As April brings the promise of spring, Schlegel Villages prepares to celebrate National Volunteer Week, April 19–25 as a time to recognize the people who help make Village Life so vibrant and connected.
Volunteers are part of the daily rhythm in our communities. They share coffee and conversation, accompany residents on walks, and bring music, creativity, and companionship into each neighbourhood. These moments – sometimes small, sometimes profound – reflect the social model of living at the heart of Schlegel Villages, where relationships are the foundation of everything we do.
During this special week, we also honour outstanding contributions through the Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award. Barb had a remarkable gift: she made everyone feel like the most important person in the room. Her genuine care for others continues to inspire a spirit of generosity and belonging across our Villages. This year, 18 volunteers are being recognized, each embodying that same compassion and commitment.
Among them are Ray and his Great Dane, Bentley, from The Village of Aspen Lake. Since 2022, the pair have dedicated more than 250 hours to visiting residents each week. Bentley’s calm, gentle presence brings comfort and joy, creating moments residents deeply look forward to. As one resident shared, “No one makes me happier.”
At Coleman Care Centre, Nestor’s contributions are felt throughout the Village. Volunteering twice-weekly with the Environmental Services team, he supports essential daily operations while uplifting those around him with his warm smile, high-fives, and genuine enthusiasm. His presence has made him a cherished part of the community.
At Maynard Nursing Home, Val Pereira continues a lifetime of caring by volunteering three days a week, assisting with morning mealtimes. Her quiet dedication and compassion make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents each day.
Each of these volunteers reflects the heart of Village Life – connection, kindness, and a willingness to give. To all our volunteers, thank you for helping create communities where everyone belongs.
Recipients of the Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award 2026
*Posted here as they are recognized at their Village.
Mary Millar - The Village of Wentworth Heights
Mary Millar is a dedicated and compassionate volunteer who never says no when asked to help. At Wentworth Heights, Mary volunteers regularly with a smile on her face and consistently goes above and beyond to support others. She helps with the general store, Resident Council, birthday cards for residents in Long-Term Care, calendar delivery, and so many of the everyday details that help the Village feel welcoming and cared for. She even helps clean up after programs without ever needing to be asked. Mary’s reliability, warmth, and willingness to help make her someone the community can always count on. We are proud to honour her as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient.
Joanne Donovan - The Village of Tansley Woods
Joanne Donovan and her dog Miracle bring so much joy to residents, families, and team members at The Village of Tansley Woods. Their weekly visits are filled with warmth, comfort, and connection, and they are always welcomed with smiles. Joanne’s caring and positive presence, along with the special companionship Miracle provides, creates meaningful moments that people genuinely look forward to. We are proud to celebrate Joanne as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient and thank both her and Miracle for the happiness they bring to Village Life.
Vilma D’Souza - The Village of Erin Meadows
Vilma D’Souza is an outstanding volunteer whose dedication is felt across many areas of The Village of Erin Meadows. Three times each week, Vilma gives her time generously. For two days, she provides administrative support and goes above and beyond with daily tasks, while also building meaningful relationships with residents who now consider her a friend. On Thursdays, she joins the Catholic Church to provide communion, offering spiritual comfort and support as well. Her caring nature and commitment have made a lasting impact on both residents and team members, and we are proud to recognize Vilma as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient.
Ray and Bentley - The Village of Aspen Lake
Since beginning their volunteer journey in 2022, Ray and his therapy dog Bentley have brought comfort, companionship, and joy to The Village of Aspen Lake. Together, they have contributed an incredible 251 hours of service and have become a cherished part of the community. Bentley’s calming presence and gentle spirit create moments of warmth and happiness for residents and team members alike, and their weekly Wednesday visits are something many look forward to. We are proud to recognize Ray and Bentley as Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipients and thank them for the comfort and connection they bring to Village Life.
Wafaa Ray - The Village at St. Clair
Since March 2023, Wafaa Ray has been a dedicated volunteer at The Village at St. Clair, supporting the crochet and horticulture clubs while also being a welcome presence in the Talbot neighbourhood. Through delicious recipes, thoughtful inclusion, and genuine friendship, Wafaa brings smiles to so many residents. Her quiet and confident leadership helps ensure people feel a sense of belonging, and her humble nature makes her a true source of light in the Village. We are proud to honour Wafaa as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient and celebrate the many ways she helps create community.
Julie Perera - The Village of Sandalwood Park
Julia Perera joined The Village of Sandalwood Park as a volunteer just one year ago, and in that short time she has built wonderful relationships with residents throughout the Village. Residents look forward to her weekly visits, and Julia also brings her energy, smile, and laughter to special events. Her commitment and dedication have made a meaningful impact, and her presence brings joy to both residents and team members alike. We are proud to celebrate Julia as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient and thank her for the warmth she brings to Village Life.
Peggy Fuller - The Village of Taunton Mills
Peggy Fuller exemplifies the mission and vision of Schlegel Villages through the compassionate and personalized support she offers to residents at Taunton Mills. By helping with daily needs, fostering meaningful relationships, and encouraging engagement, Peggy helps create a strong sense of home and belonging for those around her. Her positivity, dedication, and genuine care contribute to a vibrant and connected community where residents can experience comfort, companionship, and purpose. We are proud to honour Peggy as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient and thank her for the many ways she helps enrich Village Life.
