Bruce is a humble, hard-working and caring leader in both his personal and professional life. He’s well-respected in the Belleville community for his regular involvement supporting the local church and hockey team. In his nomination his colleague says: “Bruce supports and cares for his staff in a way I have never seen before.”

“Moving here from Quebec and not knowing anyone, we’ve had to establish our roots,” said Bruce. “I’ve lost both my parents but have learned from their example and strive to continue their legacy. Each year I do a walk in my mom’s memory, raising funds for Christmas Sharing and Grace Inn Shelter. In 10 years, I’ve raised over $70,000. Our networking group holds a charity golf tournament raising funds for The Children’s Foundation in memory of my dad. My faith and my parents’ example have allowed me to give back—I want to be a light in our community, which I love.”

Gord believes the success of a broker depends on the health and well-being of the community. Realizing that local food banks were about to face increased demand in the wake of Covid-19, his team raised $30,000 to support food security across their local communities. Gord also led the Triple Zero Program (0% Rate Increase, 0% Inflationary Increase, 0% Premium Financing) for resort policies as their resort clients were experiencing massive revenue loss due to the impacts of the pandemic.

“I was honoured to receive recognition from the IBAO with this award for supporting our local community during the pandemic. Our team has a strong belief in assisting the communities we operate in and there’s nothing more important than food stability. The work we do in the community has always been an area of pride for me. I love seeing our people make a difference through the many worthwhile causes we support. We’re all doing our part to make the community a positive, prosperous and thriving place to work, live and play.”

Holly is someone who’s always willing to drop what she’s doing to help someone in need, whether that’s at the office or in the community. The Parkdale Baptist Church Youth Program is especially near to her heart. She supports the program by donating and volunteering. Giving back has always been very important to Holly—she loves making a difference any way she can.

““When I learned I received one of the 2020 Community Leader awards I was humbled and shocked. Just like the other recipients, we don’t do it for the pat on the back, we do it because it’s part of us. Being giving of time, money and self was always taught to me over the years. I was pleased to donate to the Parkdale Baptist Church Youth Program, an organization I’ve grown up with, participated in and now have the privilege of helping shape, encouraging future leaders. It’s a great way to keep myself young at the end of a workday by spending time with excited and energized kids.”

Supporting local has always been important to Jamie and Traci, but once the pandemic hit, many businesses in their community were struggling to make ends meet. They decided the Locally Owned and Awesome campaign was the perfect way to help businesses in need and get the community involved at the same time. Nominated by the public, a locally owned and operated business was chosen for a shout out of the day, to be shared on air across Corus Radio stations and their social media platforms. As the campaign was sponsored by Ontario West, it meant free advertising for those businesses at a time when so many were struggling to stay afloat.

“As a volunteer at a local meals program, I realized the enormous need of individuals and families experiencing financial hardship—especially this past year with Covid,” said Jamie. “It’s tragic to think people are choosing between feeding their families and paying their bills. It was such an honour to be recognized by IBAO for our community involvement and to be awarded a donation, which I chose to give to the London Food Bank. Giving back to the London area has always been a priority for us at Ontario West Insurance Brokers.”

“As part of my award, the IBAO donated $250 to a charity on my behalf. I chose Happy’s Place, a dog rescue for senior dogs that have been abandoned or neglected, because I love the work they do and wanted to support them,” said Traci. “Once a senior dog arrives in their care, they’re examined by a vet and any procedures they may need are taken care of. Volunteers foster the dogs until they’re adopted so they can live out their best life in a loving home throughout the whole process.”