2026 Community Awards Spotlight – Community Builder Mary Rozenberg

The Community Builder Award honours outstanding individuals whose long-term dedication has helped shape the well-being and spirit of Mississippi Mills. These individuals have shown leadership, vision and commitment to positive change. They inspire the rest of us to reach our potential and impact the community for the better.

Mary Rozenberg has a remarkable gift — the ability to bring people together around projects that strengthen community pride, remembrance, and belonging. Her leadership, compassion, and organizational skill have helped shape some of the most meaningful community initiatives in Mississippi Mills.

One of Mary’s most visible and impactful contributions is her leadership of the Mississippi Mills Community Poppy Project. As Project Coordinator, she helped transform a simple invitation to knitters and crocheters into a powerful, municipality‑wide act of remembrance. What began as a small idea has grown into a collaborative community art project involving hundreds of residents. In 2024, more than 300 people participated. In 2025, 105 new volunteers joined, contributing to the creation of more than 18,000 hand‑knitted and crocheted poppies displayed throughout Mississippi Mills.

These stunning installations became a moving, highly visible expression of gratitude to Canadian veterans and those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Their emotional impact was profound — for veterans, for families, and for the community as a whole. Mary’s coordination, patience, and steady leadership made it possible. She created an environment where volunteers felt welcomed, valued, and connected to the deeper purpose behind their work.

Mary is also a key part of the 8-person team that founded the new Honouring Our Veterans Banner Program, which pays tribute to local veterans who have served in various military roles over the years. These banners have quickly become cherished symbols of remembrance and respect across our community. She has been involved in all steps of the process from promoting the program, working with the supplier and installing on the street.

Her commitment to service extends far beyond these initiatives. Mary has been a dedicated volunteer for decades:

• Personal Disaster Assistance Responder for the Canadian Red Cross (Ottawa & Lanark County), 2011–2021
• Disaster Management Instructor‑Facilitator with the Canadian Red Cross, 2012–2021
• Volunteer mentor with the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Mentorship Program, 2007–2014
• Volunteer Forum Facilitator with the Lanark County Community Justice Program, 2012–2021
• Member of the Local Immigration Partnership Council – Lanark County, 2014–2020

Through every role, Mary has demonstrated empathy, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Here’s what Mary’s nominators had to say about her:

“Mary is a true testament to the meaning of community builder.  She sets an inspirational example for how she selflessly contributes to the betterment of the community every day. I want to recognize Mary for her compassion and commitment to helping people in their times of need including her work with the Canadian Red Cross and Local Immigration Partnership Council.”    

“Mary’s love for the Mississippi Mills Community Poppy Project was infectious and although it was a monumental task, Mary always carried on with a calm and positive demeanor, building a rapport with the volunteers, grounded in respect and gratitude to our veterans and service members.”

“Mary has made an indelible contribution to our community. Through her efforts and vision, she re-inspired respect and gratitude for our veterans and service members across all generations. The beauty of the poppy installations and the gravity of the veterans’ banners are wonderful, meaningful additions to our community. Thank you Mary, for all you’ve inspired with your monumental community building efforts!”

Congratulations, Mary!