The Mayor’s Honour List was established by the late Mayor Marceil Saddy in 1981 to honour citizens and groups in the community or surrounding area who have been instrumental in improving the quality of life or making a significant contribution to the City of Sarnia and Lambton County. Helen Keller said it best, “alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
The Mayor’s Honour List is a heartfelt tribute to the unsung people and groups who strive to make a difference and create a just and good community and society. Recipients are not self-nominated; instead, they are unknowingly identified for their significant contributions through the Mayor’s personal observations, citizen nominations, and media stories throughout the year.
This highly personal list showcases the impactful efforts of individuals and groups, proving that everyone has the potential to make a difference. Those who embrace this potential and actively contribute to the community should be celebrated.
A formal reception to honour the 2024 recipients will be held in early 2025.
2024 Recipients
Please continue reading to learn more about the 2024 recipients.
BGC Sarnia-Lambton (Boy’s and Girls Club)
The BGC Sarnia-Lambton has shown steadfast dedication to the youth of the community, achieving remarkable results with very limited resources. Since 1971, the club has provided a safe and nurturing environment, fostering personal wellness, strong life skills, and positive use of leisure time. Despite financial constraints, their programs have empowered countless young people, helping them overcome barriers and build positive relationships. The dedication of the staff, volunteers, and supporters has made a significant and lasting impact, shaping the future of our youth and ensuring they grow up to be healthy, successful, and active members of society.
Brooke Reiger and Amisha Duggal
Brooke Reiger and Amisha Duggal, both 10 years old, have been dedicated to giving back to their community for over two years, inspiring other kids to do the same.
In June 2022, they held a charity garage sale for the Inn of the Good Shepherd, raising $4,200 with the help of a matching donation from Suncor. They repeated their success in June 2024, raising $4,800 for the Southwestern Ontario Walk for Parkinson’s through another garage sale and silent auction. In September 2023 the girls raised an additional $500 for the Walk for Parkinson’s. They also donated 60 Halloween baskets to Bare Necessities Little Lunches in October 2024 and provided toys and snacks for Christmas.
Brooke’s hard work was recognized with a one-day Sarnia Sting “player contract,” and Scotiabank donated $1,000 in her honor. Amisha has donated books, stuffed animals, and Halloween costumes to local schools. Both girls are currently working on the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child project and planning another charity garage sale for summer 2025. These young leaders have shown that age is no barrier to making a difference. Their actions speak volumes about their character, compassion, and commitment to creating a better world.
Brother Al Verstraaten (posthumously)
Brother Al’s exceptional accomplishments have left a lasting impact on the Sarnia-Lambton community. As the founder of the Big Brother agency in 1967 and Big Sisters in 1972, he established a program offering crucial support to children to benefit from one-to-one mentoring relationships, often for children coming from single-parent, low-income households. His dedication has profoundly impacted countless lives, as evidenced by stories such as the young man who, thanks to his Big Brother, became the first in his family to graduate from high school and college, and another who pursued a post-doctoral degree at Oxford. Brother Al’s unwavering commitment to mentoring and supporting youth has not only transformed individual lives but has also strengthened the entire community. His legacy of service and mentorship is a testament to a life well-lived, and his influence continues to inspire all who have been touched by his work, not only through Big Brothers and Big Sisters, but also through his kindness and dedication to others, offered in numerous other volunteer efforts.
Catriona Henderson
Catriona Henderson is the first woman to lead the St. Andrew’s Society of Petrolia in its 152-year history. The society celebrates Scotland’s patron saint with music, food, and fellowship, and under her leadership, it honors Scottish heritage while embracing progress and inclusivity. Since moving to Canada from Scotland in 1986 she has been deeply involved in promoting Scottish Culture through her family and community activities.
Catriona is also the Chair of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 in Sarnia and leads the Annual Poppy Campaign. The Poppy Campaign is a significant initiative aiming to honor and remember those who served and sacrificed for Canada, while raising funds to support veterans and their families in need. Through this campaign and in many other ways Catriona has contributed greatly to the success of the Legion. Her role is crucial in fostering community participation and remembrance
Cyndi Rayson
At just 14 years old, Cyndi Rayson has taken on a vital role in the Shoebox Project in Sarnia, a local initiative that provides shoeboxes filled with personal items and small luxuries to homeless and at-risk women. The project, started by her sister Annabelle Rayson at the age of 12, was inspired by meeting MPP Caroline Mulroney, co-founder of the national Shoebox Project.
