Dave Glass named Meaford Citizen of the Year

Long-time community volunteer Dave Glass was named Rotary Citizen of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce Awards dinner on Saturday, March 30.

Rotarian Carol Norton presented the 32nd Rotary Citizen of the Year Award at a special ceremony held at the awards dinner.

"This year's recipient is an inspiration to everyone," Norton said during the presentation. "Each year presents the committee with a very difficult decision due to the quality of the nominees and this year was no different," she said.

Glass is/has:

* On the Board of Directors for Community Living,

* Involved in both the annual Harbour Run and Meaford Ringette Association,

* A member of the board of the Meaford BIA,

* Been a host parent for Rotary Exchange students,

* A member of the Board of Directors of the Meaford Hospital Foundation Board and Chair of the Meaford Hospital Foundation Campaign

"In the fall of 2013 he was instrumental in bringing Astronaut Chris Hadfield to OSCVI raising significant funds for our local hospitals," Norton said.

Glass was given a long-standing ovation by the large crowd at the Chamber Awards dinner and said he is truly grateful to receive such an honour.

"This is truly humbling," said Glass. "Volunteering can be frustrating and it can be exhilarating. It's a very unique thing to do," said Glass.

During his acceptance speech Glass immediately mentioned the upcoming Meaford Hospital Foundation campaign to raise funds to keep equipment at Meaford Hospital up-to-date with the latest medical technology.

Glass asked the audience to imagine what Meaford would be like without its local hospital and said the best way to prevent that scenario from ever happening is to donate to the Foundation, which in turn uses the money to make sure equipment needs at the hospital are met.

"The campaign will go public soon. It's essential to keep our hospital up-to-date," said Glass.