Outstanding Community Group Award

The Outstanding Community Group Award recognizes a community group for its outstanding voluntary contribution to the well-being of the community. 

This year we recognize an organization that has made a meaningful impact on both a local school and the broader rural community; Brookside School Council.

The current committee includes Chair Miriah Drennan, Vice Chair Annemarie Kraft, Secretaries Vicky Black and Makenzie Deuschle, Treasurer Nikki Freiburger, and Social Media Contact Hannah DeBruyn. This recognition also extends to the many additional members who have supported the Council’s efforts over the past several years.

Over the last four years, the Council has raised more than $100,000 in support of Brookside Public School through a variety of fundraisers and community events. Among their most significant accomplishments is the development of a new playground—made possible through dedicated fundraising, grant writing, coordination, and planning.

In addition, the Council continues to enhance the school experience by funding resources, organizing events such as the Year-End Block Party, improving school grounds, and volunteering their time at numerous activities.

As the only public school in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, Brookside Public School plays an important role in the community. The ongoing efforts of the Brookside School Council help ensure its continued success and vitality.

On behalf of the community, we extend our sincere thanks for their dedication and commitment, and congratulate the Brookside School Council as the recipients of the Outstanding Community Group Award.

Outstanding Individual Award

The Outstanding Individual Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the well-being of our community.

We proudly recognize Barb Snowden and the late Ron Snowden for their lasting impact on the St. Helens community.

Since 2002, when the St. Helens Hall Committee was formed to restore the community hall, Barb and Ron have been central to its success. Through decades of volunteerism, fundraising, and hands-on dedication, they helped transform and sustain this vital community space.

As Chair, Barb has provided strong leadership, organizing events, coordinating volunteers, and overseeing bookings and day-to-day operations. Ron worked alongside her every step of the way, supporting fundraisers, maintaining the facility, and contributing wherever help was needed.

From preparing meals to completing repairs, and from planning to execution, their involvement has ensured the hall remained a vibrant and welcoming gathering place for more than 20 years.

Ron’s passing in November 2025 was a tremendous loss, and he is deeply missed. Together, Barb and Ron gave generously of their time and energy to strengthen their community.

With sincere appreciation, we recognize their dedication and lasting contributions, and congratulate them as recipients of the Outstanding Individual Award.

Outstanding Community Group Award

The Outstanding Community Group Award recognizes a community group for its outstanding voluntary contribution to the well-being of the community. 

This year, we're pleased to recognize the St. Joseph’s Kingsbridge Community. This group didn’t just save a building, but has built a legacy. When the local church closed in 2012, they transformed loss into opportunity, creating the Kingsbridge Centre: a volunteer-run hub for art, education, and connection in ACW.

With over $1M raised, 7,000+ volunteer hours every year, and numerous events throughout the year, their impact is nothing short of extraordinary. They're building a legacy of compassion, culture, and connection. Thank you for everything you’ve done, and continue to do, for the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh.

The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh presented the Outstanding Community Group Award to the St. Joseph’s Kingsbridge Community for their dedication. Their passion and commitment serve as an inspiration to others, and we are proud to have them as part of our Township. 

Outstanding Individual Award

The Outstanding Individual Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the well-being of our community.

We are proud to honour Jim Van Osch—a true pillar of our community and the driving force behind the transformation of St. Joseph’s Church into the vibrant Kingsbridge Centre.

Since 2012, Jim has led with vision, skill, and heart—guiding the creation of a not-for-profit, securing charitable status, and overseeing the purchase of the building. From legal hurdles to event planning, he's done it all. His leadership, deep planning knowledge, and tireless volunteer work have been essential to Kingsbridge's success.

Thank you for your dedication, your perseverance, and for helping hold our community together.

Outstanding Community Group Award

The Outstanding Community Group Award recognizes a community group for its outstanding voluntary contribution to the well-being of the community. 

We would like to recognize the St. Helen’s Hall Board. In 2002, residents banded together to save the former Women’s Institute, which had fallen into disrepair. For the past 20 years, this dedicated group of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh citizens have worked hard to keep the hall updated, relevant, accessible, and affordable for community use. 

The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh presented the Outstanding Community Group Award to the St. Helen's Hall Board for their decades of dedication. Their passion and commitment serve as an inspiration to others, and we are proud to have them as part of our Township. 

_{Missing from the photo: Hannah Wheeler, Gavin Furness, Tom Blackwell, Mel Lyons and Ed Shetler}

Outstanding Individual Award

The Outstanding Individual Award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the well-being of our community.

We would like to recognize Lila Rintoul. A former resident of St Helen’s who has been instrumental in the community. Leading 4-H, President of the Women’s Institute, volunteering at the Seniors Dining Program and now serving on the St. Helen’s Hall Board. Even after moving to Blyth, she continues to volunteer her time, donate her delicious desserts, and encourages youth to get involved. 

The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh presented her with the Outstanding Individual Award. May this serve as a testament to her remarkable contributions and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.