By Cecilia Nasmith

Cobourg

The Town of Cobourg is welcoming nominations for its 22nd annual Civic Awards to recognize outstanding volunteerism in the community.

New this year is the theme of Pay It Forward. As well, organizers are pleased to announce that past award recipient (and Cobourg-born journalist) Graham Beer will host the event. Beer is the founder and executive producer of Cobourg Media with a portfolio that includes interviews with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premiers Doug Ford and Kathleen Wynne, Olympians Clara Hughes and Hayley Wickenheiser and sportscaster Ron MacLean. He is also a great community supporter, having raised more than $100,000 for a variety of organizations.

There are two levels of award. The Major Awards are for those who have volunteered for at least five years and have varied volunteer experience. Distinguished Awards are for those who have volunteered a minimum of one year.

“Volunteers by their very nature do not seek the limelight. They are happy to work in the background, assisting organizations and individuals in need. They consider the greater good of others and are giving of their own time,” Mayor Lucas Cleveland said in the announcement.

“That is why our Civic Awards event is so important to me and, in my opinion, the town's feel-good event of the year.”

Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 21. Forms and award criteria can be found at www.Cobourg.ca/Civic-Awards

Presentation of the awards will take place at the Victoria Hall Concert Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 – during National Volunteer Week.

The committee extends thanks to local sponsors for their generous support, including Frank Bouwmans Cabinetry, Lakefront Utilities, Star-Metroland, RBC Wealth Management, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 233, the Lions Club of Cobourg, the Rotary Club of Cobourg and new sponsor Northumberland 89.7 FM.