelmann – African Family Revival Organization (AFRO)

Daniela exemplifies her belief that even small acts can create meaningful impact. As a weekly volunteer with Stanley Park Eats, she helps prepare meals for those in need, while creating a warm, welcoming team environment. She also supports the Stanley Park Community Association’s Holiday Market and Community Christmas Breakfast. Additionally, for 20 years, Daniela has volunteered with St. Aloysius Church, coordinating calls and appointments for those accessing food bank and hamper programs. Daniela is also part of the St. Anthony Daniel Church social committee, where she helps organize welcoming events for connection and fellowship within the parish. Beyond formal roles, Daniela supports neighbours and vulnerable individuals in everyday ways, especially during times of hardship. Thank you, Daniela, for your warmth and generosity and for helping others feel welcomed, cared for, and supported.

~ Nominated by Victoria Valle – Stanley Park Community Association

Cam has dedicated more than 40 years to volunteering in the Kitchener community, supporting multiple organizations such as Strong Start, the Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region, and the KW Multicultural Centre. Through Strong Start, Cam’s helped children build literacy skills and confidence. At Conestoga College, he has spent over 25 years as an advisory member, career mentor, and public speaker. As a Conversational English volunteer with the KW Multicultural Centre, he has supported newcomers in developing language skills and a sense of belonging. Cam’s impact is deeply personal—he has spent seven years supporting a newcomer family as they built a successful life in Canada. Drawing on his own experience as an immigrant, Cam brings empathy, guidance, and connection to everyone he supports. Thank you, Cam, for transforming lives by empowering others to thrive and grow.

~ Nominated by Tera Dargavel – KW Multicultural Centre

Gary is a dedicated community builder rooted in faith and service. For over 30 years, he has served as a Minister of Hospitality at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, welcoming parishioners and leading events through meal service and volunteer coordination. As the part-time building manager since 2009, Gary has transformed the church grounds into productive gardens that provide fresh food for those in need - including a rain garden, expanded vegetable plots, and a Three Sisters Indigenous garden that promotes connection and learning. Beyond the parish, Gary has shown a longstanding commitment to Parents for Community Living through board service, fundraising leadership, and the creation of meaningful work opportunities for individuals living with developmental challenges—fostering inclusion and belonging. Thank you, Gary, for uplifting those in need and championing dignity and inclusion for people of all abilities.

~ Nominated by Ruthann Fisher – St. Francis of Assisi Church

Martha has made an exceptional impact with National Service Dogs, dedicating five years and over 11,600 hours to supporting dogs in training. Martha plays a valuable role in transporting dogs between foster homes and the National Service Dogs training facility, ensuring dogs in training have access to essential learning environments. Through her consistent support and community connections—including arranging Kitchener Symphony rehearsal visits—Martha helps dogs in training build confidence, focus, and real-world skills. Her dedication helps create life-changing service dog partnerships, giving people greater independence and a better quality of life. Thank you, Martha, for the remarkable impact you have in transforming lives through every dog you support.

~ Nominated by Meghan Kraehling – National Service Dogs

Randy is a dedicated volunteer whose impact on children, youth, and families has spanned over 30 years in the community. For more than 15 years, Randy has been a Volunteer Driver with Family & Children’s Services. He has completed more than 3,000 drives, helping children get to school, access programs, and stay connected with family. His compassion, reliability, and mentorship have strengthened the entire program. For more than 30 years, Randy has taken on key leadership roles with Kitchener Minor Hockey including Coach, President, and Past President. He is known for his player-first approach, commitment to safety, and ability to create positive, inclusive experiences for young athletes. Thank you, Randy, for your decades of leadership, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to supporting youth and families in our community.

~ Nominated by Sarah Dermer – Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region

For over 30 years, Alexandra has been a dedicated community builder. As a founding member and former Chair of Interfaith Grand River, she has spent 25 years connecting diverse faith communities, fostering trust and mutual support. Building on her leadership with the KW Council of Churches, Alexandra guided the Interfaith Community Breakfast and launched the first Interfaith Fall Gathering in 2025. Alexandra also served for 9 years on the House of Friendship Board, supporting vulnerable populations. Additionally, as a member and librarian of the Inshallah global music choir and choir director at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church, Alexandra champions intercultural understanding and connection through song. Thank you, Alexandra, for your compassionate leadership and for inspiring the belief that we are stronger together. 

