An age-friendly community is one that promotes active ageing by ensuring policies, programs, services and spaces are designed to support and enable older adults to remain safe, enjoy good health, stay connected and fully participate in all aspects of community life.

The Town of Ajax is now accepting applications from individuals interested in joining the Age-Friendly Ajax Steering Committee. The committee will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the Age-Friendly Ajax Community Plan.

Recreation program volunteers assist in weekly recreation programs and summer camps. Volunteers interested in summer camp opportunities will be required to attend a special training workshop held in June.

IMPACT Ajax volunteers:

• Deliver Town of Ajax festivals and events (e.g. Canada Day, Pumpkinville, Winterfest, Santa Claus Parade, New Year’s Eve, etc.);
• Deliver neighbourhood events and activities (e.g. BBQs, picnics, park clean-ups, etc.);
• Help Ajax-serving not-for-profit organizations provide deliver community activities and programs.

Volunteers assist as ticket takers, ushers, selling snacks and beverages, bartender, etc.

• Volunteer requirements:
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older;
• A Smart Serve certificate is required for volunteer bartenders

Inclusion volunteers work one-on-one with an individual with special needs in a recreation program (e.g. weekly program or summer camp). Volunteer requirements:

• Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older;
• Knowledge of physical barriers, behavioural and developmental disabilities, and visual / hearing impairments is an asset

An opportunity for small volunteer eco teams to meet in a COVID-friendly way at various parks and trails throughout Ajax to beautify the Town via community clean-ups. Proper training and PPE for litter collection and sorting will be provided.

His long-standing service on the Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee reflects deep expertise, thoughtful engagement, and a genuine passion for creating a community where residents of all abilities can thrive. He has played a key role in shaping the Town’s multi-year accessibility plan, the e-mobility etiquette campaign, and National Access-Ability Week programming.

Ray is also a strong advocate for digital equity. Through the Age-Friendly Ajax Steering Committee, he championed e-reader accessible documents and the addition of QR codes to the 55+ Recreation Guide to improve access to assistive resources. His constructive feedback on municipal and library website usability, and his advocacy for equitable transit for seniors and people with disabilities, has directly enhanced community accessibility.

Ray continuously uplifts others by supporting award nominations and encouraging collaboration among committee members. His communications, grounded in empathy, integrity, and encouragement, demonstrate true civic leadership.

Going far beyond the expected expectations of his high school community service hours, Evan has demonstrated a genuine commitment to our community.

As a former player with strong family ties to the Ajax Soccer Club, Evan saw a chance to give back by playing a key role in helping rebuild the organization as it was facing challenges. With maturity and courage, he stood against injustices and racism within his team and contributed to restructuring the entire house league program.

Evan has also directed his energy toward sustainability and intergenerational connection by repurposing fallen trees and trunks into beautifully crafted tables and benches for local residents. Adding personal touches that reflect care and artistry, he has built meaningful relationships with seniors while creating sustainable pieces they can cherish.

From coordinating memorable group trips, both locally and internationally, to planning the clubs’ most anticipated annual events, Shirlie’s desire to ensure that the people she volunteers for feel welcomed, included and uplifted, is definitely apparent. She also strives to ensure that club members are enriched through the trips she arranges, whether they be theatre productions, concerts, or visits to art galleries or historic sites. And she always ensures that everything she plans is focused on accessibility, comfort, and a has a sense of adventure.

Through her leadership, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to others, Shirlie has inspired and encouraged countless seniors to stay active, engaged, and connected. She is an exceptional community builder whose dedication, creativity, and countless volunteer hours, make her deserving of the Senior of the Year Award.

This included coordinating insightful monthly speakers for the Probus Club of Ajax, for which he was later elected Vice President, and supporting vulnerable residents through his volunteer work with organizations such as Feed the Need Durham and Joanne’s House.

In 2023, Julien joined the Age-Friendly Ajax Steering Committee and was elected Chair the following year, leading with passion and vision.

Julien’s distinguished career as a photojournalist shaped much of his community involvement. Having captured iconic moments in history, from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup win to the Montreal and Calgary Olympics, and the John Lennon and Yoko Ono “bed-in”, he generously shared his expertise by judging the Town’s annual 55+ Photography Contest. He was often seen at community events with his camera, capturing images that reflected the spirit, connection, and vibrancy of Ajax.

Julien’s lasting legacy of service, leadership, and compassion continues to inspire others, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honour.

Greg has created a dynamic, inclusive space where artists can thrive, audiences can engage through open mic participation and thoughtful dialogue, and Black culture is celebrated in its depth and complexity. His dedication ensures that Black literary artists, who often face limited opportunities, have meaningful access to audiences within the Durham Region.

Greg’s commitment to collaboration, cultural awareness, and community building has made BlackLit Durham a cornerstone of artistic expression in Ajax, and his continued efforts to expand its reach highlight his passion and make him a truly deserving recipient of the Arts & Culture Award.

