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Volunteers cheered for their community spirit by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 3 | Wednesday, June 18, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Twenty-four Oakville volunteers were honoured last week for making the community a better place in which to live. The 13th annual Community Spirit Awards, held at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC), drew more than 160 people, who saluted Oakville residents and businesses for their contributions. Of the 24 nominees, nine were recipients of this year's awards, which were handed out in eight categories -- access, arts, environmental, group volunteer, heritage and history, individual volunteer, seniors and youths. "With volunteers like Oakville has, we will always be the best place to live. You are the reason we can claim that. It's the spirit of Oakville that makes us special and you are that spirit," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. The Youth Award, which recognizes an individual or group, aged 18 years or younger, who improved the quality of life locally, went to Children in Action (CIA). The Oakville youth group was co-founded in 2012 by brothers Vishal, 13, and Ishan Vijay, 12, along with three neighbours -- Kyra Gambell, Jaynika Shah and Ryan Wong. The youths support social justice issues affecting children at home and abroad including hunger, lack of education and clean water. The 13th annual Community Spirit Awards recognized local volunteers, including: back row, from left, Adam Spencer, Steven Firth, Des Armstrong, Lyn Mackreal, Ruth Johnston, Debbie Mackenzie and Paul Doherty; front row, from left, Nardine Flaro, Goretti Lourenco, Susan Forde, Mayor Rob Burton, Patricia Decker, and Philip Brimacombe. Seated, clockwise from left, Roshan Vijay, Vishal Vijay, Ishan Vijay and Eric Morden. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) "I really didn't feel like we were getting the award, I felt the award was celebrating youth as a whole (who) make a difference. It's not just a few of us in the group, there are 23 active members," said Vishal. He said it is the "youths' passion for wanting to make a difference" that garnered the award, noting their involvement in various activities like bake sales, food drives and the Chalk It Up! and Skate-a-thon fundraisers. "All of us have this common desire for change. We all feel it's a huge part of the wholesome, rounded life. You have academics, sports and music, but then a huge pillar of being a well-rounded person is social change, making a difference and wanting to volunteer," said Vishal. Retired teacher and current Oakville Historical Society (OHS) board of director Philip Brimacombe took home the Heritage and History Award for his efforts to preserve and honour Oakville's natural, built and cultural heritage. Brimacombe hosts historical tours and presentations and is currently compiling albums related to Oakville's and Bronte's marine history. "It makes us feel very, very good in the terms of the membership of the historical society, especially the volunteers. We have about 200 members and a high percentage of those members are volunteers," said Brimacombe, a 25-year OHS volunteer. Brimacombe, who taught at E.J. James Public School for 36 years, attributes the accolade to the people he works with. "The greatest reward is helping people understand their community. It makes one feel, as a volunteer, more positive about what a terrific community Oakville is," said Brimasee Award on p.14 New Patients Welcome! 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