Since its inception, the Sarnia Shoebox Project has delivered over 5,000 shoeboxes to local agencies supporting women. These boxes, typically including items like new gloves, warm socks, chocolate, and personal hygiene products, are distributed during the holidays and on International Women’s Day to bring joy and a sense of dignity to women in need.
With the assistance of family, Cyndi is a driving force in organizing and assembling these shoeboxes. Her dedication ensures that the community’s most vulnerable women receive these thoughtful gifts.
Greg Robbins
Greg Robbins has dedicated an extraordinary 50 years of service to the Kidney Foundation. Since 1973, he has been a true champion of hope and compassion, tirelessly working to support those affected by kidney disease. Greg founded the Sarnia-Lambton Chapter of the Foundation, served as Ontario Branch President for two terms, and has been a member of the National Board since 2015, including a term as President.
Greg’s journey with the Kidney Foundation is marked by an extraordinary act of love and generosity. In 2005, he donated one of his kidneys to his wife Susan, who had been on hemodialysis for 32 years. Over the decades, his efforts have helped improve the lives of many, offering comfort, education, and advocacy. His commitment has been instrumental in raising awareness, organizing countless events, and providing invaluable support to patients and their families. Greg has made a lasting impact through his selfless service, profound dedication, and remarkable contributions.
Janis Moore
Janis Moore’s remarkable 51-year career as the Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Sarnia saw her assist Mayors since 1973 including Mayor Andy Brandt, Mayor Marceil Saddy, Mayor Ron Gordon and for the past 36 years, Mayor Mike Bradley. Her unwavering commitment and exceptional service have left an enduring mark on the city and its administration.
Janis’s contributions extended beyond her position’s duties; she was a trusted advisor, a compassionate listener, and a pillar of stability which is how she earned the unofficial title of “Deputy Mayor.” Her deep understanding of the city’s needs and her proactive approach to problem-solving made her an invaluable asset to the mayor and to the community.
Following her retirement in 2024, Janis leaves behind a legacy of excellence, dedication, and service. Her grace, professionalism, kindness, integrity, humour, work ethic, and many other positive qualities were appreciated by all who had the pleasure of her company, including city staff, media, and the citizens of Sarnia.
Mairin Ring, Sarnia School of Irish Dance
Mairin Ring has been a cornerstone of the Sarnia School of Irish Dance since its formation in 1997 by a Sarnia Irish Canadian Women’s Group. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the school offers traditional Irish dance lessons to children and adults, focusing on non-competitive classes that emphasize the cultural and artistic aspects of Irish dance.
Mairin has volunteered countless hours running the school with the help of dedicated parents and others. Her efforts have ensured that the dancers, in hand-embroidered costumes, regularly perform at seniors’ residences, nursing homes, and community events, including Canada Day. Through her tireless work, Mairin has promoted Irish culture and instilled confidence in students of all ages, making a lasting impact on the Sarnia-Bluewater region.
Nico Williams
Nico Williams is a contemporary visual artist and member of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation (Anishinaabe). His multidisciplinary and collaborative practice focuses on peyote stitch beadwork and 3D digital methods. Williams holds a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Concordia University and is active within the urban Indigenous Montréal Arts community.
His work has been showcased internationally and across Canada, including exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the MacKenzie Art Gallery, and the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal. In 2021, he was awarded the prestigious Claudine and Stephen Bronfman Fellowship in Contemporary Art. His practice has been featured by National Geographic and CBC, and his works are part of prominent public collections such as the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and the Art Gallery of Ontario
Northern Highschool Football Team
The Northern Collegiate Institute & Vocational School (NCIVS) Vikings football team recently achieved an outstanding feat, by winning the OFSAA Independent Bowl Championship in Windsor. This remarkable victory marks several historic milestones for our community: the first OFSAA championship for NCIVS, the first win for a Sarnia team since St. Patrick’s High School’s Metro Bowl victory in 1993, and the first secondary public school win since the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) amalgamation. The NCIVS football team inspires youth to continue striving for excellence with dedication and sportsmanship. The team’s achievements are a testament to the hard work and commitment of the players, coaches, and support staff.
Pastor Timothy Gibb
Pastor Timothy Gibb of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Sarnia is a frequent speaker at camps and conferences. His missions work has taken him to over 20 nations, where he has led pastors’ conferences and healing crusades. Pastor Gibb has put forth outstanding and compassionate efforts in coordinating the arrival of Ukrainian refugees to Lambton County. Through his leadership, refugees are supported with comprehensive assistance to help them integrate into the community effectively. His approach includes arranging immediate relief and support, facilitating integration and education, and promoting community engagement and advocacy.
