The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

‘3 By David Lea g METROLAND wssr MEDIA GROUP 2 A Milton woman has been recognized for her __selfless work for others with the 2015 Com- munity Volunteer Award during a recent meeting of the Halton Regional Police Ser- vices Board. Kathleen Cox, who volunteers her time with the Halton police Victim Services Unit, was 5 singled out not only for contributing more than 150 volunteer hours this year alone, but for her dedication to the victims in the Halton 0 community and her leadership abilities with 3 her fellow volunteers. E The Victim Services Unit is comprised of I trained volunteers who provide emotional ‘Eâ€"support and community referrals to victims 8 of crime and tragedy throughout Halton. g'The group is equipped to respond to crisis fi situations and is available 24 hours a day, sev- g en days a week when requested by a Halton g police officer. _ '- ”Day or night she provided compassion and i care to victims of crime and trauma in the re- gion of Halton,“ Kimberley Clark. administraâ€" tor of theVlctim Services Unit, said during the police board presentation. "Individuals and families torn apart by trag- edy such as traffic fatalities, sudden death or Woman recognized for her work helping victims 0f crime suicide as well as those adversely impacted by crime such as homicide, human traffick- ing. domestic violence and sexual assault are justSome ofthe calls Kathleen has responded to within the last year. Leading by example, she gives of herself, not because she is paid, but because she believes that what she does makes a difference in her community.” Volunteer award recipient Kathleen Cox. centre, is flanked by, from left, Halton Police Chief Ste- phen Tanner, Victim Services Unit Administrator Kimberley Clark, Halton Police Deputy Chief Bob Percy and Halton Regional Police Services Board Chair and Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. Clark went on to note that Victim Services volunteers like Cox are aware they can’t change what has happened to a victim of violent crime, however, they also understand they can help positively influence their envi- ronment going forward. ”We’ve received considerable feedback from fellow officers and victims we have served about the impact of Kathleen’s warmth and compassion," said Clark. 'They may not always remember what she said, but they always remembered how she made them feel. Crime and tragedy can of- ten leave individuals alone, confused, scared. disconnected and feeling hopeless about the future. The kindness of a stranger, such as Kathleen Cox, has often helped to restore faith in their community and ensure they re- main connected to healthy and appropriate support structures." Clark said Cox has been an inspiration to her fellow volunteers, providing guidance and support to those with less experience. She has also assisted with volunteer training. Cox said she was humbled to receive an award for her work. 'I accept this on behalf of all our volunteers, not just myself. I think going to a stranger’s home and providing a little bit of kindness and help and support is a great thing to do in our community," she said. ”There are many people in need." Volunteer Halton organized the 2015 Com- munity Volunteer Awards. A branch of the nonâ€"profit agency Community Development Halton, Volunteer Halton sup- ports non-profit agencies with training, con- sulting and the promotion of volunteerism.