A "true testament" to generosity and community spirit, Linda Pearce has been named Orillia’s 2024 Citizen of the Year for her commitment to supporting local women and children in need.
Mayor Don McIsaac announced the honour during Monday’s council meeting, commending Pearce’s dedication to helping vulnerable community members.
“On behalf of Orillia city council and the Citizen of the Year selection panel, I’d like to congratulate Linda Pearce on being named the 2024 Citizen of the Year,” said McIsaac in a news release.
“Linda’s giving spirit and efforts in supporting the community have made a positive impact for many families and residents in Orillia. Her compassion and continuous dedication to supporting those in need highlighted her contributions in 2024.”
Pearce, described by many as selfless, caring, and an "incredible role model," has spent decades helping women and children through her initiative, Linda’s Gifting Project. Her motto, “Cheering up children and women in need,” encapsulates her mission to provide gift packages on special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day.
According to the information package provided to this year's judges, Pearce's impact in 2024 was particularly significant, as she distributed over 1,700 gifts through various local organizations, including Green Haven Shelter for Women, Orillia Salvation Army, The Sharing Place Food Bank, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Beyond these organizations, Pearce has personally supported dozens of children from single-parent and low-income families who would otherwise go without holiday gifts.
For over 20 years, Pearce has worked tirelessly on her gifting project, though her work was largely behind the scenes until the COVID-19 pandemic. When women’s shelters were unable to accept donations due to health restrictions, she turned to social media to connect directly with those in need. The response was overwhelming and her project gained widespread recognition, leading to an influx of volunteers and donations.
After receiving the award Monday, Pearce said she supports people in need and local charitable organizations because "it's really important."
"There are children who just started crying when they got the gifts, because they don't have things," she said. "I'm told that the children are just so overwhelmed."
Despite chronic health issues, Pearce, 72, remains "steadfast" in her commitment to helping others. She thanked those who have volunteered to help her over the years and the businesses who have donated.
"I can't do a lot of things," she said. "I have wonderful helpers who come and so many people who donate. I have a huge group of people who knit for me and another group who sews. I really appreciate the donations."
While community support has grown, she continues to fund 90 per cent of the project herself.
“Linda works year-round, nearly every single day on her passion,” said nominator and husband Rick Pearce in the information package. “Literally hundreds of women and children each year in Orillia receive these diligently prepared gift bags, Christmas stockings, and Easter goody bags.”
While Pearce says she didn't need to be recognized, she hopes her story will inspire others to give back to the community.
"There are great needs around the community," she said.
The Citizen of the Year selection panel included past winners Derick Lehmann, Cam Davidson, Marci Csumrik, and Fred Larsen, as well as local media representatives Dave Dawson (OrilliaMatters), Carey Moran (Pure Country 106), and Orillia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Allan Lafontaine.