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2025 CAMBRIDGE & NORTH DUMFRIES COMMUNITY AWARDS

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY FEDORA MEDIA / 'WALKING DOWN IMPERIAL LANE' PROVIDED BY KRAJEWSKI GALLERY AND PICTURE FRAMING
Community Awards a nod to commitment

The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce celebrated the work of some outstanding individuals, not-for-profit organizations at
its 2025 Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Awards. The event, held in November at Hamilton Family Theatre, brought
together nearly 200 community leaders, volunteers, partners and supporters to honour the remarkable achievements of
those working to improve life in Cambridge and the surrounding area.
Community Collaboration Award Board Member of the Year Award
- Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario - Bob Irwin, Chair of Hashtag Hope
Collaboration is key for Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario as In 2024, Bob Irwin stepped into the role as interim board chair at
it strengthens its work in the community to ensure every person Hashtag Hope and has brought stability, wisdom, and personal
in the region is supported in their transition to a life free from dedication that ultimately saved this organization from closing
violence. It works closely with service providers in the field, its doors.
including the WRPS, OPP, and over 35 local referral agencies.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Community Leadership Award - Tara Ross (Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario)
- Wayne Paddick, Executive Director, Cambridge Shelter Corp. Making an impact is something Tara Ross has accomplished not
Wayne Paddick has been leading Cambridge Shelter Corp. for the only physically, but emotionally by sharing her own story with
past several years using the mantra ‘Change the Conversation’. others as a past recipient of its services which centre on helping
He and his team use positivity to change how critics view the women and children move away safely from abusive situations
unhoused and to shift how the community views this vulnerable
population. Organization of the Year - Under 10 Employees
- Food4Kids Waterloo Region
Community Impact People’s Choice Award Food4Kids Waterloo Region is committed to ensuring accessibility
- Cambridge Neighbourhood Table and inclusiveness as the group works towards eliminating
The Cambridge Neighbourhood Table (CNT) is committed to chronic hunger and food insecurity among children. Currently,
building strong community relationships. In 2024, CNT welcomed this organization supports thousands of children in 116 schools
more than 4,000 community members to a meal, including more across Waterloo Region.
than 1,100 children and youth.
Organization of the Year – 11 and over Employees
Arts and Culture Award - A. Decker Creations - Cambridge Food Bank
Artist Alana Decker of A. Decker Creations knows art is a powerful For 40 years, the Cambridge Food Bank has been a trusted
tool. Through the creation of her Art from the Heart processing anchor in the community, always standing beside people,
workshops in partnership with Rhythm & Blues Cambridge, she listening deeply, and responding with action that reflects both
has helped combine expressive art with movement, exploring compassion and courage.
Black identity, and communal care.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Mike Lawrie
Best Event of the Year Mike Lawrie spent 40 years supporting the medical needs of
- Emancipation Day Celebration (Rhythm & Blues Cambridge) thousands through his work as a family doctor in Cambridge
In only three years the Emancipation Day Celebration organized and became interim Chief of Staff at Cambridge Memorial for
by Rhythm & Blues Cambridge has not only raised the profile of several years and remains an enthusiastic ambassador for the
this organization as a cultural leader but has strengthened the CMH Foundation. He is also an award-winning Rotarian and
city’s own reputation as a hub for equity and inclusion. has assisted many organizations, including the Out of the Cold
Program which evolved into the Cambridge Shelter Corp.

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