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.