Posted on: February 17th, 2023. By: Joseph Quigley, newmarkettoday.ca, Original Article.
Ontario celebration sector with Nonprofit Sector Appreciation Week
Newmarket and Aurora’s non-profit champions were celebrated as part of a Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week event Feb. 16.
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy hosted dozens of non-profit representatives at the Cachet Supper Club in Newmarket to recognize them for what they do in the community. The event was part of a week long provincial celebration of the sector.
Gallagher Murphy said the non-profit sector does incredible work.
“You are all professionals, and you truly are the invisible heroes and champions of our community,” she told the crowd.
Non-profit Sector Appreciation Week has run since 2021 when the provincial legislature enacted it as a way to recognize non-profits.
The MPP recognized more than 20 non-profit organizations on the evening, including organizations like Blue Door, the Newmarket African Carribbean Canadian Association, Royal Canadian Legion branches in Newmarket and Aurora and more.
Vesna Mitchell, resource development coordinator for the Newmarket Food Pantry, said it was a nice opportunity to meet and connect with other non-profits.
“I appreciate the acknowledgment,” she said. “Everyone works very hard, and I am very impressed with the community.”
She added that volunteering for an organization like this gives a sense of purpose.
“I go in every day knowing that every action I take has an impact and that it helps someone.”
CMHA York and South Simcoe vice president of finance and technology Riyaz Abdulrasul said the event was fantastic.
“It’s an opportunity to recognize all the volunteer organizations that operate in Newmarket-Aurora,” he said.
Newmarket Veterans’ Association’s Terrance Alderson said Newmarket does appreciate its volunteers.
“I’ve always said that when you volunteer, as a volunteer, you always get back more than you’re putting in to help other people.”
Gallagher Murphy said local non-profits never stopped working to help others amidst the pandemic and are the community heroes.
“You are making an enormous impact, and you’re inspiring others every single day.”