IPA Canada Region 2

Life Long Volunteerism Recognised

Colin Wackett, Life Member of IPA Region 2, IPA Canada National Vice President 1962 and National President 1963 - 1966 has a long history of volunteerism. The following article and picture is reproduced from the Orillia Packet and Times, December 31, 2016 issue.

A love for the community, a tireless ability to give time and effort without expecting anything in return, and an aggressive streak for getting things done for a good cause – common qualities of previous Orillia citizens of the year and ones that are personified by this year’s winner.

Colin Wackett is the Packet & Times’ 2016 Citizen of the Year.

Wackett has nearly 50 years of community service under his belt from being involved in various campaigns in cities where he’s lived.

Before moving to Orillia, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) benefited from 25 years of his dedication with the Ontario and Canadian gymnastics federations, for which he served as president and vice-president, respectively. For seven years, Wackett was on the committee of the Ukrainian Festival in Barrie, serving as chair for three of those years.

He has also volunteered as president of the Orillia Channel Cats swim club and, as part of the local perch festival, he has helped with the OPP Kids’ Day, an event he still participates in.

“He has even done it with me after I retired in 2012, so we are both still active in this event, having again participated this past spring,” Frank Kreisz wrote in his nomination letter.

With extensive volunteer hours put in at the Orillia branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, as president and, later, media officer, Wackett has been involved in many of the events organized by the legion, including the updating of the monument at Veterans’ Memorial Park to include the names of local Second World War vets to go along with those of local residents who served in the First World War.

He has represented the legion at the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce for four years, and he has made sure all participants of the Santa Claus parade are fed.

A military veteran, Wackett has also marched in Remembrance Day parades as part of the legion’s colour party numerous times.

He also formed a local prostate cancer awareness group. He battled the disease years ago, an experience that drives his passion for the cause – he heads up the Huronia Motorcycle Ride for Dad, which has raised more than $1 million for prostate cancer research.

“He has been at the forefront of this for a long time,” wrote Kreisz. “He had his prostate removed a long time ago, so he has lived it and immersed himself into this totally and unequivocally.”

Wackett organizes guest speakers for the awareness group and the ride, bringing in doctors and researchers to speak about progress made in the fight against prostate cancer.

More than 600 people took part in the 2016 Huronia Motorcycle Ride for Dad, raising more than $100,000.

He also chaired a legion committee that took part in talks with the city regarding the downtown waterfront revitalization plan.

For all of his community service, Wackett was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013.

“Colin is a decent fellow,” wrote Kreisz. “His heart is in the right place, and he has done way, way more than most do in the field of helping others and supporting.

(Article and photograph courtesy of the Orillia Packet and Times)