The Order of Orillia will be awarded to four dedicated volunteers at a special award presentation at the meeting of Council on Monday, May 6, 2024.
The award acknowledges volunteers who have enhanced and inspired the community through a decade or more of hard work and dedication involving community service to improve Orillia and the surrounding area.
The Commemorative Awards Selection Panel selected Madeleine Fournier, James “Jim” Saunders, Fayne Bullen, and Richard “Rick” Purcell as recipients of the Order of Orillia for 2024.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the four recipients for their unwavering commitment to volunteerism in Orillia. The recipients have volunteered cumulatively for over 125 years and continue to serve the community,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Their passion and dedication are admirable and deeply enrich the lives of those in our community.”
Members of the public are invited to a reception on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.), followed by the award ceremony, which is planned for the beginning of the Council meeting at 2 p.m.
2024 Order of Orillia Recipients
Madeleine Fournier:
Madeleine Fournier is a passionate, hands-on volunteer who dedicates her time to various initiatives related to youth, the environment, and those experiencing homelessness. She has been a regular volunteer at the Emergency Weather Overnight Warming Centre and at the Orillia Youth Centre. Madeleine’s participation in “Ladies Skate Night” at the Orillia skatepark saw her sharing equipment and teaching young girls how to skateboard at a time when their normal routines and opportunities had vanished during the pandemic. Madeleine also spearheads the grassroots group Green Orillia, taking leading roles in campaigns for climate justice, democratic engagement, Indigenous rights, and local sustainable food systems.
James “Jim” Saunders:
Not one to seek recognition, James “Jim” Saunders inspires others to become involved in the community for its betterment. For 17 years, Jim served on the board of directors as treasurer of Hillcrest Lodge, working to ensure seniors had safe, secure, and affordable housing options available. Jim is one of the three longest serving board members and a testament to the success of the facility. He currently serves as treasurer on the board of directors at The Sharing Place Food Centre, helping to ensure that food security assistance is available to those who need it. Jim has also freely given his time serving with the Champlain Seniors Service Club, focusing on a school breakfast program and his role as club treasurer.
Fayne Bullen:
Fayne Bullen is widely known for his incredible community engagement as an educator, leader, historian, philanthropist, politician, activist, and builder. Fayne was a founding member of numerous local organizations including the Community Legal Clinic (board member for 42 years), the Orillia Community Non-Profit Housing Corporation (board member for 23 years), and The Sharing Place Food Centre, and continues to serve on many of these boards. For over 20 years, Fayne has been a board member for the St. James Court Non-Profit Apartments and served as its president. During his time with the Champlain Seniors Service Club, he initiated a school breakfast program. Fayne has also been a great supporter of the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation for over 25 years.
Richard “Rick” Purcell:
Richard “Rick” Purcell has been actively involved with many organizations and community groups in Orillia, including the Mariposa Folk Festival, Orillia Terriers Junior Hockey, and Orillia Legion Minor Baseball. He has served in a variety of positions on the executive of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 Orillia and is currently in his eighth year as president. Rick has been actively involved with 99 Lynx Air Cadets assisting with events and as chair of the sponsoring committee. He has served as a volunteer with the Air Cadet Movement for 50 years. For more than 20 years, Rick has been involved with the Orillia Scottish Festival. He was also the driving force behind the Geneva Bingo Hall being formed to the benefit of numerous charities in the area.
“The Commemorative Awards Selection Panel is pleased to recognize these four individuals who exemplify our community’s spirit, embodying dedication, compassion, and excellence. Congratulations to the 2024 Order of Orillia recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your invaluable service to our city,” said Chuck Penny, Chair of the Commemorative Awards Selection Panel.
Established in 2000, the Order of Orillia recognizes individuals and groups who dedicate their time and effort to bettering the community through volunteerism. The award is reserved for residents who have enriched the lives of others through a decade or more of service and who stand as shining examples in the community.
To learn more about the Order of Orillia and the Commemorative Awards Selection Panel, visit orillia.ca/OrderofOrillia.