Six Northumberland–Clarke residents whose volunteer work, generosity and commitment to their communities have touched thousands of lives were recognized Tuesday night with the 2026 Civic Awards presented by Northumberland–Clarke MP Philip Lawrence.
The awards ceremony, held September 29 at Lawrence’s constituency office on Elgin Street East in Cobourg, recognized individuals for contributions ranging from arts and culture and sports to volunteerism, civic engagement and helping those most vulnerable.
This year’s recipients were Margaret Hanlan and Susan Smith, Senior Civic Award; Jeff Halligan, Arts & Culture Civic Award; Wandlynn Tinney, Sports & Recreation Civic Award; Rose Wilton, Volunteer Civic Award; and Robert Hildebrand, Youth Civic Award.
While the recipients knew they had been selected, their names were kept confidential until the ceremony.
Margaret Hanlan and Susan Smith — Senior Civic Award
Hanlan and Smith were recognized for years of quiet, hands-on service to the community.
The two women have spent countless hours creating patchwork quilts that have been sold or auctioned to raise money for local charities. Their fundraising efforts generated more than $5,000 through last year’s silent auction alone.
Their generosity extends beyond fundraising.
Hanlan and Smith also knit baby caps and blankets for newborns in local hospitals.
Their work, organizers said, reflects an unwavering commitment to helping others and making a difference through countless hours of volunteer service.
Jeff Halligan — Arts & Culture Civic Award
Halligan was honoured for his commitment to ensuring local young people have opportunities to pursue the arts.
He currently serves as executive producer of VOS Theatre, a non-profit, volunteer-run theatre company that awards more than $7,000 each year to students who have contributed to the local arts community or plan to pursue the arts after high school.
Halligan also introduced a “pay what you can” program at VOS Theatre, helping remove financial barriers for people who otherwise might not be able to attend theatrical productions.
His contribution to the arts community doesn’t stop at the theatre.
Halligan regularly volunteers his digital expertise to other arts organizations and spends time in local schools helping establish audio-visual areas and projection systems.
His award recognizes not only his support of the arts, but his efforts to make those opportunities more accessible to the wider community.
Wandlynn Tinney — Sports & Recreation Civic Award
Tinney was recognized for her work organizing sports and recreational activities through Community Living and Respite for people living with disabilities.
Her efforts have included organizing softball, bowling, soccer, basketball, lawn bowling and skating.
For participants, the activities provided far more than exercise.
They created opportunities to meet people, develop friendships, become part of a community and experience the simple joy of taking part.
Tinney’s award recognizes the role she played in making recreation more inclusive and accessible.
Rose Wilton — Volunteer Civic Award
Wilton’s volunteer work grew out of a difficult experience that made her think about what life can be like for people living without basic necessities.
Following a multi-day power outage, Wilton began thinking about people living on the streets who may not have access to something as basic as hygiene products.
That experience led to the creation of Rose Quest, a charity dedicated to providing health and hygiene products to people who need them.
The organization distributes products through schools, shelters, social services and other community organizations.
The goal is simple — ensuring people have access to basic hygiene necessities and can maintain the dignity that comes with being clean.
Wilton was recognized for turning a personal realization into an ongoing effort to help people throughout the community.
Robert Hildebrand — Youth Civic Award
Hildebrand was honoured for his leadership and dedication as a member of the Northumberland 88 Corps.
He rose to become the highest-ranking cadet in the organization while navigating the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a teenager.
But his leadership wasn’t limited to his own advancement.
Hildebrand placed particular importance on the youngest cadets, viewing them as the lifeblood of the program and dedicating his time and energy to helping nurture the next generation.
He also became the public face of numerous community events while continuing to balance his cadet responsibilities with life as a young person.
His selection for the Youth Civic Award recognizes a young volunteer whose leadership has extended well beyond his own accomplishments.
The six recipients represent very different areas of community service, but their stories share a common thread — each chose to give their time, skills and energy to other people.
The 2026 Civic Awards recognize those contributions and the impact they continue to have across the Northumberland–Clarke community.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
