United Way of Peterborough & District today announced the 2018 recipient of the Scholfield Award of Community Distinction. The annual award was established to recognize an individual or organization for their outstanding contribution and ability to mobilize change within the community.
The 2018 recipient was long-time labour activist Marion Burton. There isn’t a day that goes by that Marion isn’t doing multiple tasks for her community, whether it is in her workplace as a member of OPSEU Local 345 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre; as the Councillor for the Otonabee Ward on Otonabee South Monaghan Township Council, or as the President of the Peterborough & District Labour Council, chair of the Peterborough Workers Action Centre and co-chair of the Occupational and Environmental Health Coalition. Marion is also past president, and still member of the Peterborough Legal Centre Board. Marion is also involved with the Keene United Church and the Keene Lions Club. An avid curler and member of the Stillbrook Riding Stables Precision Drill Team, Marion also manages to find time to walk with her husband Ken and their two dogs, Max and Brandy.
The late Margot Mashall, secretary of labour council stated, “Marion does much of her work collectively. She doesn’t see that this is her work and her work alone. She invites people to join with her to add their voice and skills to the cause.”
Karen Wilson, chair of United Way Peterborough & District Board, echoed, “Marion’s commitment to building community and giving voice to important local issues is an example of the values United Way wished to honour.”
Past award recipients have been Bill Strode, John Martyn, People First, Survivors Abreast, Marie Bongard, and Roy Brady, Stephen Kylie and most recently Faith Dickinson.
For more information contact:
Jim Russell CEO jrussell@uwpeterborough.ca, 705-742-8839
