We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with our CHATS community — six of our incredible volunteers have been recognized with the prestigious Ontario Volunteer Service Award!

This provincial honour celebrates individuals who have demonstrated long-standing dedication and continuous years of volunteer service with a single organization. It’s a meaningful acknowledgment of the time, energy, and heart that these volunteers have invested in CHATS, and we couldn’t be prouder.

The nominations were submitted in November 2024, and on the evening of September 23, 2025, we had the pleasure of attending the award ceremony in Vaughan, where our volunteers were formally recognized for their outstanding contributions. It was an inspiring evening filled with stories of dedication, community spirit, and the powerful impact of volunteerism across Ontario.

Our Ontario Service Award Winners are:

Wai Yeung – A CHATS volunteer since 2001, Wai first joined as a member of our Board of Directors and later became a dedicated transportation volunteer, helping countless clients get where they need to go.

Pramod Bhatia – Since 2009, Pram has been a steady and compassionate presence, supporting both the Transportation and Meals on Wheels programs.

Doug Kilpatrick – A volunteer since 2001, Doug has played an important role in the Transportation team, driving clients to medical appointments and errands with care and reliability.

Ann Winacott – Since 2014, Ann has supported Transportation and now our Social & Wellness programs in Georgina.

Deborah Todoschuk – Since 2011, Deborah has brought warmth and energy to many programs! Most recently, with our Social & Wellness programs where she led a weekly coffee program, a book club and the weekly Community Lunch program. She retired in August 2025.

Marta Hauri – Volunteering since 1989, Marta gave decades of service through Meals on Wheels and Telephone Reassurance. She retired in May 2025 after nearly 40 years of service.

“On behalf of CHATS-Community & Home Assistance to Seniors, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the six incredible CHATS volunteers who were recently honored with the prestigious Ontario Volunteer Service Awards, presented by Minister Stephen Lecce and MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy. This recognition is a testament to your unwavering dedication and countless hours of service, and to the lasting impact you’ve made in our community. Your passion, commitment, and generosity inspire us all, and we are beyond proud to see your contributions acknowledged at such a meaningful level. Thank you for being the heart of our mission and for your dedication to seniors.“

Christina Bisanz, Chief Executive Officer 

To our award recipients: thank you for your unwavering commitment to CHATS and the seniors we serve. Your generosity, compassion, and service make a lasting difference every day — and now, your efforts have been rightfully recognized at the provincial level.

Let’s all take a moment to celebrate and thank these outstanding volunteers. Their recognition is a win for the entire CHATS community!