Senior of the Year Awards

To be eligible for a Senior Award, the senior must meet these criteria:

• Be 65 years or older
• Has contributed to the enrichment of the social, cultural or civic life of the Hamilton community
• Has made this commitment without thought of personal or financial gain
• Is not a previous recipient of the award
• Provided the special work or service during/ after the age of 65 (Lifetime Achievement Award excluded)
• Has resided within the City of Hamilton for at least five years prior to nomination
• Must be a current resident of the City of Hamilton
   

To be eligible for a Youth Supporting Seniors Award, the youth must meet these criteria:

• Be 15 to 24 years of age
• Has made this commitment without thought of personal or financial gain
• Provided the special work or service during/ after required hours for high school
• Have volunteered with seniors for a large amount of time with a charity, not-for-profit or person
• Is a role model for other young people and inspires them to volunteer
• Must be a current resident of the City of Hamilton

The COVID-19 Resilience Award recognizes a senior volunteer who has displayed character, courage and fortitude in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This volunteer’s inner strength enables them to remain positive in uncertain times, and who finds solutions to the challenges that threaten the functioning, survival and/or the social-emotional lifestyle of vulnerable populations, older adults, children, healthcare workers and first responders. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a senior volunteer who has demonstrated excellence in long-term service, commitment to the community and dedication to volunteerism.

The Leadership Award recognizes a senior volunteer who acts as a role model and inspires commitment from others to reach goals and accomplishments. This volunteer is passionate about serving others and demonstrates skills in service to both internal and external customers. This individual also possesses outstanding attributes, including strong communications skills, resourcefulness, creativity and reliability. This volunteer sets a high level of integrity by leading through example.

The Compassion and Companionship Award recognizes a senior volunteer who demonstrates fellowship and friendship through verbal and non-verbal behaviours. This volunteer actively listens to others demonstrating empathy and concern and is someone who advocates and supports the most vulnerable within the community.

The Innovation Award recognizes a senior volunteer who has been instrumental in the creation of new or different programs or services that have had a significant impact on the community and/or lives of seniors.

The Diversity and Cultural Award recognizes a senior volunteer who has assisted in the development of creative and effective programs to bring diverse cultures together. This volunteer helps to expand public recognitions and elevates awareness of common values including respect for all citizens.

The Economic Leadership Award recognizes a senior volunteer whose financial management, leadership, and/or fundraising efforts have contributed to the financial goals of an organization.

The Healthy and Active Living Award recognizes a senior volunteer who has assisted an organization to become and/or remain active or has been instrumental in implementing healthy lifestyle programming.

The Behind the Scenes Award recognizes a senior volunteer who is not highly visible but is always willing to assist where possible for the betterment of an organization and/or their community.

The Youth Supporting Seniors Award recognizes a youth volunteer who is a role model for other young people by dedicating a significant amount of time to helping seniors or to an organization who provides programs and/or services for seniors.