QUEEN’S PARK – Tim Hudak, MPP for Niagara West-Glanbrook, joined Mayor of Pelham Dave Augustyn, Minister of Culture Aileen Caroll and Lt.-Gov. David Onley in honouring two Pelham residents who received Ontario Senior Achievement Awards on Friday during a ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

(From left) MPP Tim Hudak, Gail Hilyer, Marion Holman and Mayor of Pelham Dave Augustyn at the awards ceremony at Queen's Park.Gail Hilyer of Fonthill and Marion Holman of Fenwick were among only 26 seniors recognized province-wide at the ceremony, hosted by Lt.-Gov. Onley, for making outstanding contributions to their communities. Ontario Senior Achievement Awards are handed out each year to worthy recipients to recognize their wealth of knowledge and experience, and to acknowledge their commitment to remain active in their community.

“Of the 26 seniors recognized across the province this year, two were from Pelham – that’s a great accomplishment in itself,” Hudak said. “Gail and Marion are both shining examples of how years of dedicated service can really make a difference in the community.”

Gail Hilyer has been a volunteer at Pelham Cares for 10 years, and currently serves as their president. Pelham Cares assists their local community by providing transportation, emergency food, and other services to its residents that are not otherwise provided. Gail has also led fundraising programs and put in more than 2,000 volunteer hours with the St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy program. She is known as a booster for her community who always encourages others to get involved in making their town a better place.

Marion Holman is well known for her commitment to heritage preservation – a passion that has sent her across North America. In addition to working nearly 30 years with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, she recently helped with the heritage program at Ball’s Falls in Jordan. She is also a founding member of the Canadian Quilters Association and member of the Niagara Quilters Guild.