~ Nominated by Janet Howitt

Lilly has been an exceptional volunteer with Sunnyside Seniors Services’ Day Program since 2012, contributing over 3,700 hours of compassionate service. Lilly brings warmth and empathy to every interaction with residents, offering friendly greetings, helping with meals and activities, and providing reassuring one-on-one care. Her calm and patient presence helps create a welcoming environment for all. Behind the scenes, Lilly helps each day run smoothly and is known for her thoughtful gestures, such as sharing homemade treats. Lilly also fosters a sense of community by organizing coffee gatherings in her building and volunteering through her church. She is a devoted grandmother and a dependable source of comfort to friends who have faced loss. Thank you, Lilly, for the care and compassion you generously share, and for making each day brighter for those around you.

~ Nominated by Heidi Holmes

Barbara is a dedicated educator and volunteer whose work fosters healing, connection, and hope both locally and globally. Locally, she supports residents and staff at A Better Tent City, leads youth workshops on healthy emotional skills, and facilitates book clubs and gatherings that inspire reflection and meaningful dialogue. Through her Healing Stress workshops, Barbara equips participants with tools to address trauma and improve well-being. A passionate advocate for human dignity, Barbara raises awareness of social justice issues while promoting empathy and collaboration. Barbara’s global impact includes 12 years in South Sudan, where she helped establish teacher training colleges and led trauma-healing programs in conflict-affected communities—efforts that continue to inspire positive change. Thank you, Barbara, for your leadership, service, and advocacy in transforming lives and building resilient communities locally and globally.

~ Nominated by Maria Brown

Paulina is a pillar of strength within the Romanian community, contributing over 15 years of volunteer service to the Romanian Association Arta as President, Vice President, and active member. Alongside dancing with the Romanian Ensemble, she organizes community events that celebrate culture and bring people together. Her annual children’s holiday party spreads joy while honouring traditions. Through book clubs, arts programs, intergenerational activities, and walking groups, Paulina keeps people of all ages connected. Paulina has also established a Romanian book collection at the Kitchener Public Library, shares her writing, and supports seniors through regular companionship visits. Recently, Paulina expanded her impact by volunteering with the Association des francophones de Kitchener-Waterloo. Thank you, Paulina, for your dedication to building a vibrant, connected, and culturally rich community.

~ Nominated by Gabriela Farkas

Anna is a dedicated volunteer at Trinity Village Care Centre, contributing nearly 2,000 hours over eight years across programs, dining services, and resident outings. She supports residents with genuine compassion and warmth, bringing a calm and kind presence that eases loneliness while helping each person feel engaged and truly valued. Known for going above and beyond, Anna bakes treats, steps in wherever needed, and brightens the days of both residents and staff. As a dependable and proactive team member, Anna also mentors new volunteers, modeling empathy and professionalism. Through her kindness and unwavering dedication, Anna has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the entire Trinity Village community. Thank you, Anna, for sharing your compassion and kindness, and for ensuring everyone around you feels cared for, seen and valued. 

~ Nominated by Maggie Clemens – Trinity Village Care Centre

Horst is a quiet, dependable neighbour who can always be counted on. As a retired contractor, he generously supports those around him by tackling repairs, fixing plumbing issues, shovelling snow, boosting cars, and responding to urgent needs—often at a moment’s notice—saving neighbours both stress and expense. Beyond his practical skills, Horst offers genuine compassion. He provides encouragement and steady companionship during times of illness, loss, and hardship, stepping in quickly when help is needed most. Humble and selfless, Horst works without seeking recognition, yet his contributions make a lasting impact. Through his quiet generosity, Horst not only eases others' burdens but also strengthens the sense of care and connection within the community. Thank you, Horst, for reminding us of the importance of looking out for one another and helping to build strong, supportive neighbourhoods.

~ Nominated by Corinna Soos