Introducing the York Chamber’s New Seasonal Volunteer Award Program

Help us celebrate the volunteers who quietly
keep York Region moving forward — one season at a time.

Communities do not run on autopilot. They run on early mornings, late nights, donated hours, handmade signs, fundraising calls, volunteer shifts, and people who continue showing up simply because they care.

Beginning in 2026, the York Region Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch a new way to recognize those efforts through our Seasonal Volunteer Awards — a quarterly community recognition initiative designed to spotlight the individuals and volunteer organizations making a meaningful impact across York Region all year long.

    For years, volunteer recognition often happened once annually. But the truth is simple: there are too many deserving people doing too much good work to celebrate only once.

The Chamber will begin accepting monthly nominations for volunteers and volunteer organizations whose contributions strengthen our communities, support local initiatives, and help move the region forward.

Selected recipient will receive a special in-person recognition visit from Chamber staff during the first week of each new quarter. With that visit comes a Volunteer Recognition Certificate and a sweet treat!

Because celebrations should feel personal, local, and a little sweet, each recognition visit will include a treat generously provided by Beach Pea Baking Co.

Since opening its doors in 2002, the Kittery bakery and café has built a reputation across the Seacoast for handcrafted breads, pastries, cakes, and café offerings emphasizing high-quality, all-natural ingredients. They have spent more than two decades serving the community in a warm, welcoming environment. Community involvement is also central to Beach Pea’s mission. In addition to supporting local charity events throughout the region, the bakery donates leftover bread daily to local organizations to help minimize waste and support neighbors in need.

HOW THE VOLUNTEER AWARD WORKS

Monthly Nominations - Nominate individuals or organizations making a meaningful impact in York Region. To help us recognize as many deserving volunteers as possible, all eligible nominations received each quarter will be entered into a random drawing. Nominations may be resubmitted each quarter.

To qualify, nominees must actively volunteer their time in support of a nonprofit organization or community-focused initiative within the York Region.

Recipients will receive - A special in-person recognition visit from Chamber staff, a Recognition Certificate for their service, and a sweet treat provided by Beach Pea Baking Co.

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS
2026 Seasonal Volunteer Awards

Please fill out the nomination form below, and if you have questions email info@yorkme.org.