Town of Shelburne presents Community Excellence Awards

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Shelburne Town council started their April 26 meeting recognizing six deserving community members, with the presentation of the Community Excellence Awards. 

Bella Carter was a recipient of the night, receiving her award for her work in supporting and volunteering at numerous community events including the Street Festival, Canada Day, and the Easter Egg Hunt.

She was also recognized for her initiatives to connect the community, creating inclusiveness with her interfaith dinner gatherings and becoming a member of the anti-racism task force.

Carter has recently become the co-founder of the Shelburne Welcome, a feed-off of the Welcome Wagon initiative, which welcomes new residents. 

Tyrell Harris, a 16 year-old entrepreneur, was recognized for developing and producing his own clothing line, OOFII. Launching the line in February of 2020, Harris has seen sales in four countries outside of Canada and the US. Notable celebrities have purchased items from his collection which includes masks, hats, headbands, water bottles, sweaters, and t-shirts. 

Shelburne Family Chiropractic owners Alexandra and Richard Magder received their award for being exemplary community ambassadors who have donated time, money, and resources in fundraising within the Town. A shortlist of Alexandra's work consists of the Shelburne Splash Pad, Rotary, Shoes4Shelburne, the Polar Plunge, and the Torch Run. 

Imam Yehya Soliman, was recognized for his involvement in supporting a number of community initiatives such as the local food bank. The founder and leader of Muslims of Dufferin, Soliman has worked to support families and residents in need within the community. 

Long standing community member Mike Mackley, was nominated for the Community Excellence Award by Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson. He was rewarded for his years of supporting community initiatives with his time and resources which was described as being impactful and warmly received. 

The final recipient of the night was Patricia Crawley, who was acknowledge for her above and beyond work, assisting seniors 80 years and older in registering for a vaccine during the rollout. All the seniors who Crawley helped register have recently been vaccinated. 

The recipients of the Community Excellence Awards will receive a certificate and medal.