2025 Ontario Senior Achievement Award Highlights Outstanding Service Across Ontario
TORONTO — Two Vaughan residents are among 18 exceptional seniors being recognized by the Ontario government with the 2025 Ontario Senior Achievement Award, honouring individuals whose leadership, volunteerism and community service have made a lasting difference across the province.
The awards were presented on June 22 at Queen’s Park by the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
The annual award recognizes Ontarians who, after the age of 65, have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteer work, public service, advocacy and humanitarian efforts.
“It is my great pleasure to recognize 18 remarkable Ontario seniors whose generosity, leadership, and commitment to service make a difference in communities across the province,” said Lieutenant Governor Dumont.
“Through their contributions, these individuals strengthen the bonds that unite us and help create a more vibrant, compassionate, and inclusive Ontario for all.”
Vaughan Seniors Recognized for Community Leadership
Among this year’s recipients are Maria-Eva Cristante and Anna Passarelli, both of Vaughan.
Cristante has spent more than two decades serving the community through her leadership of the Maple Pioneer Italian Seniors Association. As president since 2003, she has helped unite Italian seniors through programs focused on social connection, cultural pride and lifelong learning.
According to the province, her work has strengthened the mental, physical and social well-being of seniors throughout Vaughan.
Passarelli was recognized for her volunteer service at the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women in Vaughan, where she supports more than 400 seniors annually. For over a decade, she has led healthy cooking and baking classes, shared nutrition education and helped develop a seniors’ cookbook.
She also assists in planning and preparing monthly dinners that serve more than 100 seniors.
Congratulations to all 2026 Senior Achievement Award recipients!
I was glad to speak to these #seniors who are role models in our communities, and talk about the many ways our government is helping #seniors lead the way in inspiring others. #SeniorsMonth2026 pic.twitter.com/ERqPKYkKeJ
— Raymond Cho (@RaymondChoPC) June 23, 2026
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions
The Ontario Senior Achievement Award was established in 1986 and recognizes seniors who continue making meaningful contributions to society after the age of 65.
This year’s recipients were honoured for achievements spanning community leadership, charitable fundraising, cultural and educational advocacy, health-care initiatives and programs that support seniors’ well-being.
Minister Cho praised the recipients for their commitment to helping others.
“These 18 recipients represent the very best of Ontario. Through their leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to helping others, they have made a lasting impact in their communities and improved the lives of countless seniors across the province,” Cho said.
Celebrating Seniors Month
The awards are being presented as Ontario marks Seniors Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of older adults across the province.
Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor said the recipients exemplify the positive impact seniors continue to make throughout Ontario.
“The Ontario Senior Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose dedication to service has enriched communities across our province,” McGregor said.
For Vaughan residents, the recognition of Cristante and Passarelli highlights the important role local volunteers continue to play in building stronger, healthier and more connected communities for seniors.
Follow GTA Weekly for continuing coverage of community leadership, volunteerism, seniors’ issues and provincial affairs across Ontario. #GTAToday
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