Three Former OTF Board Members Receive
Top Ontario Honours

February 16, 2006 - Three former Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Board members were honoured with the prestigious Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. During a ceremony at Queen's Park on February 7, the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, recognized Linda Cupido and Bob Sampson for their tremendous contributions to Ontario communities. Recipient Margaret Munnoch, who was unable to attend the ceremony, will receive her medal at a later date.

The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes people who have made outstanding public contributions through exceptional long-term efforts. The award reflects their acts of selflessness, generosity and kindness and exceptional contributions to community life.

“I congratulate these three champions of community work for garnering this very important distinction,” said Helen Burstyn, Chair of OTF Board. “I thank them for their past contributions to our Foundation and applaud their continued involvement in making a difference in their communities.”

Linda J. Cupido, of Burlington, is a passionate advocate of community and voluntary service. Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Trillium Foundation from 1998 to 2003, Linda continues to serve the community on a number of boards.  Her strong belief in inclusiveness and accessibility continues to drive her many outstanding contributions to the people of Ontario.  These volunteer activities include reaching out to seniors, people with disabilities and people with social, linguistic and geographic barriers.

Robert L. Sampson, of North Bay, served as OTF Chair of the Human Resources Committee from 1998 to 2003, and Vice-Chair of the Board from 2003 to 2004. He has been a force in the field of secondary education and health care in Northern Ontario for almost 40 years. He has served on numerous committees, including the Cochrane South Youth Services, the Children's Mental Health Centre and St. Joseph's Hospital.  In each of these endeavours, Bob has made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of his community through his exceptional long-term efforts.

Margaret A. Munnoch, of Woodstock, chaired OTF Board’s Program and Policy Committee from 1998 to 2004. She has made an outstanding contribution to her community for the last 35 years. She has assumed a number of leadership roles including chairing the City’s Police Services Board and the County’s Board of Health.  She successfully led the fundraising initiative for the City’s new community complex, which brings together education, social services, the arts and sports in one facility.  Her dedication, initiative and wealth of knowledge have brought much-needed economic and social benefits and employment opportunities to her community.

The contributions made by these three deserving volunteers exemplify excellence and achievement of the highest order. The Ontario Trillium Foundation and Ontario's communities have benefited from their commitment and service.

Since 1973, when the first Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship was held, 368 people have received the award.