May brought more industry recognition and standout achievements for our Village this month!
From winning awards to handing them out, to achieving milestone results in community-driven initiatives, this month’s highlights are a testament to the creativity, dedication and momentum driving Village forward.
We welcomed three new team members to our Village in May:
- The Trillium reporter Tina Yazdani
- MiltonToday and HaltonHillsToday community partner specialist Johan Gil
- InnisfilToday reporter Rick Vanderlinde
And a big congratulations to Mike Purvis on his recent promotion to Village Media Executive Editor 👏
Village takes first place at Digital Innovation Awards 🏆
The Local Media Association recently announced its winners for this year's Digital Innovation Awards and Village Media received first place for the Community Engagement Award (250,001 or more monthly unique visitors) for our Random Acts of Kindness program.
The award judges had this to say:
"Village Media earned first place for its Random Acts of Kindness program, an initiative that deepens community bonds by surprising deserving individuals, families and organizations with meaningful gifts and experiences based on reader nominations. Started as a local newsroom project, the program has scaled into a network-wide effort across 24 communities, powered by a collaborative partnership model between editorial teams, local sponsors and the public."
A heartfelt congratulations to the local Community Partner Specialists, Cares team members Elise Nelson, Zaafina Naqvi and Samantha Stevenson and Zack Trunzo on video in Sault Ste. Marie for this impressive recognition. This heartwarming and impactful program wouldn't be possible without your ongoing dedication.
Introducing our inaugural Community Partner Specialist Awards winners 🌟
We kicked off a new initiative this year with the launch of our internal Community Partner Specialist Awards!
The awards recognize the incredible impact our CPS team members make both inside and outside of sales. As we all know, these roles go far beyond selling and this group continues to raise the bar in communities across our network.
First, congratulations to Mac Sinclair and Rob Speers, recipients of the Community Catalyst Award. This award recognizes the CPS who has built the strongest local business network while actively creating opportunities for others.
Also being celebrated for their exceptional community work are Stephanie Foulkes and Ted Lindsay, recipients of the Civic Leadership Award. This honour recognizes the CPS who makes the most visible and meaningful contribution to community life beyond their sales role.
Congratulations to all four recipients for the leadership, connection and community impact you bring to Village Media every day. 🎊
We celebrated 21 community leaders in May 🏆
Our recognition of changemakers in our communities continued this month with Community Builders Awards being presented in three communities, including North Bay, Bradford and Guelph.
The live event celebrating the winners continues to grow, with our largest turnout to-date in both North Bay and Guelph!
Village raises over $40,000 for local shelters 🫶
Teams across our Village came together to raise a record amount of donations through our GoodWorks Spring Match Initiative!
Across 13 markets, an incredible $40,588 was raised, along with 195 gift cards and care packages donated to support local shelters in our communities.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for helping make this campaign such a meaningful success. Your efforts continue to create real impact in the communities we serve.
Seventeen communities, one winner: Guelph earns $5,000 for local animals in need
Our second SPACES community challenge is in the books and it was a nail-biter! Our latest challenge saw 17 communities rallying to vote for their local animal shelter or rescue to receive a $5,000 donation.
After a close competition, with votes coming in until the very last minute, Guelph came out on top with the most votes, securing an impactful donation for the Guelph Humane Society.
Congratulations to Guelph and a big thank you to all of the communities that showed their Hearts for Paws.
✨ Spotlight on sponsorships ✨
Village sponsored 28 initiatives across our communities in May 🫶
- AuroraToday: IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
- BarrieToday: Gilda's House Barrie
- BayToday: Walk for Alzheimer’s, Ecology Centre Fundraiser, Thunder Valley Semi Racing BlackFly Edition
- CambridgeToday: Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington
- CollingwoodToday: Sound Investment Community Choir, Magic of Children in the Arts
- ElliotLakeToday: IG Wealth Mangement Walk for Alzheimer's
- EloraFergusToday: Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington
- GuelphToday: Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington, Light the Way 5K, YMCA Three Rivers Women of Distinction
- NewmarketToday: NWMRKT Proud
- NOTL: Niagara Children's Centre Help Kids Shine, Carousel Players
- Oakville News: Bronte BIA
- OrilliaMatters: Charlee's Run OSMH
- PelhamToday: Carousel Players
- SooToday: Harvest Bowl, Steps for Life, Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Awards, Flora's Walk SSM, Victim Services SSM- National Victims and Survivors Week
- Sudbury.com: Babies Bellies and Beyond, Walk for Alzheimer's, Flora's Walk, Woof Fest
- TorontoToday: Canadian Courage Project, The Toronto Tattoo Festival, Kid2Kid Marketplace
Meet Puddy (aka Mr. Kitty) 😻
This nine-year-old Maine Coon has no top teeth and a crippling tuna addiction. He is also a polydactyl - his front paws have 7 toes each!
Proud pet parent: Kellen Evoy
See you next month!
