Celebrating the 2026 Volunteer Awards
On April 22, 2026, Perley Health celebrated the vital contributions of more than 400 volunteers during its Annual Volunteer Dinner and Awards Celebration. Held during National Volunteer Week, the event recognized the International Year of the Volunteers 2026.
The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, joined the event to share remarks and help present the 2026 awards. Heather Moxley received the Advocacy Award for championing the personal values of new residents. The Volunteer Team Award went to the Horticultural Therapy Volunteers for their many contributions within Perley Health and Margie Clark was named Volunteer of the Year. During the week, Prashanti Mohan, a student volunteer who supports the Perley Health Centre of Excellence, received the Student Volunteer Award from Advantage Ontario.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks for the time, energy, and heart you bring to your volunteer work,” wrote Rachel Stoparczyk, Manager, Support Services. “Whether you are organizing, visiting, serving, or supporting activities, your commitment is invaluable. Your spirit ignites a true sense of community at Perley Health!”
The evening began with a musical performance from the Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts staff, and dinner featured a Greek-inspired menu served by Perley Staff, a gesture of thanks.
A special presentation recognized Long Service Pins, including Beverly Edgecombe for 30 years of service, and other five, 10, and 15-year recipients. The event also highlighted community support with a $35,000 cheque presentation from the Deborah's Gift Boutique Management Team to the Perley Health Foundation.
Volunteers continue to help drive Perley Health's mission. In 2025, more than 400 volunteers contributed a record 38,573 hours, including more than 1,900 hours from new volunteers supporting the Centre of Excellence and the Adult Day Program.
List of winners and service pin recipients
Advocacy Award
The Advocacy Award is presented to a volunteer who goes above and beyond their regular volunteer duties to advocate for, serve on behalf, or speak on behalf of Perley Health residents. The 2026 winner is...
Heather Moxley
Heather Moxley wears many hats as a Perley Health volunteer. In terms of advocacy, Heather's nominator focused on her support for new long-term care residents, through the Family Transition program. It was noted that Heather “takes the time to truly learn each resident's story, needs, and preferences” then shares these, as soon as possible, with the therapeutic recreation team. “Her wealth of knowledge, calmness and welcoming presence make the transition process smoother and more meaningful for the resident and their families.” Heather maintains connections with these new residents and continues to advocate for them, as needed.
Volunteer Team Award
The Volunteer Team Award recognizes a group of volunteers who provide service and assistance in an exceptional way that integrates volunteers with residents, staff and families. The 2026 winner is...
Horticultural Therapy Team
The Horticultural Therapy Team cares for and connects people with our natural environment.
Congratulations to: Tricia Cox, Mary Joy, Jocelyn Niven, Juliana Adema, Oliver Last, Mitty Bann, Christine Besnard, and all 15 members of the Ottawa Garden Club
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual who exemplifies Perley Health's core values and is a model for the spirit of volunteerism. The 2026 winner is...
Margie Clark
Margie Clark is recognized for her tireless dedication to serve and support all who are living and working in the Gatineau Residence. Her compassion, consistency, and commitment have been recognized by many staff and family members who have nominated her for this award each of the past four years.
30 years
Beverly Edgecombe was honoured for 30 years of volunteering at Perley Health! When Bev joined the team in April of 1996, the paint was probably still drying on the walls of this brand-new building. She is a former home economics teacher, a military wife, a dedicated mother and an incredible grandmother. She will proudly tell you that her five grandchildren all grew up at Perley Health. And indeed, they each visited often, creating special memories with our Seniors & Veterans, especially in the Creative Arts Studios.
Today, Bev continues to volunteer two full days per week in the Rideau Veterans Residence, where she serves breakfast & lunch, offers meaningful visits and supports many activities. More recently, she's even added her voice to the Perley Choir.
Bev is truly a rock star! Thank you so much for 30 years and more than 9,000 hours of extraordinary volunteer service. We are so grateful for you.
15 years
Sharon Duby
- Sharon joined Perley Health in September of 2010
- Throughout her 15 years, she has been an integral part of the gift boutique team.
- Sharon also volunteered with Thursday Bingo and Sunday mass, for ten years each
Moira Moriarity
- Recognized for sharing her joyful spirit with us for over 15 years of volunteering, primarily in the Creative Arts Studios.
Bob Paradis
- "Bob the Builder" has been hard at work in the Perley woodshop since July of 2010.
- This past October, Bob received one of Canada's highest honours for volunteer service: The Sovereign's Medal, recognizing a combined 24 years with Perley Health and the Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre
10 years
- Bob Barron
- Marie Gauthier
- Patrick Griffith
- Jesse Morpaw
- Heather Moxley
5 years
- Chloe Allaham
- Debbie Cameron-Jones
- Wanda Kowalski
- Wendy Nicklin
- Grant Pearson
Student Volunteer Award from Advantage Ontario
Prashanti Mohan, a student volunteer who supports the Perley Health Centre of Excellence, received the Student Volunteer Award from Advantage Ontario
On April 22nd, 2026, our community celebrated the amazing volunteers who support the residents on so many levels here at Perley Health. Margie Clark, pictured above, received the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award.