CFSSC would like to congratulate board member Steve McDonald on his special achievement of receiving the John Graves Simcoe Medal of Excellence.

MP Alex Nuttall will be presenting Steve with the John Graves Simcoe Medal of Excellence on Wednesday June 21st. The medal commemorates the 150th anniversary of Canada and honours John Graves Simcoe, a British army general and the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada from 1791 until 1796. He was instrumental in introducing institutions such as courts of law, trial by jury, English common law, and the eventual abolition of slavery. His legacy also includes the naming of Lake Simcoe and Simcoe County.

Steve has been a board member at Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County since 2011 and was nominated by the agency’s Executive Director, Michelle Bergin. “Steve supported the organization through some challenging transitions. His dedication to the field of mental health has shone through his work both as a volunteer board member and as a Social Work Professor for Georgian College. Steve believes that everyone should have access to quality mental health services when they need it.” When asked about his experience at CFSSC Steve said, “I have enjoyed being a board member at Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County for past two terms. It has taught me a great deal. I find it personally and professionally enriching. I liked the solidarity and collegiality among board members. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly at all times, even when we were dealing with something difficult. We always found time to celebrate as well as to do business.”

Singing is one of Steve’s passions. Being a singer, he uses every opportunity to sing to raise funds for the community: e.g. at the annual Georgian College benefit concert which raises money for students in financial need. Steve is an active member of his church, St. Mary’s in Barrie, and volunteers to teach marriage preparation courses there and to read from the pulpit.
Steve will be honoured along with other individuals in Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte who have gone above and beyond to serve our community and country.

Congratulations Steve! All of us at Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County are proud of your accomplishments and happy that you are being recognized. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to CFSSC and admire the impact you make in our community.