Muskoka Victim Services receives award of distinction from Province

This week, the Ontario government announced the recipients of the 2020-21 Victim Services Awards of Distinction.

Among the organizations recognized is Muskoka Victim Services.

“In the face of unprecedented challenges, these dedicated professionals, generous volunteers and outstanding organizations have demonstrated an irrepressible drive to raise awareness of victims’ issues, increase access to crisis intervention services and provide compassionate support in times of need,” said Attorney General Doug Downey in a media release.

Since it launched in 1999, Muskoka Victim Services has seen a 200 per cent increase in crisis calls and number of clients. Its 47 volunteers provide round-the-clock emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime or tragic circumstances.

The Attorney General’s Victim Services Awards of Distinction recognize “the dedication and creativity of professionals and volunteers who serve victims, and the courageous efforts of individuals who have been personally impacted by crime and are now working to raise the profile of victims’ issues in Ontario, including in Indigenous, northern, and rural communities.”

The other recipients of the 2020-21 award are:

Individual Recipients
Salem Berhane – Windsor
Cynthia Bland – Ottawa
Alice Czitrom and Pixie – Peterborough
Ian Kelly – Toronto
Erin Lee – Carleton Place
Patti Lessard – Mattawa
Georgette Parsons – Sarnia
Shauna Pitawanakwat – Sioux Lookout
Shalini Konanur – Toronto

Groups and Organizations
EveryMind Child Witness Program – Mississauga
Luke’s Place Support and Resource Centre for Women and Children – Oshawa
Rainy River District Victim Services – Fort Frances
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region – Kitchener
Sonhatisi:wa – Ohsweken

“Recipients of the Victim Services Awards of Distinction have made a lasting impact that leaves a growing legacy in service to victims of crime across Ontario,” said Downey. “I offer my sincere congratulations to each recipient, as well as the teams, networks of support and the communities they represent.”

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