Ottawa Mission chef to recieve commendation

_ (press release) _ Nineteen outstanding people who have had long-lasting impact in their communities will be honoured with Ontario’s Medal for Good Citizenship.

Recipients of this high honour will be recognized for their actions to better the lives of people in the province and beyond. This year’s recipients include:

 * 
Ric Watson of Ottawa, a chef at a homeless shelter who also feeds his clients' potential.
_
 **
  Ric Watson
 **
 of Ottawa is a chef who provides more than nutritious meals to those who depend on the Ottawa Mission Homeless Shelter. As founder of the Mission's Food Service Training Program, Ric has helped countless individuals receive practical training, find jobs and create a new future.
 **
 **
_
[caption id="attachment_57666" align="aligncenter" width="592"]
![ric-with-volunteers-842x1024-1](/legacy/05309.jpg)

Rick Watson, centre. (Photo via ottawamission.com)[/caption]

 * 
Mark Wafer of Collingwood, a disability advocate who has hired 130 people with disabilities over the past 20 years

 * 
Frances Deacon of Toronto, a dedicated Ontarian who has been volunteering for more than 80 years

 * 
James Houston of Sarnia, a community advocate who helped to expand health-care services in his community

 * 
Steven Sanderson of Kitchener, a public school employee who created a program to help children from low-income families enjoy Canada's national game.

The medals will be presented by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, at a ceremony at Queen’s Park on December 1st.

Quick Facts






  * 
 Created in 1973, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes people who have made exceptional long-term contributions to the quality of life in the province.

  * 
 It is the second-highest civilian award given by the province, next to the Order of Ontario.

  * 
 The deadline to nominate someone for the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship is July 17 of each year.

  * 
 Approximately 4.9 million people volunteer in communities across Ontario, leading and supporting more than 55,000 not-for-profit organizations.


Background Information






  * 
 [
  Ontario's Medal for Good Citizenship Recipients
 ](https://news.ontario.ca/mci/en/2016/11/ontarios-medal-for-good-citizenship-recipients.html)


Additional Resources






  * 
 [
  Nominate someone for an Ontario recognition program
 ](http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honoursandawards.shtml)


Quotes









 “It is a distinct pleasure to honour this year’s recipients of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. Through their inspired and long-term contributions, and without any expectation of recognition, these exceptional Ontarians have positively transformed the lives of countless people in communities in all parts of our province. I thank them for their exemplary service, which enriches us and brings us all together.”
 


  The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell
 


 


  **
   Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
  **
 














 “Our medal recipients are role models for all of us. All of them live their lives in service to others and strive to make a difference in their communities. People in Ontario are inspired by their achievements and grateful for their contributions.”
 


  [
   Laura Albanese
  ](https://news.ontario.ca/profiles/en/laura-albanese)
 


 


  **
   Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
  **