Pastor Gibb’s dedication and humanitarian spirit have provided much-needed refuge and support to those affected by crisis. His efforts help create a welcoming environment for refugees, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. This not only benefits the refugees themselves but also enriches the broader community.
Philip Lasek
Philip Lasek’s journey with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) Lambton Chapter is a testament to his volunteer spirit and commitment to excellence. As former President of the PEO Lambton Chapter, Phil has tirelessly supported initiatives such as Women in Engineering, the annual Bridge Breaking Challenge, and the Discovery Day at Lambton Mall. His leadership and passion have inspired many over the past 25 years of volunteering with the PEO. Even after retiring from Shell in March 2022, Phil continued to serve on the PEO, now as Vice-Chair, demonstrating his unwavering dedication and passion for the PEO.
Phil’s dedication to volunteering has helped strengthen the engineering community, his contributions are highly valued and have made a positive impact on both the profession and the public interest. Phil’s contributions extend beyond the PEO. For over 35 years, he has volunteered at Marcin Bowl and with the 5 Pin Youth Bowling program, only pausing due to the pandemic.
Sarnia-Lambton Rebound
For 40 years, Rebound has been a beacon of hope and support for the youth of the Sarnia-Lambton. Since its inception in 1984 this volunteer-driven, non-profit organization is dedicated to providing prevention and early-intervention social-skills programs that empower children, youth, and their families.
Over the years, Sarnia-Lambton Rebound has supported over 40,000 youth and families, offering a wide range of programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by young people. From after-school programs and mentorship opportunities to community events and specialized support services, Rebound Sarnia has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering resilience, confidence, and positive development in the youth it serves.
Sarnia-Lambton Rebound’s dedication to the community is evident in every project and initiative it undertakes. The organization’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of youth and its unwavering commitment to making a positive impact have made it an invaluable asset to Sarnia.
Sheila Donald
Sheila Donald has dedicated 35 years to volunteering in Sarnia, exemplifying the belief that volunteering benefits both the community and the individual. As president of the Golden K Kiwanis Club, she has held various leadership roles, including five terms as president and serving as Lt.-Governor. In addition, she fulfilled a 32-year career as a nurse. Sheila’s unwavering dedication to helping others is evident in both her professional and volunteer endeavors.
Sheila’s innovative spirit and problem-solving skills were key in developing a cost-effective program that allows Golden K members to volunteer for projects from their home computers. Recognizing the need for a more efficient way to manage volunteer activities, she leveraged her skills to create and provide education and training on a system that streamlined the process, making it easier for everyone to contribute to the community.
Susan Doughty
Susan Doughty is a longtime educator at Lambton College and a 2024 recipient of the YMCA Peace Medal. She inspires others through her brilliance, grace, and thoughtfulness. She embodies an inclusive nature, with a natural ability to make everyone feel valued, welcomed, empowered and appreciated. Susan has dedicated herself to fostering community connections and making significant impact by supporting international students, particularly women. After founding the International Women’s Club (IWC) at Lambton College she quickly transformed it into a well-structured organization with clear governance and values, emphasizing sustainability and structure. Her leadership provided IWC members with valuable skills and experiences that extended beyond the college. Susan went on to launch the Business Professionals Club and the Sustainability Club and she has been involved in initiatives designed to bridge cultural divides and empower communities through significant and impactful partnerships.
Sydney Vrokyk (Posthumously)
Sydney Vrokyk has been a source for inspiration and resilience in the Sarnia community. Her journey, marked by courage and determination, has inspired many. Despite her significant personal health battles, Sydney was deeply committed to giving back. She co-founded the “Snacks for Summer” program along with her sisters, Abby and Paige, providing essential support to those in need. Sydney also volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul and was an enthusiastic participant in the Special Olympics, excelling in basketball, bowling, and powerlifting.
Sydney’s passion for the arts was evident in her involvement with Stars of Tomorrow 21+, where she shone in singing and dancing, thriving on the energy of her performances. Her love for music brought joy to everyone around her.
Sydney’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and unwavering spirit. Her contributions to the community and her ability to inspire others will be remembered and cherished as her memory continues to inspire and uplift.
The Lambton Lions women’s basketball team
The Lambton College Lions women’s basketball team had an extraordinary 2023-2024 season, highlighted by winning their first-ever OCAA gold medal with a 78-56 victory over the Algonquin Wolves and securing a silver medal at the CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championships. Their historic national run included impressive wins and individual accolades, marking a season of remarkable achievements and firsts for the program. The team’s success was driven by strong performances from all players including Breanna Pretty, who was named the 2023-24 OCAA Female Athlete of the Year along with other honours.