From left to right, Jamie Litt, Mark McKendry (Michelle McKendry's brother), Bill Rohmer (son of Jack Rohmer), and Ralph Gillespie (brother of Doug Gillespie), were all smiles holding the awards presented at the Orangeville Sports Hall of Fame, second annual induction ceremony. The inductees are honoured for their accomplishments in sport. Photo/Wes Keller One of the organizers of the Orangeville Accessibility Committee (OAC) has been named Legionnaire of the Year for the Royal Canadian Legion's 42-branch District E.

Peter Roy was largely instrumental in forming the OAC after he underwent a leg amputation in the 1990's. Alton Branch 449, where he is an 18year voting member and avid dart player, nominated Mr. Roy for the signal honour. The branch organized the presentation for the weekly dart night so his playing partners would be present to take part.

As well, the timing of the event provided an optimal opportunity to let the membership know what valuable contributions Mr. Roy has made both to the Legion and to the community, branch secretary Shirley Hergert said.

Legion service to veterans, to the community and to youth is possible only because of the voluntary efforts of the membership. Mr. Roy's award is based on his own unflinching personal efforts - "his compassion and commitment for his Legion and fellow man" - as well as his ability to get others to volunteer.

At the Legion, Mr. Roy has served on the executive as Poppy chairman for the past seven years, and has encouraged other members to get involved while he, himself, spends on average six hours a day throughout the campaign either offering Poppies or assisting other crew members.

Ms. Hergert said Mr. Roy was able to increase contributions in the last campaign to $6,000, from $4,000 the previous fall. "This is a magnificent

accomplishment considering our branch placement in close proximity to two larger branches and in a very small community."

The "small community" of Alton appears to have responded well to Mr. Roy's efforts to obtain donations for various fundraising events. "He is very persuasive and diligent in receiving some remarkable donations," said Ms. Hergert. Beyond donations, Mr. Roy and his wife Hilda have set good examples by providing all the food for the two-day annual baseball tournament.

Orangeville has also responded well to Mr. Roy and to the accessibility committee he co-founded. Because of "his positive attitude and outlook, many businesses and the whole town have made great strides in accommodating these once-forgotten [handicapped] citizens.

"Malls and stores installed electric doors. Curbs were reconstructed, and streetlights with beepers were put in place."

Ms. Hergert also noted that Mr. Roy is a member of Orangeville Transportation, where he

assists "with arrangements for the handicapped to ride on the wheelchair transit bus."

Mr. Roy was left virtually speechless by the surprise presentation. He had little more to say than his thanks to the members for supporting him.