If you’re a resident of Huntsville, chances are you’ve had an encounter with Rex Malloy.
The octagenarian has befriended many and his volunteerism has become a vital part of many community organizations. He was recognized for all of his hard work when he was recently presented with the Jason Rae Community Living Leadership Award, which also came with a cheque for $1,000.
“Nothing ever stopped Rex or stood in his way. If he wants to do something he figures out a way to do it,” said Diane Lupton of Community Living Huntsville. “He is friends with everyone! As staff, if we’re looking for him we cannot find him easily because someone has picked him up to bring him to their family dinner. He integrates so well into the community and everyone has embraced and accepted him.”
Malloy wasn’t able to attend the annual Community Living Ontario Conference in Thunder Bay last month, so he received the award at the Community Living Huntsville AGM on Tuesday, October 15.
The Jason Rae Leadership Award was created in 2018 in memory of Rae who was a very involved member of Community Living in Campbellford for many years.
The recipient of the provincial award must be someone who is actively involved in education for inclusion, has strong integrity, gives back to their community, is willing to speak up for those who don’t have a voice, demonstrates leadership skills, and believes in celebrating other peoples’ different abilities.
“This award is heavily discussed by our board and voted on. We’re super excited that Rex received it this year. He is very funny, has a positive outgoing personality and exemplifies all of the criteria,” said Marcy Galipeau, Director of Communications and Marketing for Community Living Ontario.
“Community Living is very proud of Rex and his dedication to inclusion,” she added. “He has such a willingness to advocate for what we stand by which is ultimately authentic inclusion. He is a true champion of the Community Living Movement and is amazing at raising awareness about inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.”
Malloy volunteers for a long list of organizations and causes in the Huntsville community, including The Table soup kitchen, the Algonquin Theatre, the Huntsville Otters, Community Living events, selling poppies for the Huntsville Legion, collecting donations for the Salvation Army and breast cancer walks, helping with local Special Olympics bowling, and the self-advocacy group People First Huntsville. He has also served on the board of directors for Community Living Huntsville.
“He’s a real cheerleader for Huntsville, his community and Community Living,” said Camille Barr of Community Living Huntsville. “He is incredibly humbled and honoured by this award.”
Malloy told Community Living staff that it “made me feel good to get the award” for “what I did for Huntsville.”
At a Huntsville Otters game over the weekend, Malloy told Huntsville Doppler how much he likes volunteering for the team and said he has been doing it for a long time. He proudly pointed to the game-day program, where on the volunteers page it says “Rex Malloy—Game Day Support”.
When asked what he planned to do with the cheque he received, he said he put it in the bank and that’s where it will stay.
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Well done Rex!! Your positive attitude and cheerful outlook are an inspiration to everyone who spends time with you. Too bad we can’t bottle your enthusiasm and send it across Canada. We need more people like you.
Thank You for all you do.
Sincerely,
Gary Donald