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Ron Ayling - Exceptional Volunteer Appreciation Award

The roots Ron Ayling put down in the community more than 30 years ago have only continued to grow.

A professional forester by trade, Ron channeled that expertise by giving back to the Municipality as a loyal member of the Tree sub-committee and outside advisor to the Beautification Committee. He was instrumental in organizing the slate of Arbour Day activities each year. Ron was also an active board member of the Almonte Horticultural Society and always provides plants from his own garden for the society’s twice-annual plant sale fundraiser.

One of his crowning achievements is the citizen-led Almonte Alameda project on the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, a living legacy for the community. Ron was part of “the dream team,” helping to plan, plant, groom, water and financially support the initiative. His contributions assisted in raising more than $100,000 in private donations, involving hundreds of donors and 40 volunteers. Ron has built on those successes with subsequent Alameda expansion projects.

A man of many talents, Ron’s volunteerism has included everything from leading the local Boy Scouts and coaching soccer, to being an active member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and lending a hand with the Almonte and District High School breakfast program. He’s held many roles within the church, such as caretaker of cemetery operations and warden, as well as serving as the driving force behind their annual tortiere fundraiser.

Here is what Ron’s nominators had to say about the man they say bakes a mean tortiere:

  • “Always ready to lend a hand, that’s Ron! Ron’s nature is to be dedicated and committed to whatever he turns his hand to. We have been blessed to have him share his knowledge and enthusiasm about a subject he knows so well…how to honour, plant and nurture trees – both in our community and worldwide…Ron’s legacy to the future.”

  • For many, many years Ron assisted the Beautification Committee as we planned and carried out Arbour Week events – tree walks, tree talks, tree sales and tree planting. He was fun to work with, never complained, always had good ideas, and carried them out. Ron is well deserving of this award – especially now when we realize just how important trees are to our climate and our lives.”

  • “Ron was also a key driver of the Alameda expansion up Martin Street and in Pakenham. Simply put, when the call goes out for help, we can all count on Ron to pitch in in many ways. He is a shining example of what volunteerism is all about."

Congratulations, Ron – one of this year’s Exceptional Volunteer Appreciation Award recipients. Your efforts have planted a seed in our community from which we will continue to benefit for years to come.