CANADA: Toronto Honours Volunteering

TORONTO, April 16, 2007: Twelve outstanding individuals and groups, who give their time freely and generously at Toronto's Homes for the Aged will be honoured at a special ceremony at City Hall. These 12 honourees include a grade 10 student, a musical duo and a group of 14 volunteers who operate a Bistro. City Councillors will help present the recipients with Awards of Excellence and will present The Mary Ellen Glover Award to an energetic 78-year-old resident. The Mary Ellen Glover Award is named after a renowned advocate for seniors' issues and is presented each year to a resident in one of Toronto's Homes for the Aged who is providing support and advocacy, and making a difference within their home. Toronto Homes for the Aged are owned and operated by the City of Toronto and are directly accountable to City Council. As a major provider of long-term care, Toronto Homes for the Aged offers a continuum of services to clients in the community and residents in 10 long-term care homes, providing a real home to people across Toronto. Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.