The Municipality of Brighton hosted their annual Volunteer Recognition Event on Thursday, May 1 at the Owen Gibb Community Hall. This event provided an opportunity for council members, staff, and community volunteers to gather, celebrate service, and recognize those who selflessly share their time.
The special occasion honoured sixteen citizens, fifteen of whom received the Spirit of Service Award for their diverse volunteerism in the community, and one recipient was awarded the prestigious Brighton Community Service Excellence Award.
2025 Spirit of Service Award Recipients:
Debbie Bradley
Brian Brose
David Crouch
Mel & Jeremy Dean
Brian Hollingsworth
Rose Massey
Kathy & George McCormack
Richard Robb
Mary Robertson
Des Rodrigues
Erv & June Ulmer
Linda Wallis
Wayne Jefferson was the recipient of the Brighton Community Service Excellence Award for his unwavering dedication to the Brighton community. Since moving to Brighton, Wayne has become involved in many organizations in our community, including the Brighton Garden Club, where he is often seen pulling weeds and planting in many of Brighton’s gardens, and the Brighton Downtown Business Improvement Area, where he serves as the board’s treasurer. Wayne has spent countless hours beautifying the downtown core and ensuring Brighton is a pleasant place to visit year-round.
“Wayne Jefferson is the embodiment of selfless service and dedication to our community.” said Mayor Brian Ostrander. “His tireless work with the Downtown Business Improvement Area, from organizing Light Up Brighton during the Christmas season to ensuring our downtown blooms with beautiful flowers, reflects his commitment to enhancing the vibrancy of our town. Wayne prefers to work quietly in the background, organizing things for the community and I know he’s been caught weeding the cracks in the sidewalk. His impact is profoundly felt, and we are incredibly fortunate to have someone of his caliber contributing so much to Brighton.”
The Brighton Community Service Excellence Award honours individuals who have made a significant impact in our municipality and its members. Past recipients include Ralph De Jong, and Craig Kerr.