Ontario Recognizes Amherstburg Group as Outstanding Volunteers

June Callwood Award honours remarkable contributions from across the province

The Ontario government is celebrating 15 remarkable individuals and four organizations including The Windsor Essex Bike Community, with the 2025 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism (JCOAAV). This year’s recipients have dedicated their time to a range of community causes including youth advocacy, health care and mental health, the arts, environmental sustainability, and work with vulnerable populations.

“Volunteers are essential to protecting Ontario and building stronger communities. This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond, and we are deeply grateful for their service to make Ontario a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” – Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

All of the 2025 award recipients have demonstrated remarkable commitment to driving positive change and protecting communities across Ontario. During local ceremonies, held across the province, recipients will receive an award statue and a certificate signed by the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

Windsor Essex Bike Community of Amherstburg (WEBC) was established in 2022, the Windsor Essex Bike Community has transformed Windsor-Essex County through volunteerism and grassroots leadership. With over 5,000 volunteer hours and $150,000 raised, WEBC built an 8 km mountain bike trail and launched a youth program—enhancing recreation, boosting the local economy, and fostering a more connected, inclusive community.

Named in honour of the late author, social activist, and journalist June Callwood, this award recognizes up to 25 individual volunteers, volunteer organizations and volunteer administrators for their outstanding leadership, innovation and contributions. More information on eligibility and how to nominate an individual or group is available online.

Quick Facts

• Anyone can submit a nomination for the JCOAAV. Since 2002, 414 individuals and groups have received the JCOAAV.
• Applications for the JCOAAV close on December 5 each year.
• The late June Callwood was a distinguished Canadian journalist, author, social activist, and an appointee to the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. Throughout her life, she established and co-established over fifty Canadian social action organizations.
• The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism fosters an equitable Ontario and a sense of belonging by promoting citizen engagement and unity. In 2024, over 50 recognition ceremonies celebrated the achievements of more than 7,200 recipients who make the province a better place to live.