Ontario Honours Nearly 5,000 Volunteers with 2026 Volunteer Service Awards
Ontario Volunteer Service Awards 2026 Honour Thousands for Community Impact
TORONTO — The Ontario government is recognizing nearly 5,000 volunteers across the province through the 2026 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, highlighting the impact of individuals who contribute their time and leadership to strengthen communities.
Administered by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, the annual program honours both youth and adult volunteers for their sustained service to organizations including non-profits, schools, hospitals, libraries, community centres and cultural institutions.
“The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards honour Ontarians who continue to show up for others through selfless, sustained service,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “We thank them for their commitment to helping others, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening community resilience across Ontario.”
Recognizing long-term service and youth leadership
Award recipients are acknowledged based on years of continuous volunteer service. Adult volunteers are recognized in five-year increments, while youth volunteers are honoured for two or more years of service.
This year’s recipients will be celebrated at approximately 30 local ceremonies taking place across Ontario. Honourees will receive personalized certificates and lapel pins as a formal recognition of their contributions.
According to the province, approximately 800 youth and 4,200 adult volunteers are being recognized in 2026, representing service across 1,276 organizations.
Broad impact across sectors
The Ontario government notes that award recipients have supported a wide range of community initiatives, including after-school programs, food security efforts and local community services. Many volunteers also serve in leadership roles, including as board members, fundraisers and organizers, while contributing to sectors such as arts, culture, heritage and recreation.
The awards program is the largest annual volunteer recognition initiative in the province.
Longstanding provincial recognition program
Since its launch in 1986, the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards program has recognized more than 260,800 volunteers. In 2025 alone, over 6,400 recipients were honoured through more than 45 ceremonies across the province.
The government continues to encourage Ontarians to nominate individuals for future recognition through the program’s official website.
The awards serve as a formal acknowledgment of the role volunteers play in supporting community well-being and resilience across Ontario.
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