Abigain Foo - Erin Mills Lodge
Abigail Foo has been a dedicated volunteer with Erin Mills Lodge for more than two years, and her caring presence has meant so much to the residents she visits each weekend. Residents look forward to seeing Abigail, and her consistent commitment has made her a valued part of Village Life. As she prepares for university and this next chapter ahead, we want to thank her for the time, compassion, and dedication she has shared so generously. We are proud to celebrate Abigail as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient and wish her all the best in all that comes next.
Arden McGarvey - The Village of Glendale Crossing
Arden McGarvey has shown a strong desire to help others since arriving at Glendale Crossing. Volunteering across both Retirement and Long-Term Care, Arden supports programs, outings, and weekly church services with compassion, humility, and genuine care. Always ready to listen and offer friendship, Arden is known for treating everyone with patience and respect. Their warmth creates a true sense of belonging and brings a smile to the faces of those around them. We are proud to honour Arden as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient and celebrate the kindness they bring to Village Life.
Val Pereira - Maynard Nursing Home
Val Pereira continues to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to caring for others. Though retired from health care, she now generously gives three days each week to support Maynard Nursing Home, helping with morning feeding and offering residents the benefit of her compassion, reliability, and quiet dedication. Her willingness to keep showing up and caring for others in such a meaningful way speaks volumes about the kind of person she is. Val embodies the spirit of the Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award through her kindness and unwavering support, and we are proud to recognize her during National Volunteer Week.
Joanne Quirion - The Village of Winston Park
Joanne Quirion is an essential part of the Winston Park community, known for her dedication, compassion, and willingness to help wherever needed. Dependable and proactive, Joanne often steps in before being asked. She supports both residents and team members with a calm and steady presence, creating meaningful connections while also helping behind the scenes to foster a welcoming environment. Her warmth, reliability, and care make a difference in both the big moments and the everyday ones. We are proud to celebrate Joanne as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient and thank her for all she brings to Village Life.
Betty Rowsell - The Village of Arbour Trails
For more than seven years, Betty Rowsell has been a steady and compassionate presence in Spiritual Care at Arbour Trails. Each Monday morning, she leads Catholic Communion and brings residents together in a meaningful way. She also offers one-on-one support, ensuring that residents are able to receive communion wherever they are in the Village. Betty is known for her calm and genuine nature, and for the remarkable consistency she brings to this important role. Her compassion and dedication have made a lasting impact on the community, and we are proud to recognize Betty as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient during National Volunteer Week.
Nestor - Coleman Care Centre
Nestor is a dedicated volunteer whose kindness and enthusiasm have become a bright part of life at Coleman Care Centre. As part of the volunteer team from Empower Simcoe, he generously gives his time twice each week to support the Environmental Services team with laundry. His reliability makes a meaningful difference in the day-to-day life of the Village, but it is his positive spirit that people remember just as much. With his contagious smile, high fives, and fist bumps, Nestor helps create moments of joy and connection wherever he goes. We are grateful for the energy, compassion, and encouragement he brings to the Coleman community, and we are proud to honour him as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient.
Judy Henry - The Village of Riverside Glen
Since joining Riverside Glen in 2024, Judy Henry has brought warmth, positivity, and dedication to both the Retirement and Long-Term Care communities. Her volunteer involvement includes leading BINGO, supporting gardening, helping with outings, and offering companionship through friendly visiting. Whether she is helping create joyful moments in a group setting or spending time one-on-one, Judy’s kindness and genuine care are always felt. Judy reflects the true spirit of volunteerism, and we are grateful for the difference she continues to make in Village Life. We are proud to recognize her as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient.
Graca Franco - Fairview Nursing Home
For seven years, Graca Franco has been a caring and dependable presence at Fairview Nursing Home. When the leader of a visiting group became ill and could no longer continue, Graca stepped forward to organize the ladies’ group and continue those important visits with residents. She also coordinates a biweekly prayer group, helping to create moments of comfort, faith, and connection within the home. When asked why she volunteers, Graca simply says she likes to help. That spirit shines through in all that she does, and we are proud to honour her as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient.
Mary Cseledes - The Village of Humber Heights
Mary’s volunteer journey is rooted in love, gratitude, and an unwavering sense of community. When her husband, Tibor Cseledes, moved into the home eight and a half years ago, Mary became a familiar and comforting presence—not only for him, but for those around him as well. She naturally extended her care to his tablemates, offering support during meals. After her husband’s passing three years ago, she made the heartfelt decision to continue volunteering as a way to give back and honor the care he received. Mary’s compassion and dedication continue to touch the lives of residents and team members, making her a truly valued member of the community.
Marguerite Munroe - The Village at University Gates
Marguerite Munroe brings energy, leadership, and connection to many parts of Village Life at University Gates. She supports book club, Residents’ Council, choir, the library in both Retirement and Long-Term Care, and even organizes euchre tournaments while teaching fellow residents how to play. Along with her many contributions, Marguerite is also a strong advocate for others and is always looking for ways to make the Village even better. Her willingness to lead, support, and uplift those around her makes a meaningful difference every day. We are proud to celebrate Marguerite as a Barb Schlegel Volunteer Award recipient.
