Gonsalves honoured with Aurora’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award

Aurora is lucky to have volunteers who have given tirelessly over several years and in many different areas – volunteers like Rosalyn Gonsalves who was honoured Monday night with the Town's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award, part of the Town's Community Recognition Awards program, is a new addition set to be presented once per Council term with the recipient selected by the Office of the Mayor in consultation “with a small group of dedicated volunteers.”

It is intended to recognize residents who have demonstrated “exceptional service and passion for the community” through a lifetime of giving, rather than a single contribution or contributions in a single year.

“Rosalyn Gonsalves has been an integral part of the volunteer movement in Aurora,” said Mayor Tom Mrakas, who presented the award in Council Chambers. “Not only has Rosalyn given her time, but she has been instrumental in guiding so many volunteers in our community.

“Rosalyn has been a resident of Aurora for over 35 years and has always been an active volunteer in our community, whether it be on parent councils, with the Aurora Optimist Club, the Rotary Club of Aurora, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Cancer Society and many others. She has sat on and contributed to many of the Town's advisory panels throughout the years, sharing her wealth of knowledge regarding the businesses in Aurora.”

Ms. Gonsalves was saluted as a “driving force” behind support for Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, as an active member of both the Aurora Rotary and Optimist Clubs, as social director of the PROBUS Club of Aurora, and much more.

“You'll regularly see her volunteering with the Rotary Club at events such as Aurora's Ribfest or working on the food wagon with the Optimist Club. She is the social director of the Probus club of Aurora and has supported much-needed events and items of interest to keep members engaged.

“She is authentic, enthusiastic and a caring person who gives her all to everything she does. She's an influencer amongst her peers and a supporter of many activities in our community. Her honest and trustworthy advice is well-known around the Town. Rosalyn, congratulations on winning the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.”

“Rosalyn, we are honoured to have you as a resident of Aurora,” Mayor Mrakas continued. “Your passion, dedication and commitment to making Aurora a wonderful place to live is admirable. You have given so much of your time and energy to our community and I would like to sincerely thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for Aurora.”

Ms. Gonsalves, who received the award with her family in attendance, said she was “humbled and honoured” by the accolade.

“I never expected that kind of recognition,” she said. “I have lived in Aurora for 42 years and I certainly enjoy my time here. Of course, very close to my heart is the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, which I was there for 21 years.

“Volunteering has always been a part of my life, from the time I was a child, and it will continue – I'm not done. You have to do something when you retire. Putting up your feet is not my bag. Not at all. You have to find something to occupy your time. I don't want to be busy 24/7, but busy enough and I would like it to continue like that.”

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter