Honours and Awards
Ontario Volunteer Service Award
Nomination deadline is January 25
The Ontario Volunteer Service Award recognizes individual volunteers for continuous years of commitment and dedicated service to an organization.
Adults are recognized for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30+, 40+, 50+ and 60+ years of continuous service. Youth (under the age of 24) are recognized for two of more years of continuous service.
Nomination process
Who is eligible?
- Youth and adult volunteers who have:
- been active beyond simple membership in an organization that has been in existence for a minimum of five years
- not received payment for their volunteer work
- not performed the services as part of their regular business or professional duties.
How do I nominate someone?
Only organizations that have been in existence for at least five years can submit nominations for the Volunteer Service Award.
An organization may nominate up to six volunteers if nominating adults, or seven volunteers if at least one of the nominees is a youth.
Organizations with more than one branch can nominate up to six volunteers per branch – seven if nominating at least one youth.
- You can nominate online or download the form:
- PDF (print, complete and mail to the Secretariat)
- HTML (complete online, print and mail to the Secretariat)
When is the deadline?
The deadline is January 25 of each year. If January 25 falls on a weekend or holiday, nominations are accepted until 5:00 p.m. the following business day.
Nominations may be submitted at any time. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered for the following year.
How are recipients selected?
Nominations are checked to ensure criteria are met. The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration then sends a letter to the organization confirming that the nominations have been accepted.
How is the award presented?
The awards are presented at special ceremonies held across Ontario where recipients are presented with a stylized trillium service pin acknowledging their years of service. Recipients also receive a personalized certificate.
Each recipient is invited to bring one guest. Nominating organizations are also invited to bring two representatives to the award ceremony.
Refer to the nomination form to get more details about program requirements
Contact Us
Email: ontariohonoursandawards@ontario.ca
Phone: 416-314-7526
Toll-free: 1-877-832-8622
TTY: 416-327-2391
Mail: Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue, 4th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2R9
