Mayor Watson presents Gavin Leishman with Senior of Year Certificate

Ottawa – Mayor Jim Watson, with Gloucester-South Nepean Ward Councillor Steve Desroches, on behalf of The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, today presented the 2012 Senior of the Year Certificate to Gavin Leishman. The commendation is awarded to those 65 or older who have made their community a better place to live.

Mr. Leishman volunteered at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital for two years and was President of the South Nepean Autism Centre for eight years. He has been volunteering with the Greater Nepean Chambers of Commerce for the past 18 years and now, as Past Chair, he continues to serve in volunteer roles. He won the Citizen Appreciation Award in 2011 and devotes all of his free time to the organization by volunteering seven days a week and has been a major part of the organization’s success and achievement.

A volunteer at the Nepean Museum for 10 consecutive years. Mr. Leishman served as President of the Board of Trustees. In addition to all of his selfless volunteer activities, he was also part-owner of the Pembroke Lumber Kings for nine years and part owner of the Nepean Raiders for two years. He has demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic and his vision to help others inspires those around him. His giving attitude makes every situation an opportunity for success.

The Ontario Senior of the Year Award gives each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding local Ontarian who, after the age of 65, has enriched the social, cultural or civic life of his or her community. Seniors who qualify for this award may have contributed in many different fields, such as the arts, literature, community service, voluntarism, education, fitness and sport or humanitarian activities.