As the owner of The Hemp Spot and a strong supporter of small businesses, Jacob championed the continuation of the Ajax Markets this year, recognizing the need for residents to shop local, while connecting with neighbours and supporting small vendors. Engaging and attracting a number of small businesses with a diverse range of products to sell, his efforts fostered grassroots economic growth, inclusion, and community spirit.

Jacob’s strong commitment to civic engagement through the Ajax Markets resulted in a series of community events that engaged many community members in Ajax.

Nelson, a blind senior, demonstrates resilience, generosity, and unwavering positivity at the Ajax Community Centre, where he begins each morning with exercise, making him a beloved and inspiring figure.

What truly sets Nelson apart is the way he uplifts everyone around him, through his warm conversations, humor, and thoughtful gestures like treating friends to coffee after workouts, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Nelson naturally brings people together, helping older adults and newcomers alike feel connected and valued.

Though he holds no formal volunteer title, Nelson embodies the spirit of volunteerism through consistent, meaningful good deeds. His kindness combats isolation, builds community, and encourages others to participate more fully in life.

Nelson’s quiet leadership, resilience, and everyday generosity make him deserving of the Good Deed Award.

Her consistent, compassionate support has built a deeply trusting relationship with the individual she assists, helping foster confidence, independence, and meaningful personal growth.

Faye’s approach embodies true accessibility, listening patiently, adapting to unique needs, and communicating with empathy and respect. Whether participating in activities or helping develop life and social skills, she creates an environment where the person she supports feels valued, included, and empowered.

Faye’s unwavering commitment and kindness guides the support she provides, which celebrates progress and provides steady and dignified encouragement.

Her volunteer impact is transformative, making her an exceptional candidate for this award.

Through his work at Ajax High School and its feeder schools, he has consistently shown a deep commitment to empowering youth and fostering their personal and academic growth.

His leadership in initiatives such as the Tallawah Youth Conference, The Cipher: Black Male Empowerment, and the Town of Ajax Youth Hub demonstrates his dedication to creating supportive, inclusive spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and motivated.

As a Youth Liaison Worker, J’Mone provides mentorship that is both relatable and transformative, helping students navigate personal challenges, encouraging new perspectives, and guiding them toward positive choices. As a Black educator and role model, he recognizes the powerful influence he holds particularly for young Black males and uses it to inspire confidence, community, and purpose.

J’Mone’s unwavering commitment to youth makes him truly deserving of the Education Award.

Tim’s philosophy of “We Can Achieve, We Can Inspire,” is reflected in every aspect of the organization.

Under his vision, every tool in the candle-making process has been adapted for full accessibility, empowering all artisans to perform every task with confidence, and Tim highlights the personal stories and talents of each team member, fostering dignity, visibility, and community connection.

Beyond candle making, Tim ensures employees gain broader skills, whether doing sales at the Ajax Market, to social media training, all expanding their confidence and future opportunities.

Tim’s dedication to community and employment inclusion, makes him profoundly deserving of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Beyond program delivery, she is a tireless advocate. As a long-standing member of the Age-Friendly Ajax Steering Committee and a newly appointed member of the Lakeridge Health Board, she works to strengthen transportation, housing, and health services for older adults.

Her leadership in organizing community forums on accessible transportation, providing education and support for seniors particularly in the Black community, and her efforts toward developing supportive housing demonstrate her deep, lasting impact. Cerita’s vision, advocacy, and compassion, truly embody the spirit of the Senior Support Award making her a deserving award recipient.

As an Ambassador for the organization, she plays a vital role in building meaningful connections with diverse cultural, linguistic, and faith communities, ensuring that dementia services are truly inclusive and accessible. Her ability to share lived experiences and foster trust helps families feel seen, supported, and understood

In addition to volunteering in programs, Sabiha is a Public Education volunteer, raising awareness at community events, delivering hands-on learning through the Virtual Dementia Tour, and helping the public better understand the realities of dementia. Through her work as a Support Group Co-Facilitator, she also creates a safe, welcoming space for women and care-partners to connect.

This past year, the Committee transformed historical research into two new immersive storytelling experiences – the Friends Cemetery Tour and the Audley Spirit Walk – that helped to deepen the public’s understanding of the Town’s roots.

For the Friends Cemetery Tour, Committee members conducted extensive archival research to uncover the stories of Ajax’s earliest Quaker settlers and crafted compelling scripts that connected participants to the values and experiences that shaped the community

Their work on the Audley Spirit Walk similarly revived the history of the former village of Audley, introducing residents to influential figures whose contributions once defined the town’s early identity.

The Heritage Advisory Committee’s dedication, creativity, and rigorous research have strengthened community pride, preserved important local narratives, and ensured Ajax’s heritage is celebrated for generations to come, making them the deserving recipients for the Heritage Award.